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Recovery Assistant Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Recovery Coach

Sioux City, IA

$17 - $22/hr

Provide ongoing recovery support, motivational interviewing, relapse prevention support, and early re-engagement for individuals with OUDs. * Assist patients in identifying recovery goals, overcoming ...

Recovery Coach

Sioux City, IA ยท On-site

$17 - $22/hr

Provide ongoing recovery support, motivational interviewing, relapse prevention support, and early re-engagement for individuals with OUDs. * Assist patients in identifying recovery goals, overcoming ...

Tissue Recovery Coordinator

Altoona, IA ยท On-site

$27.55 - $34.42/hr

We facilitate the recovery of organs, tissues, and corneas in Iowa. We honor donors and support ... Lift equipment and supplies weighing up to 50 lbs. * Assist with physical lifting of donors.

Flexibility to participate in an on-call rotation and assist with shift coverage as needed ... Have you navigated recovery from addiction, mental health challenges, trauma, or housing ...

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Recovery Assistant information

See Iowa salary details

$10

$13

$17

How much do recovery assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for recovery assistant in Iowa is $13.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.81 and $15.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a recovery assistant?

Recovery Assistants are professionals who support individuals recovering from mental health issues, addiction, or physical injuries. They work to help clients regain independence, develop coping strategies, and access community resources. Recovery Assistants often collaborate with healthcare professionals, provide emotional support, and assist with daily living activities. Their goal is to empower individuals in their recovery journey and promote overall well-being.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a recovery assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Recovery Assistant, you typically need a solid understanding of mental health or substance abuse recovery concepts, often supported by a high school diploma or relevant certification such as CPR/First Aid. Familiarity with documentation systems, client progress tracking tools, and crisis intervention techniques is commonly required. Strong interpersonal skills, empathy, patience, and the ability to motivate clients are crucial soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure effective support for clients' recovery journeys and contribute to a safe, positive care environment.

How does a recovery assistant typically collaborate with clinical staff and other team members in a healthcare setting?

As a Recovery Assistant, collaboration with clinical staff such as nurses, therapists, and case managers is an essential part of the role. Recovery Assistants often provide frontline support to patients, relay important observations to the clinical team, and help implement care or recovery plans. Effective communication and the ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team are crucial for ensuring coordinated, patient-centered care. Regular team meetings, documentation, and informal check-ins are common ways Recovery Assistants contribute to smooth team operations and positive patient outcomes.

What is the difference between Recovery Assistant vs Peer Support Specialist?

AspectRecovery AssistantPeer Support Specialist
CredentialsMay require certification or training in mental health or addiction supportOften requires peer support certification or lived experience
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, recovery centersCommunity programs, mental health agencies, recovery centers
Employer & IndustryHealthcare, addiction treatment facilitiesBehavioral health, community outreach programs
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in recovery supportPeer-led recovery support roles

Recovery Assistants and Peer Support Specialists both work in mental health and addiction recovery settings. Recovery Assistants typically focus on supporting clients through structured programs, often requiring formal training. Peer Support Specialists leverage lived experience to provide empathetic support and advocacy. While their roles overlap, Recovery Assistants are more clinical, whereas Peer Support Specialists emphasize peer-led recovery. Both roles are vital in supporting individuals on their recovery journey.

What are the most commonly searched types of Recovery jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Recovery jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to Recovery Assistant jobs in Iowa?

For Recovery Assistant jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Recovery Assistant jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Recovery Assistant jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Recovery Assistant jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Recovery Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Recovery Assistant job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $28,259 per year, or $13.6 per hour.

Recovery Support Specialist

Ascension Recovery Services

Cedar Falls, IA โ€ข On-site

$15 - $18.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

Recovery Support Specialist
Renewal Falls Recovery Center
Location: Cedar Falls, Iowa
Employment Type: Full-Time | Hourly
Schedule: Day, and Night Shift Opportunities Available
JOIN A MISSION THAT CHANGES LIVES!
At Renewal Falls Recovery Center, we believe recovery is possible - and that the right team can help change the trajectory of a person's life.
We are seeking compassionate, dependable Recovery Support Specialists to join our residential behavioral health team in Cedar Falls. BHTs are an essential part of the treatment environment, providing day-to-day support, supervision, encouragement, and structure to individuals receiving treatment for substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions.
This is more than a monitoring role. You will help create the safe, respectful, recovery-focused environment that allows people to begin rebuilding their lives.
About Us
Renewal Falls Recovery Center provides person-centered behavioral health and substance use disorder treatment in a structured residential setting.
Our approach emphasizes:
  • Compassionate, trauma-informed care
  • Safety and accountability
  • Individualized treatment
  • Multiple pathways to recovery
  • Strong professional boundaries
  • Team-based, interdisciplinary care
  • Respect for every individual we serve

Why You Should Join Us
You will join a growing organization committed to expanding access to high-quality behavioral health and addiction treatment.
We offer:
  • Meaningful work with a direct impact on patients and families
  • A supportive, mission-driven team environment
  • Structured onboarding and training
  • Opportunities for professional growth
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance for eligible employees
  • Company-paid life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Paid holidays
  • 401(k) retirement plan
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Opportunities to build a career in behavioral health and addiction treatment

What You'll Do
As a Recovery Support Specialist, you will work closely with clinical, medical, and recovery-support staff to maintain a safe, therapeutic residential environment.
Responsibilities include:
  • Provide direct supervision, support, and encouragement to patients throughout the treatment day.
  • Maintain a safe, structured, respectful, and recovery-focused environment.
  • Conduct required patient observations and safety rounds accurately and on schedule.
  • Document observations, patient behaviors, incidents, and other required information accurately and timely.
  • Assist patients with daily routines, schedules, activities, meals, and program expectations.
  • Support patient participation in treatment programming, recovery activities, and community meetings.
  • Reinforce healthy coping skills, personal responsibility, appropriate boundaries, and recovery-oriented behaviors.
  • Recognize changes in patient behavior, mood, physical condition, or safety risk and promptly communicate concerns to appropriate clinical or medical staff.
  • Assist with admissions, discharges, room assignments, patient belongings, and orientation to the facility as assigned.
  • Complete searches, safety checks, and other monitoring activities in accordance with facility policy.
  • Support de-escalation and crisis-prevention efforts using approved techniques.
  • Respond appropriately during medical, behavioral, or facility emergencies.
  • Maintain professional boundaries with current and former patients at all times.
  • Protect patient privacy and confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2, and organizational policy.
  • Participate in shift reports, team meetings, training, and competency requirements.
  • Maintain accurate communication with incoming and outgoing staff to promote continuity of care.
  • Assist with maintaining clean, organized, and safe patient areas.
  • Follow all facility policies, procedures, infection-control practices, safety requirements, and standards of conduct.
  • Perform other duties as assigned to support patient care and facility operations.

Who You Are
The strongest candidates are compassionate people who can balance empathy with accountability.
You are someone who:
  • Treats individuals with dignity and respect
  • Remains calm during stressful or emotionally charged situations
  • Understands the importance of consistency and professional boundaries
  • Communicates clearly and works well as part of a multidisciplinary team
  • Can redirect behavior respectfully and appropriately
  • Takes patient safety seriously
  • Understands that accurate documentation and observations are essential components of care
  • Believes individuals can recover and build meaningful lives

Requirements
  • High school diploma or GED required.
  • Previous experience in behavioral health, substance use disorder treatment, healthcare, human services, residential care, corrections, recovery support, or a related field preferred.
  • Experience working with individuals impacted by substance use disorders or mental health conditions strongly preferred.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.
  • Ability to complete required training, competency assessments, CPR/First Aid, crisis-prevention training, and other facility-required education.
  • Ability to successfully complete all required pre-employment screenings.
  • Valid driver's license may be required depending on assigned duties.
  • Must demonstrate dependable attendance, sound judgment, professionalism, and the ability to work effectively in a 24/7 residential treatment environment.
  • Preferred: Certified Peer Recovery Specialist

Work Conditions & Physical Requirements
This position works in a residential behavioral health treatment environment and involves regular interaction with patients who may be experiencing emotional distress, behavioral health symptoms, withdrawal-related concerns, or other challenges associated with early recovery.
The position may require:
  • Standing and walking for extended periods
  • Frequent movement throughout the facility
  • Bending, reaching, and climbing stairs
  • Responding quickly to patient or facility emergencies
  • Assisting with patient safety interventions when appropriately trained
  • Working evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays based on facility staffing needs

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
Ready to Make a Difference?
If you want work that matters and believe people deserve compassionate support while rebuilding their lives, we would love to hear from you.
Join Renewal Falls Recovery Center and help us create an environment where safety, dignity, accountability, and hope are part of every patient's recovery journey.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Renewal Falls Recovery Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.