Certified Peer Recovery Specialist

Certified Recovery Specialist

National research has associated peer recovery support services with reductions in the recurrence of substance use, improved treatment engagement and retention, higher individual satisfaction, and reductions in emergency service utilization and hospitalizations. Peer support encompasses a range of activities and interactions between people who share similar experiences of being diagnosed with substance use and/or mental health disorders. Peer recovery support offers a level of acceptance, understanding, and validation not found in many other professional relationships.

A Certified Recovery Specialist (CRS) is a trained professional who uses their own lived experience of recovery from substance use and/or mental health challenges to support others on their recovery journey.

CRSs focus on recovery support, not clinical treatment. Their role is built on connection, hope, and practical guidance rather than diagnosis or therapy.

A CRS supports individuals by:

• Providing recovery support based on shared lived experience
• Building trusting, non-judgmental relationships
• Helping people identify recovery goals and personal strengths
• Supporting navigation of systems (treatment, housing, benefits, employment, courts, etc.)
• Encouraging self-advocacy and empowerment
• Promoting long-term recovery, wellness, and stability
• Modeling recovery-oriented behaviors and healthy coping strategies
• Offering support during transitions, such as reentry, discharge, or relapse prevention

The Certified Recovery Specialist will work within the Montgomery County Supervision Services to engage individuals under supervision with Pretrial Services, Adult Probation and Parole, and/or Treatment Courts who may benefit from recovery support services.

Essential duties and responsibilities include the following:

• Provide peer-based recovery support, coaching and encouragement to individuals contemplating or actively seeking help with substance use and mental health recovery.
• Provide recovery education to service individuals at every phase of the recovery journey: pre-recovery engagement, recovery initiation, recovery stabilization, and sustained recovery maintenance.
• Provide supporting linkages to community recovery resources (communities of recovery, educational, vocational, social, cultural, resources, mutual self-help groups, professional services, etc.)
• Identify and intervene in emergency or crisis situations; facilitate access and connection to appropriate resources
• Partner with individuals to aid in their reintegration into a prosocial life in the community.
• Assist in the development and enhancement of an individual's comprehensive individualized recovery plan, recognizing many pathways to recovery, and helping individuals develop self-advocacy skills. The goal should be to transition from professionally assisted recovery initiation to personally directed, community supported recovery maintenance.
• Maintain cultural competency and provide trauma-informed care.
• Uphold confidentiality regarding information received during the facilitation of recovery support services – maintain current understanding of federal, state and local confidentiality rules and regulations, Pennsylvania Certification Board requirements, and maintain signed release of information forms.
• Maintain project logs, reports and accurate records in appropriate files and database(s), adhering to program standards.
• Collaborate with agencies and institutions to provide effective recovery support services to identified individuals.
• Build and maintain a rapport with a variety of programs which provide services (i.e.: Office of Mental Health, Office of Drug and Alcohol Services, Montgomery County Recovery Community Center, Montgomery County Correctional Facility, Justice Related Services, The Department of Veteran Affairs, Dept. of Welfare, etc.) as well as drug and alcohol and mental health facilities.
• Participate as a member of a multidisciplinary team and attend treatment team meetings on an as needed basis.
• Educate referral sources, criminal justice agencies and the community on the recovery support programs and functions.
• Interact through written and verbal correspondence with the Judiciary and other stakeholders.
• Complete forty (40) hours of required annual professional development in accordance with state standards and Pennsylvania Certification Board requirements, including maintaining active Certified Recovery Specialist (CRS) certification.
• Undergo and maintain successful: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Criminal History Clearance, PA Child Abuse History Clearance, and MCCF clearances when applicable.
• Complete training and maintain compliance with Mandated Reporting Regulations through PA Child Protective Services Law.
• Maintain personal wellness and self-care activities in order to provide meaningful recovery support to individuals.
• Perform other duties, tasks and special projects as required.

Qualification requirements include:

• Certified as Recovery Specialist through the Pennsylvania Certification Board
• Undergo thorough pre-employment background investigation including satisfactory physical examination and drug screen
• Demonstrated sustained recovery history, with three years preferred.
• Prior work experience as a Certified Recovery Specialist (CRS), with one year of experience preferred.
• Possess a valid driver's license
• Knowledge of department policy and procedures
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Organizational skills
• Knowledge of mental health issues and treatment strategies
• Knowledge of treatment programs and government agencies
• Knowledge of the criminal justice system

Physical demands include:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit; and talk and hear. The employee is occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands or arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision and depth perception.