Role Overview: Residential Support Specialist

In this role, you’ll be a key member of a treatment team working within a residential work-release program. Your primary mission is to support state inmates as they transition through substance abuse recovery and reintegrate into society. You’ll wear two hats: a clinical counselor providing therapy and life-planning, and ensuring the facility remains safe and accountable.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Clinical Support: You’ll manage a caseload, conducting risk assessments and creating personalized service plans. This includes leading individual and group counseling sessions, lectures, and crisis interventions.

• Case Management: From initial intake to aftercare planning, you’ll maintain detailed electronic records, write progress reports, and collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to track resident growth.

• Security & Safety: To keep the environment safe, you’ll perform headcounts, conduct facility searches, monitor drug screenings (urinalysis), and manage entry/exit logs for visitors and residents.

• Compliance: You’ll ensure everything stays up to code with state regulations (NJAC, DOC, PREA) and report any contract violations immediately.

Who You Are

• Qualified: You hold a CADC or LCADC (or a similar licensed health professional certification).

• Tech-Savvy: You’re comfortable with databases, spreadsheets, and client tracking software.

• Reliable: You have a valid driver’s license, a registered vehicle, and can pass a comprehensive background check.

• Resilient & Ethical: You understand the complexities of addictive personalities and can maintain firm boundaries while showing genuine empathy.

The Logistics

• Salary: $45,000 – $55,000 per year.

• Environment: A residential facility. While usually a standard work week, you’ll participate in an on-call rotation for after-hours emergencies and may occasionally work evenings or weekends.

• Benefits: Full health insurance, paid time off, and a 401k plan with company matching.