Program Support & Recovery Specialist

Organization: Community Day Center of Waltham

Reports to: Executive Director

Hours: part time, (20 hrs/week)

About the Organization:

The Community Day Center of Waltham is a drop-in day shelter that provides a core range of services to people facing homelessness in Metrowest.

Our services include but are not limited to: case management that supports our guests with finding, securing, and maintaining housing, a seasonal overnight program, meal services, mail services, AA meetings, Smart Recovery, other support for substance abuse recovery, shower and laundry facilities, and essential hygiene and clothing distributions.

Please also note that the Community Day Center is not a traditional office setting! We are a drop-in center, meaning a typical day looks like 30-40 people mulling about in your workspace. Be prepared that plans often go awry, it will always be noisy, and the unexpected will happen!

If environments like this excite you, and you seek to make a difference in the lives of deeply underserved populations, we want to hear from you!

About the Role:

The Program Support & Recovery Specialist serves as one of the first points of contact for guests at our center. This position is fast-paced and client-facing; the successful candidate must be comfortable working directly with people experiencing mental illness, substance use disorders, and domestic violence.

After thorough training, the Program Support & Recovery Specialist can expect to divide their time equally between providing general operation support and running recovery programming. We currently offer two recovery group meetings per week, and we would like to implement five hours per week of individual recovery coaching for our guests.

Duties:

Operations Support (50%)

Front Desk:

Respond to incoming phone calls, greet visitors and guests, book appointments for them as needed.

Guest Support & Drop-In Center Management:

Assist in maintaining a welcoming and supportive environment in the drop-in space by distributing basic needs items (e.g., toiletries, clothing, supplies) and helping guests navigate available services.

Recovery Specialist (50%)

Group Facilitation:

Lead two recovery-focused support groups each week, providing a safe, inclusive space for participants at various stages of substance use recovery.

Individual Recovery Coaching:

Offer one-on-one peer-based coaching, helping clients set and work toward personal recovery goals through motivational support and accountability.

Action Planning:

Collaborate with clients to develop individualized recovery action plans tailored to their specific needs, strengths, and readiness for change.

Resource Navigation:

Connect clients with appropriate recovery-related resources such as detox programs, outpatient treatment, mutual aid groups, and supportive housing options.

Progress Tracking & Documentation:

Maintain accurate records of client interactions, recovery goals, and outcomes to support program evaluation and continuity of care.

Qualifications:

Lived or professional experience with substance use disorder

• In recovery from substance use or
• Has experience working with individuals who suffer from substance use disorder

Basic computer proficiency

• Comfortable using Gmail, Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, etc.), and other basic digital tools

Experience facilitating recovery meetings

• Familiarity with AA, SMART Recovery, or similar recovery models
• Open to exploring and leading various recovery approaches

Experience supporting marginalized communities

• Can include paid or volunteer roles
• Demonstrated ability to engage with diverse populations with empathy and respect

Experience working with unhoused populations (Highly desirable)

• Understanding of the unique challenges faced by people experiencing homelessness

Fluency in Spanish (Highly desirable)

• Ability to communicate effectively with Spanish-speaking individuals and communities