Recovery Support Specialist: HERO (Housing Empowering Recovery from Opioids)- Region 3 Program- 6888

PROGRAM/LOCATION: HERO (Housing Empowering Recovery from Opioids)- Region 3; Manchester, CT *Service area covers DMHAS Region 3 (Windham & New London Counties)

ABOUT THE PROGRAM : HERO (Housing Empowering Recovery from Opioids)

The HERO Program (Housing Empowering Recovery from Opioids) is a DMHAS-led initiative funded by the Opioid Settlement Advisory Committee (OSAC), aimed at supporting individuals in recovery from opioid use disorder (OUD). The program provides housing subsidies and intensive case management to individuals experiencing homelessness or housing instability who are at risk of opioid overdose or transitioning out of recovery or treatment programs.

HERO staff offer flexible, community-based support, including pre-tenancy services such as housing searches and application assistance, followed by weekly case management—minimum monthly in-home visits—to help participants stabilize in housing and build strong recovery support networks.

• Assists clients in identifying and advocating their own recovery goals.

• Utilizes appropriate program models, including motivational interventions by informing and educating on establishing or strengthening their own recovery strategies.

• Conducts program specific assessments and screens as indicated.

• Collaborates with those served to create individualized and person-centered treatment plans as indicated by program requirements.

• May provide crisis intervention or de-escalation as needed.

• Provides case management. Works in close collaboration with the client’s natural supports and treatment teams. Connects to prosocial activities. Provides crisis intervention and de-escalation as needed.

• Participates in interventions to help reduce health care disparities, which may include screening for Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) such as housing, medical insurance, food security and transportation to identify and then help resolve barriers to healthcare.

• Complies and shares knowledge of appropriate community resources and assists in linking clients to behavioral health and addiction follow up care, natural (family, friends) supports, community resources including LGBTQ+, Veteran’s and/or other support groups in a culturally informed, strength-based manner.

• Provide follow-up engagement support including but not limited to brief recovery coaching, relapse prevention and safety planning support and inclusion of family involvement where appropriate.

• Maintains documentation in compliance with agency and program standards.

• Participates in staff meetings, supervision, training, and other meetings as assigned.

Education: Lived experience establishing and maintaining recovery from mental health or substance use condition(s) as required by position.

Experience: 2+ years working with identified populations and specifically as an CPSRP (formerly RSS) preferred. Self identifies as an individual with mental health and or substance use disorder in long term recovery.

Licensure/Certification/Registration: Certified Peer Support & Recovery Specialist (CPSRP) n from Advocacy Unlimited, Recovery Coach Certification from CCAR, or an equivalent certification related to the field of Recovery Support required or must be obtained within 6 months of hire. Valid Driver’s License required. CPR & First Aid Certification required OR must obtain within 90 days of employment.

• FREE premium subscription to the Calm app, for employees and their families

• Up to 6 FREE confidential counseling sessions per issue, per year, for individuals, couples, & families through our EAP program

*Actual rates are determined at the time of offer and are based on relevant experience and internal equity, as well as, adherence to our internal equity policy. Many of our positions offer program/location differentials and/or sign-on incentives. (Please note, for part-time positions this range would be pro-rated based on hours worked)