The Recovery Support Specialist facilitates recovery sessions and provides advocacy for individuals in a crisis care setting. They document interactions in the EHR and collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to support wellness and community resource connection.
Requirements summary
Candidates must have a high school diploma and at least one year of personal recovery experience or experience supporting a loved one. Registration with the Virginia Board of Counseling and completion of the 72-hour Peer Recovery Specialist training are required.
high schoolprofessional certificateAdvocacyDocumentationRecovery supportCrisis interventionSafety protocolsMotivational interviewingTrauma-informed careBehavioral healthClinical documentationElectronic health recordTherapeutic allianceGroup facilitationPeer supportHarm reductionVerbal de-escalation
Job description
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.
Earn More with Shift Differentials
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 – Training (RSS-T) role is designed as a structured, hands-on learning path for individuals working toward full CRS certification. As an RSS-T, you’ll use your personal recovery journey to inspire hope, foster trust, and demonstrate that recovery is not only possible—but sustainable. Working alongside a Multidisciplinary Team, you’ll support both youth and adults in developing the skills, connections, and confidence needed for lasting wellness.
Benefits
Health insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Paid time off
Short-term disability
Long-term disability
Flexible spending accounts
Employee assistance program
Basic life insurance
Company holidays
Accident insurance
Hospital indemnity insurance
Critical illness insurance
AD&D insurance
Health savings accounts
401k company match
Facilitate or co-facilitate group and individual recovery sessions, creating safe spaces for connection and growth.
Advocate for individuals throughout their treatment, ensuring their needs and perspectives are represented.
Share personal recovery experiences to inspire, motivate, and empower others.
Promote trauma-informed care, helping to reduce seclusion and restraint through strong therapeutic relationships.
Work to lessen the instance of seclusion (if applicable) and restraint by building therapeutic alliance and exercising trauma informed care.
Connect individuals to community resources that support their unique recovery goals.
Support and promote multiple pathways to recovery, respecting each person’s chosen approach.
Collaborate closely with a Multidisciplinary Team throughout all stages of care.
Document all interactions in the Electronic Health Record (EHR) accurately and promptly.
Provide encouragement and guidance through appropriate, thoughtful self-disclosure.
Participate in required training, monthly meetings, and competency maintenance.
Lead or support daily programming and group activities.
Perform other duties as assigned to support recovery services.
We will provide up to 500 supervised hours toward the Virginia Board Peer Recovery Specialist Certification, giving you the structure, mentorship, and real-world experience needed to achieve your CRS credential.
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
Must be able to perform Safe Clinch restraint techniques
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.
Eeo statement
Connections Health Solutions is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We are committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all employees and applicants.
