Recovery/Peer Support Specialist (Phoenix)

DESCRIPTION: The Recovery Support Specialist (RSS) provides direct care, supervision, and support to clients in Detox, Residential, and Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) settings. The RSS promotes recovery through compassionate engagement, observation, and assistance with daily living tasks while ensuring a safe, structured, and therapeutic environment. The position involves close collaboration with nursing and clinical teams to monitor and report changes in client conditions, support treatment goals, and maintain compliance with facility and regulatory standards.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
 

• Client Supervision & Safety:
  • Provide consistent supervision of assigned clients to maintain safety and therapeutic order.
  • Recognize and respond appropriately to behavioral changes, including signs of relapse risk, suicidal ideation, or self-harm risks.
  • Utilize Handle with Care techniques and de-escalation strategies when needed.
• Observation & Documentation:
  • Accurately document daily observations, client participation and progress toward treatment plan goals.
  • Report relevant findings, complaints, or incidents promptly to RSS Supervisor.
  • Complete accurate and timely documentation of client behaviors, progress, and incidents in accordance with program policies and regulatory standards.
  • Utilize standardized formats such as DAP notes and progress notes to reflect individual client participation, clinical observations, and treatment response.
  • Record and communicate all interventions used during group or individual interactions, including de-escalation strategies, coping skill coaching, psychoeducation, and therapeutic engagement.
  • Maintain clear, concise, and legible records in the electronic health record (EHR) ensuring documentation supports continuity of care.
  • Report critical incidents, behavioral changes, or safety concerns to the appropriate clinical supervisor or treatment team immediately.
  • Uphold client confidentiality and HIPAA standards in all documentation practices.
• Client Care & Support:
  • Support clients in developing and practicing daily living skills that promote independence and long-term recovery (e.g., time management, communication, hygiene, transportation planning).
  • Provide structure and consistency to reinforce healthy routines and adherence to the treatment schedule.
  • Assist clients with goal setting, accountability, and tracking progress toward treatment objectives.
  • Offer reminders and encouragement to attend scheduled groups, therapy sessions, and medical appointments.
  • Model and encourage the use of positive coping strategies, self-soothing techniques, and recovery tools learned in group therapy.
  • Maintain a calm, respectful, and professional demeanor, serving as a recovery role model for clients.
  • Therapeutic Engagement:
    • Participate in and facilitate therapeutic and recreational groups or activities.
    • Provide peer support and 1:1 interaction to encourage positive coping and recovery behavior.
    • Help orient new clients
  • Communication & Team Collaboration:
    • Collaborate with the interdisciplinary team to ensure continuity of care and safety.
    • Communicate clearly, professionally, and respectfully with clients, clinical staff, and administrative personnel to support coordinated care.
    • Use Microsoft Teams for real-time messaging, updates, and coordination with interdisciplinary team members.
    • Monitor and respond to Outlook email communications in a timely and appropriate manner, maintaining a courteous and professional tone.
    • Utilize phone systems appropriately, including the use of codes, and ensure accurate and immediate communication with relevant staff.
    • Maintain professionalism and empathy in all forms of communication; written, verbal, and electronic, with both clients and coworkers.
    • Participate in team meetings to ensure collaborative care planning and consistency across services.
    • Uphold a client-centered approach in all interactions, using language that is supportive, empathetic, compassionate, inclusive, and recovery-focused.
    • Maintain confidentiality and ethical standards in accordance with HIPAA and organizational policies.

QUALIFICATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS, AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:

• Recovery Support Specialist (RSS) certification required
• High School Diploma or Equivalent required
• Minimum two (2) years of experience in related field preferred
• CPR/FA Certification – to be obtained within first 90 days
• Fingerprint Clearance Card – to be obtained within first 90 days
• Handle with Care – to be obtained within first 90 days
• Successful clearance of annual MVR required if applicable
• Successful clearance of pre-employment criminal/county/state background check
• Successful clearance of pre-employment drug and alcohol testing
• Successful clearance of TB PPD testing upon hire and annual screening of TB symptoms
• Attending clinical oversight with BHP once every 2 weeks worked for a minimum of 2 sessions per month.