Part-Time Recovery Support Specialist

Job Description:

The Recovery Support Specialist (RSS) provides non-clinical, strengths-based, wellness-focused support for Washington and Lee University students in recovery from alcohol or other substance use problems. The RSS will provide support for all aspects of students’ substance abuse recovery plans, tailoring support to individual student needs. The primary target group are students participating in the Washingtonian Society and residing in the Washingtonian House, a recovery support residence. The RSS will also help with campus outreach and education aimed at the general campus community for the purposes of enhancing awareness of recovery resources, helping educate faculty and staff, and facilitating peer-to-peer support among students. The RSS will co-facilitate regular support group meetings, help students in the Washingtonian Society plan and implement social and recreational activities, and accompany students on occasional weekend outings. The anticipated start date for this position is August 15, 2022.

Washington and Lee University actively promotes a dynamic and inclusive environment that allows students and employees of multiple backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives to learn, work, and thrive together. Successful candidates will contribute to that environment and exhibit potential for excellence in their areas of expertise.

Essential and Related Functions:

• Provide direct support in the role of educator, group facilitator, coach, and mentor to students in recovery or who are considering recovery.
  
  
• Assist students in recovery develop and implement their personal recovery plans.
  
  
• Document student contacts effectively and in a timely manner. Develop processes to track student progress.
  
  
• Co-facilitate regular support group meetings.
  
  
• Help students find enjoyable alternatives to campus social drinking, including helping plan and implement social and recreational activities at W&L and in conjunction with students in recovery programs at nearby universities.
  
  
• Provide outreach to campus student groups and individual students about substance abuse, recovery, and other associated health and wellness issues.
  
  
• Work directly with communications and marketing professionals to promote, strengthen, and grow the recovery program.
  
  
• Manage Washingtonian Society expenditures and submit budget requests.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree is required. Must have personal experience with substance use disorders and treatment.
  
  
• Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CASC) or equivalent preferred.
  
  
• Knowledge of ethical boundaries and guidelines as they pertain to treatment.
  
  
• Understanding of the recovery model as it pertains to substance use disorders and of 12-step recovery groups and process.
  
  
• General knowledge of mental health conditions affecting college students.
  
  
• Knowledge of ethical principles informing recovery work, including ability to document protected health information, maintain confidentiality, and seek consultation when needed.
  
  
• Must exhibit and practice effective interpersonal communication skills. Ability to work cooperatively and effectively with all members of the W&L community, including students, faculty, and staff.
  
  
• Must exercise and demonstrate sound judgment and maintain confidentiality. Ability to respond quickly and effectively to crisis situations until additional clinical support is available.
  
  
• Must be able to work independently or with limited supervision and complete work in a timely manner.
  
  

Work Schedule: This is a 10-month position, working 10-15 hours per week, mid-August through mid-June. The work schedule is flexible, including occasional evenings and weekends. This position can be a combination of in-person and remote work.

Minimum Pay: $22.00/hour. Pay commensurate with experience.

Application Instructions:

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. A resume and cover letter are required. Attach both documents in the Resume/CV document upload section of the application. You will be asked to provide names and contact information for three professional references.

External Applicants: Application instructions for external applicants are located on the jobs.wlu.edu or here .

Current W&L Employees: Apply from your existing Workday account. Instructions are located at jobs.wlu.edu or here .

Position Type:

Non-Exempt, Part Time, Non-Benefit Eligible

The university requires employees to become fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and new employees must provide proof of at least their first shot prior to the first day of employment. Boosters are required. Individuals may seek a medical or a religious exemption to the vaccination requirement.