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Recovery Support Specialist (35 Hour)


Job Location:

Middletown, DE - USA

Yearly Salary: $ 65337 - 65337
Posted: 8 July 2026 (30+ days ago)
Application Deadline: 8 October 2026
Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Introduction

Do you have lived experience in recovery and a passion for supporting others on their path to wellness
Join our team and use your unique perspective to make a meaningful difference - apply today!

THE POSITION
The State of Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) is seekinga committed Recovery Support Specialist. In this role you will use shared life experience recovery-oriented tools and person-centered practices to engage motivate and mentor adults as they work toward their personal recovery goals.

HIGHLIGHTS
  • FACILITY: River Valley Services (RVS)
  • LOCATION:351 Silver Street Middletown
  • DEPARTMENT:River Valley Services Community Support Program
  • UNIT:Team A
  • POSITION NUMBER:
  • SCHEDULE:35 hours per week Monday through Friday 1st shift from 8:30AM to 4:00PM.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

THE ROLE
  • The Recovery Support Specialist plays a vital role in meeting the staffing requirements of the DMHAS fidelity model by providing person-centered recovery support to individuals living independently in the community.
  • Using personal lived experience and recovery principles the successful candidate will build meaningful relationships promote hope and self-determination support community integration encourage socialization and engagement and connect individuals with resources that strengthen their recovery journey.
  • We are looking for a compassionate motivated professional who is passionate about helping others values teamwork communicates effectively and is committed to making a positive impact in the lives of the people we serve.



ABOUT US
DMHAS is the state agency responsible for providing a comprehensive system of behavioral health services for adults experiencing mental health and substance use conditions across Connecticut. DMHAS works to ensure accessible recovery-oriented and evidence-based care through community programs state-operated services and partnerships with local providers. The agency is committed to improving outcomes for individuals with severe and persistent behavioral health needs by coordinating services promoting early access to care and supporting safe transitions across levels of treatment.

River Valley Services (RVS) a community mental health center serving Middlesex County and the towns of Lyme and Old Lyme is operated by the State of Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS). RVSs goal is to provide the highest quality crisis intervention case management and residential and clinical services to adult citizens 18 years of age and older who suffer from serious mental disorders and who lack the financial means to secure such services in the private sector.

Services are directed at improving clients quality of life and fostering dignity ability and recovery. We are dedicated to promoting a complete and responsive service system for our clients and others in need. All persons receiving services from River Valley Services have the right to culturally appropriate mental health and addiction services consistent with their communication needs and personal preferences. Translation and interpreter services are available at RVS.

The Community Support Program Team A works closely with individuals with complex behavioral health and/or substance use conditions offering recovery-focused services that encourage engagement socialization and connection to community resources. Located at 351 Silver Street in Middletown Connecticut RVS is dedicated to delivering high-quality compassionate care that supports long-term recovery and wellness.

PLEASE NOTE:
Selection Plan

FOR ASSISTANCE IN APPLYING:

Check out our Applicant Tips on How to Apply! Need more resources Visit our Applicant Toolkit for additional support throughout the recruitment process.

BEFORE YOU APPLY:

  • Note: The only way to apply to this posting is via the Apply or Apply Online buttons on the official State of Connecticut Online Employment Center job posting.

AFTER YOU APPLY:

  • Some email providers may experience delays or issues delivering messages. To avoid missing important updatessuch as referral questionnaires or interview scheduling linksplease check your Personal Status Board regularly.
  • For added convenience you can also enable text (SMS) notifications. To do this log in to your Personal Status Board and select Update My Contact Information.
  • Referral Questions: This posting may require completion of additional Referral Questions (RQs) which must be completed by the questionnaires expiration date. If requested RQs can be accessed via an email sent to you after the job close date or by visiting your JobAps Personal Status Board (Certification Questionnaires section).
  • Prepare For An Interview: Interviews are limited to those whose experience and training are most aligned with the role. To prepare review this helpful Interview Preparation Guide to make the best impression!
  • Stay connected! Log in daily to your JobAps Personal Status Board to track your status and check email (including spam/junk folders) for updates and tasks.
  • The immediate vacancy is listed above however applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class.
  • Note: This position will be filled in accordance with contractual language reemployment SEBAC transfer promotion and merit employment rules. Candidates who are offered and accept a position with the State of Connecticut are bound by the State Code of Ethics for Public Officials and State employees available at employer may participate inE-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm work authorization.

QUESTIONS WERE HERE TO HELP:

Due to high volume we are unable to confirm receipt or provide status updates directly. For recruitment updates please check your Personal Status Board and review our Frequently Asked Questions. If you have additional questions about the recruitment process reach out to Anamaria Giangarra at

Join the State of Connecticut and take your next career step with confidence!

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)
In the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services this class is accountable for using shared life experiences and recovery management techniques to engage motivate educate and mentor clients in achieving individualized goals for successful community living.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
  • Guides clients through the process of defining personal goals for their recovery plan using existing evidence-based workbooks or person-centered planning tools;
  • Supports and guides clients in following tasks outlined in their recovery plan (i.e. pursuing goals related to employment education community involvement and the use of natural supports);
  • Guides clients in identifying and exercising their rights;
  • Participates in rehabilitative and recovery-oriented interventions to meet client needs and goals;
  • Provides information and support to clients and encourages their development of community networks and activities relating to community integration;
  • Provides instruction and skill training in recovery management to clients and families;
  • Acts as a peer health navigator to engage clients who have or are at risk for co-morbid medical conditions in wellness activities;
  • Supports clients to secure information about resources relevant to their wellness;
  • Supports clients in obtaining services that meet their recovery needs;
  • Supports clients in dealing with internal and external stress;
  • Attends medical/clinical appointments with clients in a peer capacity;
  • Accompanies clients as peers on volunteer opportunities and activities;
  • Organizes and conducts workshops on topics related to recovery and wellness including New Employee Orientation at the local level;
  • Observes and reports clients behavior;
  • Prepares and submits incident or other related forms;
  • Updates clients notes in the medical record as required;
  • Enters computerized data as required;
  • May coach adaptive client behaviors through verbal communication;
  • May provide outreach and transportation;
  • Performs related duties as required.
INPATIENT SETTINGS:

In addition to the duties listed above the responsibilities move from providing one-on-one peer support to demonstrating and coaching the client through the development of coping and community adjustment skills and linking the client with important community resources including:

  • Accompanies clients off the unit and on to the hospital campus or community to practice entering unexpected situations and managing stress and disorientation;
  • Accompanies clients on day passes to the community to acclimate the client to their new community;
  • May provide coverage at Peer Desk Center to engage and offer peer support to the general hospital population.
KNOWLEDGE SKILL AND ABILITY
  • Knowledge of
    • community support systems and resources;
    • person-centered planning Wellness Recovery Action Planning and other recovery management techniques;
    • the principles and procedures of psychiatric rehabilitation;
  • Considerable
    • interpersonal skills;
    • oral and written communication skills;
  • Ability to
    • observe and redirect client behavior;
    • utilize computer software.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE
Six (6) months of experience working in the mental health and/or substance use recovery field.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED
Six (6) months of experience as a Recovery Support Specialist Trainee may be substituted for the General Experience.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Experience/understanding of recovery principles.
  • Experience working in a community setting.
  • Experience with engaging/connecting with adults with complex behavioral health and/or substance use disorders.
  • Experience with recovery resources.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
  • Incumbents in this class must possess and retain a recovery support certification.
  • Incumbents must adhere to the DMHAS Peer Support Ethical Guidelines.
  • Incumbents in this class may be required to be bilingual or fluent in American Sign Language.
  • Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.
  • Incumbents in this class may be required to possess and maintain a valid Motor Vehicle Operators license.
Conclusion

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women minorities and persons with disabilities.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
As defined by Sec. 5-196 of the Connecticut General Statutes a job class is a position or group of positions that share general characteristics and are categorized under a single title for administrative purposes. As such a job class is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task and/or responsibility.

Required Experience:

IC


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