Scope of Service: The Recovery Support Specialist I provides comprehensive community-based residential and support services to persons with mental health, intellectual, and addiction needs. Provides hands-on, intensive skill-building interventions and supports to enrich and achieve an overall level of independence and well-being with persons served. Collaborates with Community Support Specialists/Case Managers and the program to support individuals in achieving aspirations through person-centered, strengths-based, and culturally competent methods. EOE
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Client Care:
• Establishes rapport and positive working relationships with clients while maintaining professional ethics and boundaries.
• Enhances a client’s independent living skills by engaging, assessing, and providing various modalities of teaching and assistance (e.g. modeling, prompting, hands-on assistance).
• Provides hands-on support and guidance for activities of daily living such as personal care/hygiene, housekeeping, laundry, food management/nutrition, budgeting, health and safety, leisure, and other activities which promote healthy living.
• Facilitates/co-facilitates psycho-educational groups as indicated.
• Engages with clients in community integration and social recreation activities.
• Provides transportation to and from appointments as identified.
• Educates and trains clients with travel planning and use of public and private transportation.
• Conducts regular apartment/room inspections and assists the clients in maintaining the cleanliness of their living spaces which may require hands-on assistance.
• Conducts ongoing rounds checks ensuring safety of each individuals and the program.
• Administers breathalyzer tests and urinalysis samples, as applicable.
• Documents shift logs in electronic record according to contract and agency policy.
• Develops and maintains working relationships with providers, families, and natural supports.
• Responds to crisis situations and provides appropriate interventions as outlined in the agency policy for Nonviolent Practices.
• Supervises, monitors and documents the self-administration of client medications.
• Attends and participates in monthly staff meetings, clinical rounds, All-Treater meetings and supervision.
Environmental Responsibilities:
• Maintains a clean, well-organized work environment.
• Ensures all program egresses and walkways are clear to support workplace safety.
• Notifies supervisor of maintenance and/or safety issues and generates work orders as needed.
• Conducts and participates in fire and emergency evacuation drills, and reviews the emergency preparedness plan as outlined in agency policy.
• Participates in Food Bank activities as assigned.
• In order to maintain the security and safety of the clients and facility, staff is required to remain awake during all shifts.
Quality Assurance:
• Adheres to policies and practices as outlined in the staff handbook and program operations manual.
• Consistently works in a respectful, constructive, and cooperative manner.
• Upholds all Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) regulations and secures all necessary releases of information for outside communication.
• Models culturally competent behavior interacting with clients, providers, family, and fellow staff.
• Maintains accurate electronic records and case files as assigned and in accordance with programming, contractual, licensing, and accreditation requirements.
• Adheres to the standards of the Council on the Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF).
• Participates in agency committee work when available or as permitted.
• Completes all trainings as required per program contract and agency policy.
• Attends agency-sponsored in-services, outside trainings, conferences, and meetings to facilitate continued professional growth and ensure the quality of case management practices.
QUALIFICATIONS
• High school diploma/GED required with a minimum of 6 months of experience in a related human services field.
• Consideration will be given with no experience if candidate possesses a CT Recovery University Certification.
• Knowledge of the community support system and basic principles of psychiatric rehabilitation is preferred.
• A valid Connecticut Driver’s license with a clean driving record is required.
• Certification in First Aid and CPR or willingness to obtain certification within 3 months of hire.
• Proficient computer skills required, including Microsoft Office and electronic record keeping.