Recovery Support Assistant

GAAMHA•Leominster, MA

About The Position

At GAAMHA, we believe recovery isn’t a solo journey. Everyone deserves dignity, respect, and the right support at the right time, especially when they’re walking through the door feeling overwhelmed, uncertain, or in need. As the Recovery Support Assistant (RSA) at Ripple Effect, you are often the first face someone sees and the first voice they hear. You’ll help create a welcoming, recovery-oriented space where people feel safe, respected, and supported. You’ll connect visitors to resources at the center and in the community, and you’ll also serve as a Peer mentor role—supporting members to identify goals, navigate barriers, and build wellness plans that strengthen long-term recovery. This role is ideal for someone who leads with empathy, believes in multiple pathways to recovery, and understands the power of peer connection.

Requirements

Must be a person in recovery from a substance use disorder with at least six months of sustained recovery, and able to demonstrate the health, stability, and self-care necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of the role.
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate with warmth, clarity, and respect.
Commitment to recovery principles including multiple pathways and peer support.
Basic computer skills are a plus.
Valid driver’s license required.

Nice To Haves

Recovery Coach training/certification (or willingness to complete).
Experience working or volunteering in peer recovery, community support, or behavioral health settings.
Bilingual or multilingual abilities.

Responsibilities

Greet every visitor with warmth, respect, and professionalism, creating a calm, stigma-free environment.
Provide orientation to Ripple Effect PRSC (services, schedules, community guidelines, and recovery supports).
Help visitors access GAAMHA services and community resources that match their needs.
Support daily center operations to keep the space clean, welcoming, and ready for members (coffee, snacks, tidying, dishwasher, restocking supplies).
Embrace a multiple pathways approach and provide support that is person-centered, strengths-based, and nonjudgmental.
After required training, provide Peer mentoring for members requesting one-on-one support.
Help members identify needs, strengths, and barriers—and collaborate on practical wellness plans and next steps.
Offer hope and encouragement while supporting autonomy, boundaries, and self-determination.
Open and close the center on assigned days/times, ensuring the building is safe, secure, and ready for programming.
Maintain appropriate boundaries and uphold confidentiality consistent with GAAMHA policy and applicable standards.
Use trauma-informed communication and de-escalation strategies when needed, following PRSC procedures.
Attend required meetings, supervision, and mandatory trainings.
Support, lead, or co-facilitate groups and center activities as assigned by the Program Director/Assistant Program Director.
Represent GAAMHA and Ripple Effect in the community through outreach, networking, and events as directed.
Carry GAAMHA’s mission, values, and professionalism into every interaction.
Other duties assigned by the Program Director.