Description:
Certified Recovery Specialist (CRS) / Reception & Administrative SupportDepartment: Clinical Services
Reports To: Clinical Supervisor or Program Director
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Employment Status: Full-Time/Part-Time
Position SummaryThe Certified Recovery Specialist (CRS) provides peer recovery support services to individuals with substance use and co-occurring disorders by promoting hope, recovery, self-advocacy, and community integration. Working within the CRS scope of practice established by the Pennsylvania Certification Board (PCB), DDAP, and OMHSAS, the CRS utilizes lived recovery experience to assist individuals in achieving and maintaining recovery while supporting engagement in treatment and community-based recovery resources.
When peer support responsibilities permit, the CRS also provides reception and administrative support to ensure efficient office operations and excellent customer service. Administrative duties are clerical in nature and do not replace or interfere with primary peer support responsibilities.
Essential FunctionsPeer Recovery Support (Primary Duties)- Provide recovery-oriented peer support services consistent with DDAP, OMHSAS, and Pennsylvania Certification Board standards.
- Utilize lived experience to promote hope, resilience, recovery, and wellness.
- Assist individuals in identifying recovery goals and developing individualized recovery plans.
- Support clients in navigating behavioral health, medical, housing, employment, educational, transportation, and community resources.
- Encourage engagement and retention in treatment and recovery support services.
- Assist clients in developing healthy coping skills, recovery routines, and relapse prevention strategies.
- Facilitate or co-facilitate recovery groups, life skills groups, and wellness activities within CRS scope of practice.
- Provide recovery check-ins and follow-up contacts.
- Accompany clients to appointments when appropriate and approved.
- Promote recovery capital and community integration.
- Encourage participation in mutual aid meetings (AA, NA, SMART Recovery, Celebrate Recovery, etc.).
- Assist with transportation coordination when appropriate.
- Model recovery-oriented behaviors while maintaining professional boundaries.
- Participate in treatment team meetings and provide recovery-oriented recommendations.
- Document services accurately, objectively, and within agency timeframes.
- Maintain compliance with DDAP, OMHSAS, Medicaid, managed care, and agency documentation standards.
- Maintain confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2, and agency policy.
Reception & Administrative Support (As Needed)When assigned and when peer support responsibilities allow:
- Greet clients and visitors professionally.
- Answer multi-line telephone system.
- Schedule and confirm appointments.
- Check clients in and out.
- Verify demographic and insurance information.
- Scan, upload, and file documentation in the Electronic Health Record.
- Prepare admission packets and client forms.
- Maintain reception area in a clean and welcoming manner.
- Accept deliveries and distribute mail.
- Maintain office supplies and notify supervisors of inventory needs.
- Assist with reminder calls and appointment confirmations.
- Support administrative staff with general clerical duties.
- Assist with agency events, outreach activities, and recovery programming.
Documentation Responsibilities- Complete peer service notes within agency-required timeframes.
- Maintain accurate recovery support documentation.
- Document client contacts according to payer and regulatory requirements.
- Report safety concerns immediately.
- Complete incident reports when indicated.
- Participate in quality improvement activities.
Requirements:
Regulatory ComplianceThe CRS shall:
- Practice only within the Pennsylvania Certified Recovery Specialist scope of practice.
- Follow DDAP licensing regulations.
- Follow OMHSAS recovery-oriented principles.
- Maintain PCB certification requirements.
- Complete all required annual trainings.
- Adhere to agency policies and ethical standards.
- Comply with HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2 confidentiality requirements.
- Maintain current clearances and certifications required by law and agency policy.
QualificationsRequired- Pennsylvania Certified Recovery Specialist (CRS) certification in good standing or eligibility to obtain certification within agency-required timeframe.
- Minimum high school diploma or GED.
- Minimum of 18 months of sustained personal recovery (or as required by PCB standards).
- Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record (if transportation duties are assigned).
- Ability to pass all required background clearances.
- Basic computer proficiency.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Preferred- Associate's degree or higher in a human services field.
- Experience working in behavioral health.
- Experience with electronic health records.
- CPR/First Aid certification.
Knowledge and Skills- Recovery-oriented systems of care
- Motivational interviewing principles
- Trauma-informed care
- Harm reduction concepts
- Community resource navigation
- Professional boundaries
- Crisis de-escalation
- Customer service
- Time management
- Documentation
- Team collaboration
Physical Requirements- Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, and lift up to 25 pounds.
- Ability to operate standard office equipment.
- Ability to travel locally when required.
Performance ExpectationsThe employee will:
- Demonstrate recovery-oriented practice.
- Maintain professional ethics and boundaries.
- Complete documentation within required timeframes.
- Demonstrate excellent customer service.
- Maintain confidentiality.
- Participate in supervision and staff meetings.
- Support a positive, collaborative work environment.
- Meet agency productivity and performance expectations.
Scope of Practice StatementThe Certified Recovery Specialist does not provide psychotherapy, clinical counseling, psychological testing, diagnostic assessments, medication management, or any service requiring professional licensure. The CRS serves as a peer support professional whose role is to promote recovery, wellness, engagement, advocacy, and community integration through the use of lived experience, consistent with DDAP, OMHSAS, and Pennsylvania Certification Board standards.