Recovery Support Specialist (RSS) (FT, PT, Pool/PRN)

About the role

We're not just behavioral health people-we're crisis people.

Connections Health Solutions is a leading provider of immediate-access behavioral health crisis care. Our team combines medical and recovery-oriented treatment to stabilize individuals in crisis and connect them to community-based resources for ongoing recovery.

Founded by emergency room psychiatrists Dr. Chris Carson and Dr. Robert Williamson, our model is physician-led and data-driven, drawing upon more than 15 years of crisis care expertise. Recognized by SAMHSA and the National Council for Mental Wellbeing as a national best practice, we've delivered invaluable treatment to hundreds of thousands of individuals facing crises. Our commitment remains consistent, to improve access, inspire hope, and provide the right support.

Our values shape our decisions, define our culture, and foster continuous learning and growth.

We accept people as they are, creating safe spaces where they feel valued and respected. We inspire hope by walking with people side-by-side, showing them grace and compassion. We act with intention, holding ourselves and each other accountable, and doing the right thing. We work as one team, trusting and supporting each other. We embrace change and innovation, striving to find better ways to fulfill our mission.

We are on a mission to change the face of behavioral health. Help us save lives and make a difference.

Maximize your earnings with additional hourly pay

• +$2/hr -> Monday-Thursday Nights
• +$3/hr -> Friday-Sunday Nights
• +$2/hr -> Saturday-Sunday Days

What You'll Do

The Recovery Support Specialist (RSS) plays a critical role in supporting individuals experiencing behavioral health and substance use challenges by providing hope, encouragement, and peer-based support throughout their recovery journey. Drawing upon lived experience and recovery principles, the RSS serves as a positive example that recovery is possible, attainable, and sustainable.

As a valued member of the interdisciplinary treatment team, the RSS partners with clinical and operational staff to promote engagement, recovery, resilience, and wellness. Through relationship-building, advocacy, education, and support, this role helps create a therapeutic environment that fosters safety, dignity, empowerment, and person-centered care.

• Builds meaningful therapeutic relationships with individuals by providing peer support, encouragement, and recovery-focused guidance throughout the treatment process.
• Serves as a recovery advocate, helping individuals identify strengths, overcome barriers, and actively participate in their treatment and recovery planning.
• Shares lived recovery experiences appropriately and professionally to inspire hope, model recovery, and reinforce that healing and wellness are achievable.
• Facilitates and co-facilitates psychoeducational, recovery-oriented, and skills-based groups that support individual growth, resilience, and community connection.
• Provides one-on-one peer support and coaching to assist individuals in identifying goals, developing coping strategies, and navigating challenges in recovery.
• Partners closely with nursing, clinical, medical, and operational teams to support treatment goals and ensure a coordinated, person-centered approach to care.
• Utilizes trauma-informed, recovery-oriented practices to promote emotional safety, reduce escalation, and help minimize the use of restrictive interventions, including seclusion and restraint.
• Assists individuals in identifying and accessing community resources, support systems, and recovery services that promote successful transitions and long-term wellness.
• Demonstrates knowledge of multiple pathways to recovery and supports individuals in pursuing the approach that best aligns with their needs, goals, and values.
• Encourages engagement in treatment, programming, and recovery activities through authentic connection, support, and positive reinforcement.
• Documents all interactions, observations, and services provided in the Electronic Health Record (EHR) in accordance with organizational, regulatory, and documentation standards.
• Supports daily therapeutic programming and contributes to a positive, welcoming, and recovery-focused treatment environment.
• Maintains required certifications, competencies, and training requirements, including attendance at department meetings and ongoing professional development activities.
• Models Connections' values and commitment to delivering compassionate, person-centered behavioral healthcare.
• Perfoms other duties as assigned to support patient care, recovery outcomes, and operational excellence.

What You'll Bring

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Completion of (or enrollment in) the DBDHS 72-hour Peer Recovery Specialist training
• A minimum of 1 (one) year of personal recovery from mental health and/or substance use challenges, or 1 (one) year of experience as a family member supporting a loved one
• Registered with VA Board of Counseling and maintains registration throughout employment
• Agreement to adhere to the Peer Recovery Specialist Code of Ethics
• Experience using Electronic Health Records (EHRs) and proficiency with basic computer applications, including email, internet navigation, and electronic documentation, preferred
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and comply with HIPAA and organizational policies
• The Company has a mandatory vaccination policy. All successful applicants must be fully vaccinated, including showing proper documentation, or otherwise be exempt pursuant to the Company's exemption process prior to their start date as a condition of employment
• State of Virginia Fingerprint Clearance
• Must be able to pass Virginia Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Services (VA DBHDS) background check
• Must be able to pass Virginia Department of Social Services (VA DSS) Office of Background Investigations - Central Registry Search
• Must be able to obtain a State of Virginia Food Handlers Card
• Physical Requirements
• Safely perform physical interventions (e.g., standing, pivoting, reaching, kneeling, lowering to the floor, and supporting another person's weight)
• Lift, push, pull, or carry up to 50 lbs. occasionally
• Tolerate prolonged walking, standing, and observation in a fast-paced environment
• Work with individuals who may exhibit agitation, aggression, or unpredictable behavior

It would be great if you had

• Behavioral Health/Substance Use Treatment or GMH Recovery experience
• Three years or more of personal recovery desired
• Completion of specialized peer certifications (WHAM, ASIST, etc.)
• Knowledge of evidence-based/person-centered skillsets, such as Motivational Interviewing, Trauma Informed Care, Verbal De-escalation, Harm Reduction, and Person-centered language

What We Offer

Full-time only

• Employees (and their families) are offered comprehensive health insurance, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity
• CHS pays for Basic Life, AD&D, Short and Long-Term Disability
• Voluntary Life insurance option for employees and their families
• Health Savings Accounts (with $1,000 to $2,000 employer contribution depending on plan)
• Flexible Spending Accounts (health care and dependent care)
• 401k company match after 6 months (50% of deferrals up to 6% of compensation)
• Generous PTO starting at 160 hours accrued annually and 12 recognized company holidays
• Company-paid parental leave available to eligible employees

All employees (Pool, Part-time and Full-time)

• Employee Assistance Program to help with confidential emotional support, work life solutions, financial solutions, legal assistance, or online support
• After 90 days, you are auto enrolled in the 401k Plan

• Connections Health Solutions is proud to be a Second Chance Employer.
• #INDVA
• Actual compensation is based on relevant experience, education, internal equity, and budget.
• Virginia pay range $22—$23 USD