Recovery Support Specialist - Harm Reduction Outreach

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Rushford Center, one of Connecticut's leading providers of addiction and mental health services, is nationally recognized for delivering outstanding prevention, treatment and recovery programs. We offer a wide range of programs including Acute Care and Evaluation, Residential Addiction Treatment, Individual, Group & Family Therapy, Intensive Outpatient programs and Community Support Programs. Through the passion of our specialists, we continue to treat every patient with care, compassion and respect, while providing affordable and accessible services.
In order to provide support to patients based on personal experience, a Recovery Support Specialist performs many different tasks. The Recovery Support Specialist first and foremost uses their personal experiences in recovery to develop meaningful and trusting relationships with patients, acting as a mentor. As someone who successfully managed their own recovery, the Recovery Support Specialist provides patients an example of what they can strive for in their recovery.
Job Summary
Candidate will be developing and operating our new community Harm Reduction van. Candidates with prior Harm Reduction experience and community outreach experience are preferred. This position includes engaging with individuals in the Meriden community through the operation of the Harm Reduction vehicle including engagement, outreach, Harm Reduction services, connection to treatment, naloxone distribution, and distribution of other Harm Reduction supplies. Candidate would also be responsible for development, creation, and management (tracking/stocking) of the van with supplies. Ideal candidate will be comfortable working in the community with complex individuals with substance use and/or mental health conditions and providing these engagement services year round. There are evening and weekend expectations for this position both for outreach work as well as participating in community events such as tabling at events, presentations, community events, etc.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Through collaboration with the client and other service providers, assesses needs and develops an Individualized Recovery Plan (IRP).
2. Utilizing recovery oriented interventions/services ensures effective progress toward the IRP Goals.
3. Provides education and consultation to the Clinical Support Team with respect to client centered approaches.
4. Provides instruction and skills training in illness and recovery management to clients and their families.
5. Provides engagement in natural support networks and activities relating to community integration.
6. Works with Housing Supports Program to assists clients with finding, obtaining, and retaining safe, affordable and decent housing.
7. Assists clients in arranging transportation (to clinical, medical and any other appointments deemed necessary.
8. Performs all required duties regarding the maintenance of all program-related and administrative data/reports, statistical records and other data collection activities as specified by Rushford
9. Prepares appropriate documentation to meet DMHAS PR program and other funding requirements. Maintains all client records including progress notes, service plans and releases.
10. Works under the general supervision of a licensed behavioral health professional.
11. Performs other duties as may be required.

Recovery Support Specialists work within the communities of the clients they serve and have assigned territories among Rushford locations. RSS split their time between on-site treatment location(s) and within the community, assisting clients in developing their sober network and resources within the community.
Qualifications:
Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent with significant experience that relates to the population served.
• Requires current, valid Connecticut driver's license. Must qualify for Public Service License.
• Demonstrating peer support or mental health experience
• Having personal experience relevant to services provided (recovery)
• Being able to obtain Peer Support Specialist certification (preferably already certified as recovery coach or Recovery Support Specialist
• Being able to travel, sometimes daily, among various Rushford sites; be prepared and willing to transport clients as appropriate.

As a Hartford HealthCare entity, Rushford provides eligible employees with an extensive benefits package consisting of:

• Medical and dental benefits
• 401(k) plan with employer match
• Generous paid time off with accrual starting on the date of hire, including six paid holidays
• Additional voluntary benefits as well as employee discount programs

With locations around the state, Hartford HealthCare offers exciting opportunities for career development and growth. Here, you are part of an organization on the cutting edge - helping to bring new technologies, breakthrough treatments and community education to countless men, women and children. We know that a thriving organization starts with thriving employees- we provide a competitive benefits program designed to ensure work/life balance. Every moment matters. And this is your moment.