Certified Recovery Specialist

Certified Recovery Specialist (CRS)

Action Wellness started as ActionAIDS in 1986 when a group of dedicated volunteers came together to support their community at the beginning of the HIV epidemic. Today, staff provide a range of trauma-informed services to help persons with HIV and individuals with substance use disorders at risk of acquiring HIV achieve physical, emotional and economic well-being.

The Certified Recovery Specialist (CRS) provides non-clinical support to individuals working toward long-term recovery from substance use disorders (SUDs). Drawing on their own lived experience, the CRS serves as a role model and mentor, helping clients build practical coping skills, strengthen motivation, and stay accountable to their recovery goals. Through ongoing encouragement and guidance, the CRS promotes increased engagement, stability, and satisfaction throughout the recovery process. In addition, CRS staff will accompany clients to medical, and other essential appointments to ensure continuity of care and reduce barriers to access. Note: this position is for Certified Recovery Specialist (CRS), not Certified Peer Specialist (CPS).

Essential Functions

• Provide encouragement and practical guidance by drawing on personal recovery experience. Serve as a positive role model and offer peer-based support to individuals at all stages of recovery.
• Support clients in following through with scheduled intakes, treatment appointments, and other recovery-related commitments, helping reduce barriers to engagement.
• Work collaboratively with the case manager to help clients progress toward the goals outlined in their service care plan. Demonstrate and reinforce effective coping strategies, problem-solving approaches, and self-care practices.
• Maintain accurate, timely documentation of client interactions, progress, and services provided. Communicate and coordinate with multidisciplinary treatment teams and external agencies to ensure continuity and quality of care.
• Conduct proactive outreach to reconnect individuals who have disengaged from case management services, supporting their return to consistent participation in agency programs.
• Uphold all state and federal confidentiality regulations and adhere to established professional ethical standards in every aspect of service delivery.

Knowledge and Skills

• Understanding of substance use disorders, recovery-oriented systems of care, harm-reduction principles, and the role of peer support within behavioral health services.
• Ability to draw appropriately from personal recovery experience to support, motivate, and empower others while maintaining healthy boundaries.
• Awareness of HIPAA regulations and confidentiality standards.
• Commitment to ethical standards, including maintaining appropriate boundaries and adhering to all state and federal regulations governing peer support services.
• Strong active listening, empathy, and relationship-building abilities, with the capacity to engage individuals from diverse backgrounds in a supportive, nonjudgmental manner.
• Ability to manage multiple responsibilities, maintain accurate documentation, and follow through with appointments, outreach efforts, and service coordination.
• Capacity to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team, communicate clearly with colleagues, and coordinate care across internal and external providers.
• Ability to model and teach coping strategies, self-advocacy, and practical problem-solving techniques that support clients' recovery goals.
• Ability to remain flexible, calm, and solution-focused in dynamic or challenging situations while maintaining personal wellness and boundaries.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks efficiently, timely and meet deadlines.
• Familiarity with CaseWorthy or similar client management databases (e.g., CareWare, eClinicalWorks, Epic).

Education and Experience

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Certification: Must possess and maintain an active Certified Recovery Specialist (CRS) certification issued by the Pennsylvania Certification Board (PCB). For highly qualified candidates, Action Wellness will provide support in obtaining CRS certification after hire. Continued employment is contingent upon achieving CRS certification through the PCB within the first six months of employment.
• Minimum of one (1) year of lived experience in personal recovery from a substance use disorder with a minimum period of sustained recovery as defined by certifying bodies or agency policy.
• Prior experience providing peer support, mentoring, or working within behavioral health, recovery, or human services settings is preferred.
• Experience working with diverse populations and an understanding of the challenges faced by individuals navigating treatment and recovery services.

EEO and ADA Statement

Action Wellness is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employee(s) with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.

Work Location and Salary Information

Based out of our Kensington office

Pay range: $43,000-45,000

No phone calls please.