Recovery Specialist

Job Title:

Recovery Specialist – Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH)

The Recovery Specialist provides voluntary, recovery-oriented support services to residents living in Permanent Supportive Housing. This role focuses on leading group-based programming addressing substance use, recovery, and general mental health, while supporting housing stability through engagement, education, and connection to services. Services are delivered using a Housing First, trauma-informed, and harm-reduction approach that respects resident choice, autonomy, and dignity.

Participation in services is voluntary and not a condition of tenancy.

• Plan, facilitate, and lead voluntary group sessions for PSH residents focused on:
• Substance use and addiction education
• Recovery support and relapse prevention
• Mental health topics such as coping skills, emotional regulation, stress management, and wellness
• Design groups that are low-barrier, inclusive, culturally responsive, and accessible to residents with diverse needs
• Adapt group content based on resident interests, engagement levels, and readiness for change
• Encourage participation while respecting resident choice and self-determination
• Track attendance and engagement for reporting and program evaluation purposes

• Plan, facilitate, or coordinate voluntary enrichment activities that support recovery, mental wellness, and community connection, including but not limited to:
• Art classes and creative expression activities
• Aesthetic and mindfulness-based activities (e.g., journaling, music, movement, relaxation practices)
• Cooking classes and food-related wellness activities
• Social outings and community-based activities that promote connection and healthy recreation
• Collaborate with partner organizations, volunteers, instructors, and community resources to deliver engaging, low-barrier programming
• Ensure activities are trauma-informed, inclusive, and accessible to residents with varying abilities and interests
• Encourage participation while honoring resident choice and autonomy; participation is voluntary and not a condition of housing
• Use activities as engagement tools to build trust, strengthen relationships, and support recovery and housing stability

• Provide recovery-focused support using harm reduction, motivational interviewing, and strengths-based practices
• Build trusting relationships that promote stability, wellness, and sustained housing
• Support residents in identifying personal recovery and wellness goals
• Model healthy coping skills and recovery behaviors
• Offer informal support and encouragement outside of group settings when appropriate
• Work closely with case management, clinical providers, and partner agencies (e.g., behavioral health, healthcare, recovery services)
• Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings and care coordination
• Assist with referrals to voluntary behavioral health, substance use treatment, and community-based services

• Maintain accurate and timely documentation
• Protect resident confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA and agency policies
• Contribute to program evaluation, outcome tracking, and continuous quality improvement

• Experience working with individuals experiencing substance use disorders and/or mental health challenges
• Understanding of recovery-oriented care, harm reduction, and trauma-informed practices
• Strong group facilitation and interpersonal skills
• Ability to engage residents with varying levels of motivation and readiness
• Commitment to Housing First and resident-centered service delivery

• Certification as a Peer Recovery Support Specialist, Recovery Coach, or similar credential
• Lived experience with recovery (preferred, not required)
• Experience working in HUD-funded Permanent Supportive Housing or similar programs

• Respect for resident choice and autonomy
• Nonjudgmental, culturally responsive approach
• Strong facilitation and engagement skills
• Professional boundaries and ethical practice
• Flexibility, creativity, and collaboration

• Schedule:
  
  varies 11am to 8pm and some weekends
• Compensation: $60,000
• Benefits: $300 per month health care reimbursement