Recovery Support Specialist (35 Hour) Office/On-site #260701-5729HN-001

Introduction Do you have lived experience in recovery and a passion for supporting others on their path to wellness? Join our team and use your unique perspective to make a meaningful difference - apply today! The Position The State of Connecticut, Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) is seeking a committed Recovery Support Specialist. You will use shared life experience, recovery-oriented tools, and person-centered practices to engage, motivate, and mentor adults as they work toward their personal recovery goals. Highlights FACILITY: River Valley Services (RVS) LOCATION: 351 Silver Street, Middletown DEPARTMENT: River Valley Services Community Support Program UNIT: Team A

POSITION NUMBER: 00110882

SCHEDULE: 35 hours per week, Monday through Friday, 1st shift from 8:30AM to 4:00PM. What We Can Offer You Visit our State Employee Benefits Overview page! Professional growth and development opportunities A healthy work/life balance to all employees The Role The Recovery Support Specialist plays a vital role in meeting the staffing requirements of the DMHAS fidelity model by providing person-centered recovery support to individuals living independently in the community. Using personal lived experience and recovery principles, the successful candidate will build meaningful relationships, promote hope and self-determination, support community integration, encourage socialization and engagement, and connect individuals with resources that strengthen their recovery journey. We are looking for a compassionate, motivated professional who is passionate about helping others, values teamwork, communicates effectively, and is committed to making a positive impact in the lives of the people we serve. About Us DMHAS is the state agency responsible for providing a comprehensive system of behavioral health services for adults experiencing mental health and substance use conditions across Connecticut. River Valley Services (RVS), a community mental health center serving Middlesex County and the towns of Lyme and Old Lyme, is operated by DMHAS. RVS’s goal is to provide the highest quality crisis intervention, case management, and residential and clinical services to adult citizens, 18 years of age and older, who suffer from serious mental disorders and who lack the financial means to secure such services in the private sector. Please Note A comprehensive medical examination, including a drug screening, will be required of all applicants upon a conditional offer of employment. All state employees must adhere to Connecticut's Policy for a Drug Free Workplace. Examples of Duties Guides clients through the process of defining personal goals for their recovery plan using existing evidence-based workbooks or person-centered planning tools. Supports and guides clients in following tasks outlined in their recovery plan (i.e., pursuing goals related to employment, education, community involvement and the use of natural supports). Guides clients in identifying and exercising their rights. Participates in rehabilitative and recovery-oriented interventions to meet client needs and goals. Provides information and support to clients and encourages their development of community networks and activities relating to community integration. Provides instruction and skill training in recovery management to clients and families. Acts as a peer health navigator to engage clients who have, or are at risk for, co-morbid medical conditions in wellness activities. Supports clients to secure information about resources relevant to their wellness. Supports clients in obtaining services that meet their recovery needs. Supports clients in dealing with internal and external stress. Attends medical/clinical appointments with clients in a peer capacity. Accompanies clients as peers on volunteer opportunities and activities. Organizes and conducts workshops on topics related to recovery and wellness including New Employee Orientation at the local level. Observes and reports clients’ behavior. Prepares and submits incident or other related forms. Updates clients’ notes in the medical record as required. Enters computerized data as required. May coach adaptive client behaviors through verbal communication. May provide outreach and transportation. Performs related duties as required. Knowledge, Skill, and Ability Knowledge of: community support systems and resources; person-centered planning, Wellness Recovery Action Planning and other recovery management techniques; the principles and procedures of psychiatric rehabilitation; Considerable: interpersonal skills; oral and written communication skills; Ability to: observe and redirect client behavior; utilize computer software. Minimum Qualifications - General Experience Six (6) months of experience working in the mental health and/or substance use recovery field. Minimum Qualifications - Substitutions Allowed Six (6) months of experience as a Recovery Support Specialist Trainee may be substituted for the General Experience. Preferred Qualifications Experience/understanding of recovery principles. Experience working in a community setting. Experience with engaging/connecting with adults with complex behavioral health and/or substance use disorders. Experience with recovery resources. Special Requirements Incumbents in this class must possess and retain a recovery support certification. Incumbents must adhere to the DMHAS Peer Support Ethical Guidelines. Incumbents in this class may be required to be bilingual or fluent in American Sign Language. Incumbents in this class may be required to travel. Incumbents in this class may be required to possess and maintain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator's license. Equal Opportunity The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities. Acknowledgement As defined by Sec. 5-196 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a job class is a position or group of positions that share general characteristics and are categorized under a single title for administrative purposes. As such, a job class is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task and/or responsibility. #J-18808-Ljbffr State of Connecticut