Certified Recovery Specialist (CRS)

Job Description

Job Description

Job Summary:

CRS are recovering individuals in the community who work with drug and alcohol clients on a peer-to-peer basis. The primary function of the CRS is to help individuals gain access to needed resources in the community by assisting them in overcoming barriers and helping them bridge gaps between their needs and available resources. Types of services offered would include mentoring and connecting with the AA/NA community, securing a sponsor, etc. This community-based process will help drug and alcohol clients in accessing long-term, non-systems resources and facilitated sustainable recovery. This service is expected to reduce relapse for the drug and alcohol client and result in less use of Medicaid-funded services. While this is not a licensed service, the minimum experience for CRS includes a high school diploma or equivalence certification for the PA Certification Board.

Job Duties/Responsibilities:

• Complete strengths-based consumer assessments.
• Assist consumer in the establishment of his/her personal recovery goals.
• Assist consumer in developing objectives to reach his/her recovery goals.
• Complete timely and accurate documentation to include but not limited to: Capitol Needs Assessments, goal planning, intervention development, progress notes, contact logs, and encounter forms.
• Teach and model the value of unique recovery experiences for consumers.
• Provide peer support interventions within area of expertise and seek supervision and training consistently for professional growth.
• Work collaboratively with other CRS staff through attendance at Peer Support Program Meetings held weekly.
• Attend weekly supervision with the Peer Support Supervisor.
• Promote self-advocacy within consumers.
• Provide recovery education to consumers, family members, and professional staff.
• Act as a community liaison to develop relationships with service agencies and other organizations.
• Provide outreach and engagement between consumers and support organizations.
• Assist consumers in recovery-based goal development and planning.
• Facilitate community integration & consistent use of natural resources.
• Facilitate skill building activities.
• Facilitate linkage to treatment services.
• Provide engagement, support, and encouragement to consumers, family, and staff.
• Perform other job duties as required.

Job Requirements:

• Be a self-identified person in recovery, as well as current or previous utilization of mental health related services.
• Possess a High School Diploma or GED
• Possess at least (18) months of sustained personal lived recovery.
• Be willing to complete and pass the mandatory 54 credit CRS training program and pass PA Cert Board CRS exam, which includes oral and written examinations, or already possess CRS certification that is current and up to date.
• Be willing to complete (18) hours of approved continuing education training per year (w/12 hours specifically focused on peer support and/or recovery practices).
• Possess effective written/verbal communication, boundary setting, and computer skills.

Required Licenses and Clearances:

• Act 33/34 and FBI clearances.
• ACT 31 certificate

Physical Requirement:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Some travel required.