Certified Recovery Support Specialist

Carle Health is seeking a compassionate and motivated Certified Recovery Support Specialist to join our Community & Social Services team within our Healthcare & Medical Services network. In this role, you will use your lived experience in mental health and/or substance use recovery, combined with formal training and certification, to provide peer-based support to individuals working toward recovery and improved wellness.
As a Certified Recovery Support Specialist at Carle Health, you will partner with patients, families, and interdisciplinary care teams to promote hope, empowerment, self-advocacy, and community integration. You will meet with patients in clinical, community, and home-based settings to offer emotional support, share recovery-oriented resources, model effective coping skills, and assist individuals in identifying their strengths, goals, and personal recovery plans. You will help patients navigate healthcare and social service systems, connect them to community programs, and encourage engagement in treatment and support networks.
Working closely with social workers, nurses, physicians, therapists, and case managers, you will contribute your unique peer perspective in care planning and care coordination discussions. You will assist patients in preparing for appointments, understanding care recommendations, and developing self-management strategies that support long-term recovery. You will collaborate with the team to identify barriers to care—such as housing instability, transportation, stigma, or lack of social support—and help patients problem‑solve and access appropriate community resources.
Documentation and communication are essential components of this position. You will maintain accurate, timely, and confidential records of patient encounters in the electronic health record, following Carle Health and regulatory standards. You will observe and report significant changes in patient status or safety concerns to the appropriate clinical staff while maintaining appropriate boundaries and adhering to ethical guidelines for peer support.
Education and outreach are also key parts of this role. You may participate in recovery groups, workshops, or classes that focus on skills such as relapse prevention, self-care, stress management, and navigating community resources. You will help foster a recovery-oriented culture within Carle Health by promoting person‑centered care, trauma‑informed practices, and respect for patient autonomy and dignity. You may also assist in orienting new staff to the recovery model and providing input on policies and programs that impact individuals with mental health and substance use conditions.
Carle Health is a leading healthcare provider with a focus on community-based care, integrating advanced medical treatment and innovative research to improve patient outcomes. As part of this mission-driven organization, you will join a culture that values innovation, teamwork, and a commitment to excellence in patient care and safety. Employees at Carle Health can expect roles centered around impactful healthcare, collaborative teamwork, and opportunities for professional growth.
This position is well-suited for individuals who are reliable, flexible, and able to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, cultural humility, and the ability to build trusting relationships with diverse populations are critical. Familiarity with community resources, recovery principles, and basic computer and electronic health record systems will support your success in this role.
Carle Health supports employee well‑being with a comprehensive benefits package that typically includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, life insurance, and retirement savings options such as a 401k. Within this supportive environment, Certified Recovery Support Specialists have the opportunity to grow professionally through training, supervision, and involvement in quality improvement initiatives that advance recovery-oriented care across the organization.