Recovery Engagement Specialist I

Role Summary: The Recovery Engagement Specialist I provides social support and services to individuals experiencing homelessness and substance use disorders. This role is responsible for participant engagement, safety, crisis management, intake processes, and documentation in the emergency shelter. The Specialist collaborates with shelter staff, community partners, and other departments to ensure participants receive appropriate support and resources.

Role Requirements and Preferences:

Required:

• Valid Driver's license and reliable transportation
• Minimum of 6 months of sustained recovery and demonstrated knowledge of recovery principles.
• Completion of Peer Support Specialist certification after 1 year (preferred.)
• Completion of a High School Diploma or equivalent (preferred.)
• Negative pre-employment drug test. Our company is a proud drug-free workplace. As a condition or employment, all employees are expected to adhere by our policy which prohibits the misuse of drugs and alcohol in the workplace.

Key Competencies:

1. Respect: "Respect" as a core value refers to valuing each individual, fostering inclusivity, and ensuring all interactions are grounded in dignity, care, empathy, and fairness. It involves recognizing the worth and contributions of every team member, creating an environment where people feel valued, heard, and supported. We actively listen. We acknowledge and value others contributions. We treat others with courtesy, compassion, and kindness.
2. Integrity: "Integrity" as a core value refers to consistently acting with authenticity, truth, transparency, and accountability, even when it is difficult or inconvenient. It emphasizes ethical decision-making, fairness, and a commitment to doing what is best and honorable in the face of complex and difficult circumstances. We act with integrity and fairness. We are accountable. We prioritize fairness and dignity.
3. Dedicated: "Dedicated" as a core value refers to a strong commitment to the organization’s mission, goals, and values. It reflects perseverance, responsibility, loyalty, and an unwavering focus on delivering results and contributing meaningfully to the success of the team and organization. Dedication is about going the extra mile, staying motivated, and consistently demonstrating a sense of ownership. We are consistent and reliable. We go above and beyond. We persevere in the face of challenges.
4. Growth Minded: "Growth Minded" as a core value refers to a commitment to continuous improvement, learning, humility, and adapting to challenges with resilience and curiosity. It embodies a belief in the potential for development and sustainable change - both personally and professionally - and an openness to feedback and change. We seek and act on feedback. We embrace challenges as opportunities. We recognize that secondary trauma and compassion fatigue can impact us and seek the appropriate support and resources to care for ourselves. We pursue continuous learning.
5. Teamwork: "Teamwork" as a core value refers to fostering a collaborative environment where individuals work together toward shared goals and our mission, leveraging each other's strengths and supporting one another to achieve success. It emphasizes mutual respect, open communication, and a unified commitment to the team's success. We collaborate openly and effectively. We support and encourage other team members. We resolve conflicts constructively.

Additional Competencies:

• Ethical conduct/practice

• Be familiar with relevant Codes of Ethics
• Demonstrate a thorough understanding of boundaries and self-care

• Organizational Skills

• Ability to multitask and prioritize in a fast-paced environment
• Decision-making: sound judgment and effective use of available resources
• Good organizational skills
• Attention to detail: thorough and accurate documentation

• Guest engagement

• Passion for the impacted population

• Customer service: non-judgmental, empathetic, trustworthy, and attentive listening skills
  • Willingness to take initiative

• Communication

• Strong written and oral communication skills

• Teamwork: effective communication and collaboration with staff
  • Ability to build rapport and collaborate effectively with guests, colleagues, and community partners

• Flexibility

• Adaptability to changing environment, schedules, culture, and processes
• Maintain emotional stability in high-stress situations
• Creativity to advance the organization
• Humility to continually grow and learn from others

• Computer skills

• Proficiency in Excel, Outlook, Microsoft Word, and data entry

Core Responsibilities:

• Shelter Setup and Management

• Set up and break down of shelter
• Oversee all check-in procedures (bed assignment, searches, storage of guest property including medication, cell phones, and weapons)
• Maintain accurate rosters/shelter cards to account for all guests utilizing shelter

• Adhere to all policies and procedures of the organization
• Maintain inventory of shelter items issued to participants (towels, blankets, hygiene items).
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support shelter operations

• Guest Interaction and Orientation

• Introduce guests to staff and orient them to the shelter

• Document participant observations and incidents accurately and confidentially

• Offer support, encouragement, and resource connections to participants
• Coordinate chores, kitchen volunteers, meeting attendance, laundry volunteers, and transportation to meals while on shift

• Perform intake interviews with each guest upon first engagement, including completion of HMIS (Homeless Management Information System) assessment
• Perform exit interviews with shelter guests to direct them to relevant community resources

• Safety and Security

• Work to ensure a safe environment for staff, guests, and program participants by completing regular shelter rounds
• Perform searches of guests, including the use of a metal detector wand
• Assess, work with, and refer clients regarding potential or exhibited violent, self-destructive, or dangerous behaviors
• Exhibit effective de-escalation and crisis management skills

• Overall Communication Coordination

• Coordinate with community partners to ensure access to resources if Healing Transitions is unable to meet the immediate needs of any guest
• Coordinate with other staff or on-call personnel for emergencies or high-risk situations
• Collaborate with law enforcement, community partners, and other programs for after-hours referrals
• Establish, foster, and maintain relationships with community partners
• Have a working knowledge of unhoused resources within the community

Work Environment: This role involves the use of standard office equipment, including computers, phones, copiers, and filing cabinets. Employees may occasionally be exposed to wet or humid outdoor conditions. The typical noise level is moderate. Reasonable accommodations are available to support individuals living with disabilities in performing job duties.

Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently needs to sit, use hands to handle or feel, and reach with arms. Occasionally, the employee must stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, and taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move more than 30 pounds. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Reasonable accommodations are available to support individuals living with disabilities in fulfilling these responsibilities.

Language Requirements: English is the primary language of software, documents, participants, and staff of HT, though speaking additional languages is a valuable asset. Must have the ability to read, analyze, and interpret common documents; the ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from participants, or members of the community; and the ability to effectively present information to top management and public groups.

Travel Requirements: There may be mandatory meetings and/or trainings that take place on another campus or location. You are required to travel to the appropriate location at these times.