Recovery Support Specialist

Earn More with Shift Differentials

Maximize your earnings with additional hourly pay:

• +$2/hr -> Monday-Thursday Nights
• +$3/hr -> Friday-Sunday Nights
• +$2/hr -> Saturday-Sunday Days

What You'll Do:

The Recovery Support Specialist (RSS) plays a critical role in supporting individuals experiencing behavioral health and substance use challenges by providing hope, encouragement, and peer-based support throughout their recovery journey. Drawing upon lived experience and recovery principles, the RSS serves as a positive example that recovery is possible, attainable, and sustainable.

As a valued member of the interdisciplinary treatment team, the RSS partners with clinical and operational staff to promote engagement, recovery, resilience, and wellness. Through relationship-building, advocacy, education, and support, this role helps create a therapeutic environment that fosters safety, dignity, empowerment, and person-centered care.

• Builds meaningful therapeutic relationships with individuals by providing peer support, encouragement, and recovery-focused guidance throughout the treatment process.
• Serves as a recovery advocate, helping individuals identify strengths, overcome barriers, and actively participate in their treatment and recovery planning.
• Shares lived recovery experiences appropriately and professionally to inspire hope, model recovery, and reinforce that healing and wellness are achievable.
• Facilitates and co-facilitates psychoeducational, recovery-oriented, and skills-based groups that support individual growth, resilience, and community connection.
• Provides one-on-one peer support and coaching to assist individuals in identifying goals, developing coping strategies, and navigating challenges in recovery.
• Partners closely with nursing, clinical, medical, and operational teams to support treatment goals and ensure a coordinated, person-centered approach to care.
• Utilizes trauma-informed, recovery-oriented practices to promote emotional safety, reduce escalation, and help minimize the use of restrictive interventions, including seclusion and restraint.
• Assists individuals in identifying and accessing community resources, support systems, and recovery services that promote successful transitions and long-term wellness.
• Demonstrates knowledge of multiple pathways to recovery and supports individuals in pursuing the approach that best aligns with their needs, goals, and values.
• Encourages engagement in treatment, programming, and recovery activities through authentic connection, support, and positive reinforcement.
• Documents all interactions, observations, and services provided in the Electronic Health Record (EHR) in accordance with organizational, regulatory, and documentation standards.
• Supports daily therapeutic programming and contributes to a positive, welcoming, and recovery-focused treatment environment.
• Maintains required certifications, competencies, and training requirements, including attendance at department meetings and ongoing professional development activities.
• Models Connections' values and commitment to delivering compassionate, person-centered behavioral healthcare.
• Perfoms other duties as assigned to support patient care, recovery outcomes, and operational excellence.

What You'll Bring:

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Completion of (or enrollment in) the DBDHS 72-hour Peer Recovery Specialist training
• A minimum of 1 (one) year of personal recovery from mental health and/or substance use challenges, or 1 (one) year of experience as a family member supporting a loved one
• Registered with VA Board of Counseling and maintains registration throughout employment
• Agreement to adhere to the Peer Recovery Specialist Code of Ethics
• Experience using Electronic Health Records (EHRs) and proficiency with basic computer applications, including email, internet navigation, and electronic documentation, preferred
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and comply with HIPAA and organizational policies
• The Company has a mandatory vaccination policy. All successful applicants must be fully vaccinated, including showing proper documentation, or otherwise be exempt pursuant to the Company’s exemption process prior to their start date as a condition of employment
• State of Virginia Fingerprint Clearance
• Must be able to pass Virginia Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Services (VA DBHDS) background check
• Must be able to pass Virginia Department of Social Services (VA DSS) Office of Background Investigations - Central Registry Search
• Must be able to obtain a State of Virginia Food Handlers Card
• Physical Requirements
  • Safely perform physical interventions (e.g., standing, pivoting, reaching, kneeling, lowering to the floor, and supporting another person’s weight)
  • Lift, push, pull, or carry up to 50 lbs. occasionally
  • Tolerate prolonged walking, standing, and observation in a fast-paced environment
  • Work with individuals who may exhibit agitation, aggression, or unpredictable behavior

It would be great if you had:

• Behavioral Health/Substance Use Treatment or GMH Recovery experience
• Three years or more of personal recovery desired
• Completion of specialized peer certifications (WHAM, ASIST, etc.)
• Knowledge of evidence-based/person-centered skillsets, such as Motivational Interviewing, Trauma Informed Care, Verbal De-escalation, Harm Reduction, and Person-centered language

What We Offer:

Full-time only:

• Employees (and their families) are offered comprehensive health insurance, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity
• CHS pays for Basic Life, AD&D, Short and Long-Term Disability
• Voluntary Life insurance option for employees and their families
• Health Savings Accounts (with $1,000 to $2,000 employer contribution depending on plan)
• Flexible Spending Accounts (health care and dependent care)
• 401k company match after 6 months (50% of deferrals up to 6% of compensation)
• Generous PTO starting at 160 hours accrued annually and 12 recognized company holidays
• Company‑paid parental leave available to eligible employees

All employees (Pool, Part-time and Full-time):

• Employee Assistance Program to help with confidential emotional support, work life solutions, financial solutions, legal assistance, or online support
• After 90 days, you are auto enrolled in the 401k Plan 

Connections Health Solutions is proud to be a Second Chance Employer.

Virginia pay range 22 - 23 USD