Resource & Recovery Support Specialist

New Beginnings is seeking a compassionate, organized, and resourceful Resource & Recovery Support Specialist to assist individuals receiving substance use disorder services with accessing essential community resources and supports. The Resource & Recovery Support Specialist will work directly with clients to identify barriers to stability and recovery and assist them in connecting with appropriate community, government, housing, employment, healthcare, and social-service resources.

New Beginnings – Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Program



Position Type: Full-Time
Department: Substance Use Disorder Services
Reports To: Program Director/Clinical Supervisor
Location: Maryland



Position Summary



New Beginnings is seeking a compassionate, organized, and resourceful Resource & Recovery Support Specialist to assist individuals receiving substance use disorder services with accessing essential community resources and supports.



The Resource & Recovery Support Specialist will work directly with clients to identify barriers to stability and recovery and assist them in connecting with appropriate community, government, housing, employment, healthcare, and social-service resources.



This position is an important part of our SUD treatment team and focuses on helping clients successfully navigate systems that can be difficult to access while they are working toward recovery and greater independence.



Essential Responsibilities



The Resource & Recovery Support Specialist will:

• Assist SUD clients with identifying and accessing appropriate community resources.
• Help clients obtain or replace essential identification and documentation, including:
  • Maryland identification cards
  • Social Security cards
  • Birth certificates
  • Other identification and vital records
• Assist clients with navigating applications for public benefits and government programs.
• Provide referrals and assistance with accessing:
  • Social Security Administration resources
  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
  • Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA), when applicable
  • Medicaid and other healthcare resources
  • Food pantries and emergency food assistance
  • Clothing and household assistance
  • Transportation resources
  • Employment and workforce-development programs
  • Educational and vocational resources
  • Legal and advocacy resources
  • Community health resources
• Assist clients in identifying safe and appropriate housing options, including:
  • Emergency shelters
  • Transitional housing
  • Recovery housing
  • Permanent supportive housing
  • Affordable housing resources
  • Housing assistance programs
• Develop and maintain an up-to-date directory of community resources available to individuals with substance use and co-occurring behavioral health needs.
• Establish and maintain working relationships with local community organizations, government agencies, housing providers, food programs, transportation providers, and other service organizations.
• Assist clients with completing applications, gathering required documentation, making appointments, and understanding eligibility requirements.
• Accompany or assist clients with navigating community systems when appropriate and permitted by program policy.
• Advocate for clients while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries and confidentiality.
• Coordinate with counselors, case managers, peer support staff, medical staff, and other members of the treatment team to address client needs.
• Participate in treatment-team meetings and provide updates regarding resource-related barriers and progress.
• Document client contacts, referrals, services, and follow-up activities accurately and in a timely manner in accordance with New Beginnings policies and applicable Maryland requirements.
• Follow all confidentiality requirements, including HIPAA and applicable federal and Maryland confidentiality requirements governing substance use disorder records.
• Maintain professional boundaries and operate within the scope of the position and applicable Maryland regulations.
• Perform other duties related to client support and community resource coordination as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience working in human services, behavioral health, substance use disorder services, case management, community outreach, social services, or a related field preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Maryland community resources and social-service systems.
• Experience working with individuals experiencing substance use disorders, mental health conditions, homelessness, poverty, or other barriers to accessing services preferred.
• Strong communication, organization, advocacy, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries and protect confidential client information.
• Ability to document services accurately and timely.
• Basic computer proficiency and ability to learn electronic health record/documentation systems.
• Must successfully complete all required background checks and organizational onboarding requirements.
• Certified Associate Counselor–Alcohol and Drug (CAC-AD)
• Certified Supervised Counselor–Alcohol and Drug (CSC-AD)
• Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS)