What are the responsibilities and job description for the Recovery Support Team Lead position at Ascension Recovery Services?
Recovery Support Team Lead
Pawnee Behavioral Health – Pawnee, Oklahoma
Full-Time
Join a team that’s changing lives.
Pawnee Behavioral Health, in partnership with Ascension Recovery Services, provides integrated, trauma-informed treatment for individuals experiencing substance use and mental health challenges. We are seeking a Recovery Support Team Lead who brings structure, accountability, and compassion to the residential setting.
General Description
The Recovery Support Team Lead provides direct client care while ensuring that shift operations run smoothly. This role assigns workflow, monitors program expectations, assists with incident response, and serves as the first point of support for Recovery Support Specialists. The Team Lead also supports onboarding, training, and reinforcement of trauma-informed care, boundaries, safety, and cultural respect.
This position acts as a bridge between frontline staff and supervisors to maintain a therapeutic, recovery-focused environment.
Shift Expectations
The Recovery Support Team Lead will primarily work:
- 2nd Shift (2:00 PM – 10:00 PM)
- Every Other Weekend Required
Occasional split shifts may be scheduled to support training, shift transitions, or operational needs. Flexibility is important to ensure consistent leadership presence across the program.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
- Lead shift huddles, assign duties, and ensure consistent staffing coverage.
- Coordinate daily schedules, transportation, client appointments, and transitions.
- Train and onboard new staff in routines, expectations, documentation, and engagement strategies.
- Model and coach trauma-informed care, professional boundaries, and de-escalation skills.
- Serve as the first responder for incidents and assist with documentation and reporting.
- Monitor adherence to schedules, routines, and program expectations.
- Support AMA prevention efforts to promote engagement and retention.
- Provide Certified Medication Aide (CMA) support if credentialed.
- Communicate staffing needs, safety concerns, and operational issues to leadership.
- Promote professionalism and cultural sensitivity in all interactions.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Preferred Qualifications
- Coursework in behavioral health, psychology, social services, or related field.
- Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist (PRS/PRSS).
- Certified Medication Aide (CMA) or willingness to obtain if required.
- Experience training, mentoring, or onboarding staff.
Minimum Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Prior experience as a Recovery Support Specialist or similar behavioral health direct-care role.
- Strong communication and team coordination skills.
- Ability to manage crises and maintain professional boundaries.
- Valid driver’s license and ability to transport clients as needed.
Key Competencies
- Leadership & role modeling
- Coaching and mentoring
- Crisis response & de-escalation
- Documentation accuracy
- Cultural sensitivity
- Trauma-informed care
Work Conditions / Physical & Mental Requirements
- Residential behavioral health environment.
- Frequent walking, standing, and lifting up to 50 lbs. with assistance.
- Ability to remain calm during emergencies and manage multiple priorities.
- Emotional resilience within a trauma-informed, recovery-oriented setting.
Indian Preference & Veteran Preference
In accordance with Title VII, Section 703(i) and Pawnee Behavioral Health policy, qualified Native American applicants will be given employment preference.
Veterans with an honorable or general discharge will also receive hiring preference (documentation required).
Equal Employment Opportunity
Pawnee Behavioral Health prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected category. We are committed to a respectful, safe, and inclusive workplace.
Reasonable Accommodations
Pawnee Behavioral Health provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable laws. If you require accommodation to perform essential job functions, please notify HR or your supervisor.