Recovery Engagement Specialist

What You'll Do:

The Recovery Engagement Specialist at the RESET Center plays a vital role in creating a safe, calm, and supportive environment for community members under the influence of alcohol and/or other drugs. The RESET Center provides an alternative destination for individuals who would otherwise be transported to the emergency department or jail—offering a compassionate, trauma-informed, and person-centered approach to care.

The Recovery Engagement Specialistsupports individuals through the sobering process, perform basic monitoring, document participant status, foster trust and engagement, and ensure participant comfort, hydration, and safety. This role works as part of a coordinated multidisciplinary team and deeply values lived experience—including homelessness, recovery, incarceration, harm reduction engagement, and experiences with substance use—as a source of expertise, connection, and credibility in supporting participants.

Participant Support & Monitoring

• Take participant vital signs as delegated per protocol.

• Monitor participants throughout the sobering process, ensuring adherence to guidelines and general well-being.

• Respond promptly to participant needs and requests with empathy, patience, and excellent customer service.

• Provide snacks, hydration, blankets, and other comfort measures to support safe sobering.
• Observe participant behavior and condition, completing required observation logs, rounds, and milieu documentation accurately and in real time.
• Identify escalating or unsafe behavior and promptly notify supervisory or clinical team members.

Engagement & Relationship Building

• Engage participants in supportive, compassionate, and non-judgmental ways, with respect for their individual experience and autonomy.
• Leverage personal or lived experience (where comfortable) to build trust, foster rapport, and demonstrate understanding of recovery and harm reduction pathways.

Environment & Safety

• Support safety and calm tone within the center through trauma-informed communication and de-escalation techniques.

• Assist with environmental cleanliness and sanitation, ensuring all spaces are organized, hygienic, and supportive of a dignified participant experience.
• Work collaboratively with other team members—including health workers, safety monitors, peers, and supervisors—to maintain an orderly, non-judgmental environment.

Training & Development

• Participate in ongoing training and development opportunities, including:
• Motivational interviewing
• Effects of alcohol and other substances
• Trauma-informed service delivery
• Crisis and de-escalation practices
• Customer service and team-based care
• Performs all other duties as assigned
• Maintain proficiency with evolving program protocols and standards of care.

What You'll Bring:

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• At least one year of personal recovery
• Experience working with diverse populations including:
  • Individuals experiencing substance use and intoxication
  • People living with homelessness or housing instability
  • Individuals impacted by the criminal legal system
  • People experiencing mental health crises
• Familiarity with:
  • Harm reduction
  • Restorative and recovery-oriented practice
  • Trauma-informed care
• Lived experience with substance use, recovery, homelessness, or incarceration is highly valued and actively welcomed
• Must obtain Overdose Prevention and Narcan Administration training within 30 days of hire
• Basic computer literacy, including the ability to document in an electronic health record (EHR)
• Ability to obtain and accurately record vital signs
• Strong attention to detail and ability to complete documentation in a timely manner
• Ability to successfully complete Basic Life Support (BLS) certification during the first week of employment
• 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

It would be great if you had:

• Possess at least two (2) of the following:
  • Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification
  • Alcohol & Other Drug (AOD) Certification and 2 years’ experience working in crisis, detox, or treatment environments
  • Crisis De-Escalation Training certification
  • Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
  • Certified Medical Assistant (CMA)
  • Emergency or field-based work experience

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, dependent care, and commuter benefits for eligible transportation expenses)
• 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.

Inclusion & Equal Opportunity

Connections Health Solutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic.

San Francisco Pay Range 23 - 27.09 USD