Recovery Support Specialist (RSS)
Job Summary:
The RSS is under the program supervision of the Recovery Director with clinical supervision by a licensed independent behavioral health clinician (LPCC, LCSW). Given the consumer’s identified areas of recovery concern (i.e., independent/community living, education/learning, work/employment, socializing/relationships, leisure/recreation), the RSS collaborates with the program participant to achieve their Individualized Service Plan (ISP) goals. The RSS will promote the development of social/daily living skills, education in co-occurring behavioral illnesses (substance use/mental health), linkages to natural and community supports, symptom monitoring and disease self-management, and coping in crises. The RSS offers a strength-based approach for the client to achieve self-determination, self-sufficiency, and self-care. RSS may offer evidence-based interventions to support recovery when assigned a specific caseload. The preferred hire will be an NM Certified Peer Support Worker.
Essential Duties:
Offer enabling services to improve clients’ social determinants of health (i.e., socioeconomic status, access to health care, and the physical environment) and outcomes of health and healthcare services. Enabling services may include case management, benefits counseling or eligibility assistance, health education and anticipatory guidance, risk assessment/reduction and referrals, interpretation/translation, health literacy, outreach, transportation, patient medication assistance/adherence, and education regarding the availability and appropriate use of health services.
Offer enhancing services for recovery as trained by arranging or conducting classes, groups, and/or meetings to improve lifestyle issues and life skills.
Collect, process, read, and report results for urine cup or oral swab specimens for substance use testing as trained/supervised. Pick up medications at a retail pharmacy and deliver them to patients; may also perform directly observed therapy (supervised dosing) in the community setting for priority patients, particularly ones with co-occurring disorders (SUD/MH).
Perform housing monitoring/checks to help clients maintain tenancy and live in a safe, secure, and comfortable residence. Accompany clients to medical and human/social service appointments in person and via video. [add periods for all sentences]
Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings and advise staff of changes in clients’ health status and recovery progress. Refer clients to local health/social resources as needed and verify dispositions of referrals.
Answer telephone, email, & text inquiries to the program helpline; assist with front desk reception tasks when needed.
Provide harm reduction services with syringe disposal/exchange, Narcan education/distribution, fentanyl test strips, and HIV/HCV testing in the office and the field/community as trained/supervised.
Maintain timely and accurate Progress Notes in an electronic health record system.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):
Skill for continuous self-study learning/education. Skill in combining lived experience and learned experience to support clients. Ability to be an active, contributing team member. Ability to work with and provide services to a wide range of culturally and linguistically diverse persons. Ability to maintain client confidentiality according to HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2.
Requirements:
Minimum: Must be at least 18 years old. Hold a bachelor’s degree in human, social, or health services and have a minimum of one (1) year of experience working with the target population (i.e., homeless or persons who misuse substances). Be eligible to complete Comprehensive Community Support Services (CCSS) coursework and Medicaid/MCO credentialing during the first three months of employment if not done before employment to be a Community Support Worker (CSW).
Able to communicate effectively with persons of limited English proficiency or low literacy levels.
Must be willing to use a reliable personal vehicle with mileage reimbursement for fieldwork in the course of employment.
Note: Within 90 days of employment, the RSS must complete (or provide documentation of prior completion) the 20-hour CCSS course from an NMBHSD-designated training unit. Must obtain an NPI and NM Medicaid provider numbers as an unlicensed, non-independent Behavioral Health Worker (CSW). The employee must complete 20 hours of continuing education annually.