Addiction Recovery Assistant- (English/Spanish Required)

Job Description

Job Description

Addiction Recovery Assistant (ARA) | Bilingual English/Spanish | Addiction Recovery

Location: Philadelphia, PA
Department: Behavioral Health
Job Type: Part Time or Per Diem (Flex)
Part-Time Schedule: 16 Hours Per Week | Monday and Wednesday Rotation | Every Other Weekend Required
Per Diem (Flex) Schedule: As Needed Based on Departmental Staffing Needs
Additional Hours: May Be Available Based on Departmental Needs
Work Setting: Fully Onsite
Starting Pay: $19.60 per hour
Language Requirement: Fluent in English and Spanish Required

Overview

The Behavioral Wellness Center at Girard is seeking dependable, compassionate, and motivated Bilingual Addiction Recovery Assistants (ARA) to join our Behavioral Health team in Philadelphia.

The Addiction Recovery Assistant provides direct care, supervision, and recovery support to individuals receiving treatment for substance use disorders, addiction, and co-occurring mental health conditions within a structured residential recovery environment.

Fluency in both English and Spanish is required for this position. Candidates must be able to communicate effectively with clients and staff in both languages to support treatment participation, daily communication, and a safe, culturally responsive recovery environment.

This position plays an important role in maintaining a safe, supportive, and therapeutic environment while assisting clients with daily activities, recovery programming, behavioral support, and overall treatment engagement.

This position offers an excellent opportunity for current college students, recent graduates, and individuals interested in establishing or advancing a career in behavioral health, addiction treatment, mental health, and human services.

Candidates pursuing or holding degrees in Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, Nursing, Behavioral Health, Addiction Studies, Human Services, or related fields are encouraged to apply. The role provides valuable hands-on experience working directly with clients while collaborating with counselors, nurses, recovery specialists, and other behavioral health professionals.

We also strongly encourage individuals holding an active Certified Recovery Specialist (CRS) or Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) certification to apply. This position provides an opportunity to apply recovery-focused knowledge and peer support experience within a structured addiction treatment environment.

Previous professional experience in behavioral health or addiction treatment is preferred but not required. We recognize that valuable knowledge of addiction and recovery can be developed through education, professional experience, personal lived experience, or supporting individuals affected by substance use disorders.

Part-Time and Per Diem (Flex) opportunities are available. Part-time positions follow a 16-hour-per-week schedule with a Monday and Wednesday rotation and every other weekend required. Per Diem (Flex) employees provide coverage based on departmental staffing needs.

Additional shifts and hours may be available depending on operational requirements.

Important Note: Mandatory Orientation

All new hires must complete a mandatory 5-day orientation, Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM , before beginning their regular work schedule.

Attendance for all five days is required.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide direct care, daily engagement, and recovery support to clients receiving residential addiction treatment services

• Communicate effectively with English-speaking and Spanish-speaking clients to support daily activities, recovery engagement, and treatment participation

• Maintain a safe, structured, supportive, and recovery-oriented therapeutic environment

• Observe, document, and report client behaviors, activities, and changes in condition using paper and electronic documentation systems

• Complete vital signs, blood glucose monitoring (Accu-Cheks), and other assigned clinical support tasks within the scope of the position

• Conduct admission searches, room checks, and personal belongings inventories in accordance with facility procedures

• Monitor urine specimen collections and inspect packages and personal items brought onto the unit

• Participate in and assist with recovery groups, structured activities, and community engagement programming

• Support clients in maintaining daily routines, treatment participation, and recovery-focused behaviors

• Escort clients to medical, legal, recreational, and other approved appointments

• Assist with meal service and maintaining appropriate unit structure and order

• Provide accurate shift reports and maintain required communication logs

• Utilize appropriate redirection, verbal de-escalation, and crisis prevention techniques when assisting clients

• Work collaboratively with nursing staff, counselors, recovery specialists, and other behavioral health professionals

• Maintain cleanliness, safety, and organization throughout the residential treatment environment

• Follow facility policies regarding confidentiality, infection control, client safety, and professional boundaries

• Attend required departmental meetings, training sessions, and other assigned activities

• Perform additional duties as assigned

QualificationsEducation & Experience

• High School Diploma or GED required

• Fluency in both English and Spanish required

• Must be able to communicate effectively with clients and staff in both English and Spanish

• Current college students and recent graduates are encouraged to apply

• College coursework or a degree in Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, Nursing, Behavioral Health, Addiction Studies, Human Services, or a related field preferred

• Twelve college credits in Behavioral Health, Human Services, or a related field preferred

• Previous professional experience in addiction treatment, substance use recovery, behavioral health, mental health, residential treatment, peer support, or human services preferred but not required

• Knowledge or understanding of addiction and recovery gained through education, professional experience, personal lived experience, or supporting individuals affected by substance use disorders is valued

• Active Certified Recovery Specialist (CRS) or Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) certification strongly encouraged but not required

• Working knowledge of 12-Step Recovery Programs preferred

• Experience obtaining vital signs or providing direct client care is a plus

• First Aid and CPR certification required within 30 days of hire

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally in both English and Spanish

• Understanding of or willingness to learn about substance use disorders, addiction recovery, and recovery-oriented support services

• Ability to establish professional, supportive relationships with individuals receiving addiction treatment

• Strong interpersonal, communication, and observation skills

• Ability to maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality

• Ability to recognize and report changes in client behavior, mood, or condition

• Ability to work effectively with individuals experiencing substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions

• Familiarity with or willingness to learn 12-Step Recovery Programs, peer support principles, and relapse prevention concepts

• Ability to provide appropriate redirection and utilize de-escalation techniques

• Strong documentation, organization, and time management skills

• Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary behavioral health treatment team

• Ability to remain calm, professional, and responsive during challenging situations

• Commitment to maintaining a safe, respectful, and recovery-focused environment

Work Environment

This is a fully onsite position within a residential behavioral health and addiction recovery treatment setting.

Addiction Recovery Assistants work directly with individuals receiving treatment for substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions. The position requires frequent standing, walking, bending, lifting, and direct client interaction.

Employees may encounter individuals experiencing agitation, emotional distress, or behavioral challenges and must be able to respond appropriately while maintaining a safe therapeutic environment.

The position also requires regular communication with English-speaking and Spanish-speaking clients and staff.

Outdoor escorts and occasional travel may be required. Knowledge of infection control, workplace safety, and de-escalation practices is important.

Pre-Employment and Workplace Policy

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of all pre-employment requirements, including a physical examination, background check, verification of employment, and drug screening. The Behavioral Wellness Center at Girard is a Drug Free Workplace, and all employees are expected to comply with workplace policies and standards of conduct.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Behavioral Wellness Center at Girard is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE M F D V). We are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply.