Recovery Support Specialist

Why Join JFCS of the Suncoast

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of others At JFCS of the Suncoast we are more than just an organization; we are a community driven by compassion purpose and the mission to uplift those in need. As one of the areas leading mental health and human services agencies we take pride in delivering care that empowers individuals and families to achieve self-sufficiency and stability.

Inspired by the Jewish tradition of helping all people our services are offered on a non-denominational basis ensuring that everyone in our community feels seen supported and valued. Whether youre providing direct support to clients or working behind the scenes youll play a vital role in creating meaningful change.

At JFCS we are looking for team members who are mission-focused empathetic and ready to bring their hearts and talents to the table. Here your work will have a lasting impact on the lives of others and youll be part of a supportive purpose-driven team that shares your commitment to making a difference. If youre ready to join us on this inspiring journey we cant wait to welcome you to JFCS of the Suncoast!

About the Program:

The VIP-ER (Voluntary Interim Placement Enhanced Recovery) Program at JFCS of the Suncoast provides long-term holistic support for individuals who are seeking recovery from substance use. Delivered in collaboration with four core partnersJFCS The Salvation Army CareerSource Suncoast and the Florida Department of Health in Sarasota Countythe program offers case management substance use counseling education health care family reunification employment support and life skills development. VIP-ER reflects JFCSs mission to deliver trauma-informed person-centered care that restores dignity promotes independence and strengthens our community.

Job Summary:

The Recovery Support Specialist is a frontline recovery-oriented role focused on recovery screening group facilitation and ongoing recovery support within the VIP-ER program. This role supports participants in identifying strengths goals and barriers to recovery facilitates structured psychoeducational groups and collaborates with the multidisciplinary team to support participant progress. The Recovery Support Specialist functions as a recovery guide and facilitator helping participants build insight motivation skills and connections that support sustained recovery and stability. This position does not provide clinical assessment or therapy but instead serves as a recovery mentor facilitator and connector helping participants build insight motivation and skills that support sustained recovery.

Benefits:

• 403(b) retirement plan with matching contributions.
• Health dental vision disability and life insurance.
• Generous paid time off (starting at 15 days per year) and typically 15-18 paid holidays annually including federal holidays and key Jewish holidays.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to support your well-being.
• 37.5-hour work week for better work-life balance.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

Recovery Screening & Goal Support

Conduct non-clinical recovery screenings and intake conversations to identify participant strengths needs and recovery priorities.

Support participants in identifying self-directed recovery goals using motivational and strengths-based approaches.

Share recovery-related observations with the multidisciplinary team to support coordinated care.

Participate in reflective check-ins to support participant insight accountability and engagement.

Group Facilitation & Recovery Support

• Facilitate structured psychoeducational and recovery-focused group sessions using evidence-based curricula (e.g. Living in Balance Seeking Safety).
• Deliver group content related to:
  • Recovery skills and relapse prevention
  • Health education related to substance use and wellness
  • Motivation self-efficacy and goal-setting
  • Emotional regulation communication and problem-solving
  • Life skills employability readiness and community reintegration
• Create a safe inclusive and trauma-informed group environment that encourages participation and peer connection.
• Coordinate group logistics and collaborate with guest speakers or partner agencies as appropriate.

Collaborative Care & Program Support

• Work closely with clinical staff to support referrals to counseling and therapeutic services when indicated.
• Participate in weekly multidisciplinary team meetings sharing assessment insights and participant progress updates.
• Provide recovery-oriented support during moments of instability or increased risk to help participants remain engaged in the program.
• Maintain awareness of community-based recovery resources and support participant connection to those networks.

Participant Engagement & Program Promotion

• Support the onboarding and orientation of new participants into the VIP-ER program.
• Serve as a welcoming consistent and encouraging point of contact for participants.
• Act as an ambassador for the VIP-ER model reinforcing program expectations structure and values.
• Champion participant voice choice and self-determination throughout the recovery process.
• Encourage peer connection and mutual support among participants.

Documentation & Compliance

• Document assessments group facilitation and individual recovery support activities in accordance with organizational statutory and funder requirements.
• Maintain accurate timely and well-organized participant records.
• Track participant engagement and outcomes to support program evaluation and quality improvement.
• Adhere to confidentiality ethical standards and professional boundaries at all times.

Qualifications

Two years of experience in substance use recovery services case management or behavioral health required.

Experience facilitating psychoeducational groups strongly preferred.

Bachelors degree in social work counseling psychology or related field preferred.

Certification as a Peer Recovery Specialist a plus.

Valid Florida drivers license and reliable transportation.

Must pass a Level II background screening.

Knowledge Skills & Abilities:

Strong understanding of substance use recovery wraparound service models and trauma-informed care.

Skilled in participant engagement de-escalation and goal-setting strategies.

Confidence in group facilitation and participant engagement.

Collaborative and adaptable approach to multidisciplinary teamwork.

Proficiency with Microsoft Office and comfort with electronic documentation systems.

Ability to work independently and in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team.

Strong time management communication and documentation skills.

Cultural humility and comfort working with diverse populations.

Adherence to ethical practice confidentiality and professional boundaries.

Committed to empowering clients and supporting their long-term recovery and well-being.

Training Requirements:

• Completion of all required agency-wide and program-specific trainings.
• Willingness to complete training in the selected psychoeducational curriculum.

Physical Requirements:

• Desk work with computer usage for extended periods
• Reliable transportation and ability to travel locally
• Occasional irregular hours and capacity to work under pressure

Full range of motion and corrected vision hearing and speech (or reasonable accommodations)