State of Connecticut Executive Branch

Recovery Support Specialist Trainee (35 Hour) (5728HN)

$23.41-$31.80 Hourly / $1,638.59-$2,225.91 BiWeekly /
$42,767.00-$58,096.00 Yearly

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services this class is accountable for receiving training in using shared life experiences and recovery management techniques to engage, motivate, educate, and mentor clients in achieving individualized goals for successful community living.

GUIDELINES FOR JOB CLASS USE

This class is to be used as a recruitment and development vehicle for the class of Recovery Support Specialist. The Recovery Support Specialist is a non-clinical role, which does not involve treatment, assessment or evaluation. The duties are centered around mutuality and sharing a common recovery perspective and language with the client. A Recovery Support Specialist is expected to act as an educator and advocate, promoting the program values of autonomy, diversity and empowerment, and as a knowledgeable broker who is able to link clients to community-based supports and other resources. Duties are not case management in nature. Care is taken to sustain the ability of Recovery Support Specialists to present an alternative view of traditional mental health services.

The class is used in the following ways:

  • Inpatient Settings (Connecticut Valley Hospital, Southwest Connecticut Mental Health System, Connecticut Mental Health Center, Capitol Region Mental Health Center, and Southeast Mental Health Center): The primary role is to offer peer support to persons both prior and subsequent to discharge. The Recovery Support Specialist acts as a peer transition and community resource connector for the client and is part of a centralized programmatic service providing consultation to treatment teams.
  • Community/Outpatient Settings: The primary role of the Recovery Support Specialist is to offer peer support to persons seeking successful community living serving as a member of a clinical support team in a non-clinical capacity.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under the close supervision of a behavioral health professional; works more independently with acquired experience.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

  • Under immediate supervision guides clients through the process of defining personal goals for their recovery plans using existing evidence-based workbooks or person-centered planning tools; 
  • Receives training in supporting and guiding clients in following tasks outlined in recovery plan (i.e., pursuing goals related to employment, education, community involvement and the use of natural supports); 
  • Under immediate supervision guides clients in identifying and exercising their rights; 
  • Participates in rehabilitative and recovery-oriented interventions to meet clients’ needs and goals; 
  • Provides information and support to clients and encourages their development of community networks and activities relating to community integration; 
  • Provides basic instruction and skill training in recovery management to clients and families; 
  • Under immediate supervision acts as a peer health navigator to engage clients who have or are at risk for co-morbid medical conditions in wellness activities; 
  • Supports clients to secure information about resources relevant to their wellness; 
  • Supports clients in obtaining services that meet their recovery needs; 
  • Supports clients in dealing with internal and external stress; 
  • Attends medical/clinical appointments with clients in a peer capacity; 
  • Accompanies clients as peers on volunteer opportunities and activities; 
  • Gains knowledge and experience in organizing and conducting workshops on topics related to recovery and wellness including New Employee Orientation at the local level; 
  • Observes and reports clients’ behavior; 
  • Prepares and submits incident or other related forms; 
  • Updates clients’ notes in the medical record as required; 
  • Enters computerized data as required; 
  • May coach adaptive client behaviors through verbal communication; 
  • May provide outreach and transportation; 
  • Performs related duties as required.
INPATIENT SETTINGS: 

In addition to the duties listed above, the duties move from providing one-on-one peer support to teaching coping and community adjustment skills and linking the client with important community resources, and include the following:

  • Accompanies clients off the unit and onto the hospital campus or community to practice entering unexpected situations and managing stress and disorientation;
  • Accompanies clients on day passes to the community to acclimate the client to their new community;
  • May provide coverage at Peer Desk Center to engage and offer peer support to the general hospital population.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

  • Knowledge of
    • community support systems and resources; 
    • person-centered planning, Wellness Recovery Action Planning and other recovery management techniques; 
    • the principles and procedures of psychiatric rehabilitation; 
  • Skills
    • interpersonal skills; 
    • oral and written communication skills; 
  • Ability to
    • observe and suggest redirection in client behavior; 
    • utilize computer software.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

Completion of the Recovery Support Specialist Certification.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Incumbents must adhere to the DMHAS Peer Support Ethical Guidelines.
  • Incumbents in this class may be required to be bilingual or fluent in American Sign Language.
  • Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.
  • Incumbents in this class may be required to possess and maintain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator's license.

APPOINTMENT

After completion of six (6) months of successful and satisfactory performance as a Recovery Support Specialist Trainee, an incumbent will be moved to the Recovery Support Specialist classification, HN 14 Step 1 (on the first pay period following the completion of the six (6) month requirement).

JOB CLASS DESIGNATION

Classified/Non-Competitive

OCCUPATIONAL GROUP

(25)-Patient and Inmate Care

BARGAINING UNIT

(10)-HEALTH NONPROF(NP-6)

EEO

(5)-Para-Professional

SALARY INFORMATION

HN 13

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

As defined by Sec. 5-196 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a job class is a position or group of positions that share general characteristics and are categorized under a single title for administrative purposes. As such, a job class is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task and/or responsibility.

CANCELLATION CLAUSE

This replaces the existing specification for the class of Recovery Support Specialist Trainee (35 Hour) in Salary Group HN 13 approved effective September 29, 2023. (Revised to modify content) Item No. 23-196

EFFECTIVE DATE

01/19/2024
CLASS: 5728HN; EST: 11/5/2010; REV: 1/23/2024;