Recovery Support Specialist Trainee (40 Hour)
Office/On-Site
Recruitment #260415-5728FK-001
| Location |
Waterbury, CT
|
|---|---|
| Date Opened | 4/23/2026 12:00:00 AM |
| Salary | $50,098* - $68,056/year (*New state employees start at the minimum) |
| Job Type | Open to the Public |
| Close Date | 5/4/2026 11:59:00 PM |
Introduction
We are seeking a compassionate and dedicated professional to support individuals on their recovery journey from mental health and substance use challenges.
The Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) is seeking a full‑time (40 hours/week) Recovery Support Specialist Trainee within the Western Connecticut Mental Health Network (WCMHN) at the Behavioral Health Home in Waterbury.
What We Can Offer You
• Access to a comprehensive suite of state employee benefits
• NEW: Visit our State Employee Benefits Overview page to explore available options
• Opportunities for professional growth and development
• A strong commitment to promoting a healthy work/life balance
Position Highlights
• Use client‑centered approaches to help individuals identify recovery priorities, build strengths, develop skills, and connect with community supports while maintaining confidentiality
• Participate in rehabilitative interventions, support clients in meeting their goals, and provide observations to both clients and the clinical team
• Provide outreach, engagement, and recovery‑oriented interventions as identified in recovery plans
• Assist with community integration by supporting attendance at self‑help meetings, medical appointments, and use of public transportation
• Deliver psychoeducational interventions to BHH clients and families regarding recovery practices linked to medical conditions, under nurse supervision
• Engage clients at risk or with medical needs in wellness activities, accompany them to pertinent appointments, and offer peer support navigating healthcare systems and managing stress
• Complete timely and accurate medical record documentation in accordance with agency policies
• Utilize computer software for documentation and training
• Travel to provide services and participate in meetings
Schedule
• 1st shift: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
• Full‑time, 40 hours per week
A comprehensive medical examination, including drug screening, is required following a conditional offer of employment. All state employees must comply with Connecticut’s Drug‑Free Workplace Policy.
Position Control Number (PCN): 136232
About Us
DMHAS is dedicated to promoting the health and wellness of individuals with behavioral health needs through an integrated, holistic network of services that foster dignity, respect, and self‑sufficiency.
The WCMHN-Waterbury Area, under the umbrella of the Western Connecticut Mental Health Network is responsible for the clinical, fiscal and administrative oversight of state-operated and contracted agencies providing mental health services in the Greater Waterbury area.
Selection Plan
For Assistance in Applying
• Review the Applicant Tips on How to Apply.
• Visit the Applicant Reference Library for additional support throughout the recruitment process.
Before You Apply
• Meet Minimum Qualifications: Ensure you meet the Minimum Qualifications listed on the posting by the closing date. These qualifications must be clearly specified on your application.
• Educational Credits: List your earned credits and degrees accurately. Institutions must be accredited. For foreign education, provide equivalency documentation from a recognized U.S. accrediting service.
• Resume Policy: Per Public Act 21‑69, resumes are not accepted during the initial application process. Additional documents (cover letter, transcripts, performance reviews, etc.) may be requested later.
• Preferred Shift/Location: Select all locations and shifts you are willing to work. Failure to do so may limit your consideration for specific vacancies.
• Timely Submission: All application materials must be submitted by the posting deadline. Revisions cannot be made after you submit. Late submissions are rarely accepted; applicants may request exceptions by emailing DAS.SHRM@ct.gov and providing documentation of incapacitating circumstances during the entire posting period.
• Salary Calculations: For current state employees, salary calculations may differ between branches of state government.
• How to Apply: The only way to apply is through the “Apply” or “Apply Online” buttons on the official State of Connecticut Online Employment Center posting.
After You Apply
• Check Your Status: Email providers may delay messages. Regularly review your Personal Status Board for updates, questionnaires, and tasks. You may also enable SMS notifications.
• Referral Questions: You may be required to complete Referral Questions (RQs) after the posting closes. Access them through your email or your Personal Status Board.
• Prepare for an Interview: Only candidates whose experience aligns most closely with the role will be interviewed. Review the Interview Preparation Guide to get ready.
• Stay Connected: Monitor your Personal Status Board daily and check all email folders (including spam).
• Future Vacancies: Applications to this recruitment may be considered for future vacancies in this job class.
• Employment Rules: Positions are filled in accordance with contractual language, reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion, and merit rules. Employees are also bound by the State Code of Ethics (www.ct.gov/ethics).
Questions? We’re Here to Help
Due to high volume, we are unable to confirm receipt or provide individual status updates. For recruitment updates, check your Personal Status Board or review the Frequently Asked Questions. For additional questions about the process, contact Ben Beaudry at Benjamin.Beaudry@ct.gov.
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.
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 their 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 on to 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 a recovery support certification.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
• Experience providing services to individuals with mental health conditions
• Experience providing services to individuals with chronic physical illness
• Experience providing services to individuals with substance use disorders
• Experience facilitating psychoeducation groups
• Experience advocating for individuals with mental health conditions
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.
Conclusion
AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.
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.
Click on a link below to apply for this position:
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