Recovery Support Specialist- SAFE Family Recovery

Recovery Support Specialist – SAFE Family Recovery

Join to apply for the Recovery Support Specialist – SAFE Family Recovery role at Wheeler Health
. Wheeler’s vision is that all people will have the opportunity to grow, change and live healthier, productive lives. Our mission is to provide equitable access to innovative care that improves health, recovery and growth at all stages of life.

The Recovery Support Specialist (RSS) is an individual who either is in direct sustained recovery or has been directly impacted by addiction. Using a motivational approach, the RSS will assist clients with linking to the appropriate recovery service based on identified need. In addition, the RSS will use an evidence‑based model to provide ongoing support to clients who’ve received recovery services.

Services may be delivered in community, office settings, and regional DCF offices. Receive training and extensive supervision.

Rate: $21 per hour.

Sign‑on Bonus: $4,000 (half upon start and half after a year in the position).

Cost of Living Stipend: $4,160.

Bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, or a related human services field preferred. Experience working in the substance use recovery field and/or lived recovery experience is required. Must be able to work a flexible schedule to accommodate individual parent/caregiver needs and to respond to crisis situations. Valid driver’s license required; safely operate a vehicle in the community as needed.

Location: Norwalk, CT.

Schedule: Full time.

Health and Wellness

• Comprehensive medical and prescription insurance through Centivo
• Comprehensive dental and vision insurance through Cigna
• Access to wellness programs to support your physical and mental health

Security

• Company‑paid life and AD&D insurance
• 403(b) Plan, with company contributions

Career Growth

• Education Reimbursement Program
• Training and development opportunities, including supervision toward licensure
• Eligibility for the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) loan repayment programs
• Productivity incentive to recognize your hard work and dedication
• Reimbursement for licensure/certification expenses

Work‑Life Harmony

• Paid time off: 15 vacation days, 8 sick days, 2 personal days, 2 floating holidays, 9 paid company holidays
• Free and confidential counseling through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• Provide education on addiction recovery and facilitate linkages to services.
• Provide toxicology screens and SBIRT immediately upon referral during agreed hours at each DCF Area Office. Utilize quick‑read cups or a breathalyzer; conduct hair sample screens as requested.
• Use the GAIN Short Screener (GAIN‑SS) to screen for mental health, substance use disorder, and crime/violence.
• Provide RMC for clients for up to six months post‑discharge, including frequent check‑ins in person, by phone, and by text. Initially contact clients weekly, reducing frequency as recovery capital strengthens.
• Offer mentoring and serve as a role model, providing hope that recovery is possible.
• Connect clients to local recovery resources, identify early signs of relapse, and re‑engage clients in treatment as needed.
• Assist clients in following their child safety plans.
• Deliver recovery education at all recovery phases.
• Assist in professional training, outreach, and public education services; represent the agency at community forums or inter‑organizational committees.
• Document clinical activities in client records as required by Wheeler Clinic.
• Identify and support linkages to community resources (communities of recovery, educational, vocational, social, cultural, spiritual resources, mutual self‑help groups, professional services, etc.).
• Help clients identify personal interests, goals, strengths, and recovery weaknesses.
• Coordinate services provided by other community professionals.
• Refer to licensed substance use provider based on screening results and parent/caregiver agreement.
• Provide SBIRT findings reports to parent/caregiver and DCF.
• Refer parents/caregivers who test positive and contest results to a licensed substance use provider for full evaluation.
• Develop knowledge of cultural values, family systems, and artistic expressions of served groups, using appropriate methodologies.

Wheeler Clinic is an equal‑opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.