SUD Recovery Technician

Join McAlister Institute, a 48-year beacon in San Diego's Recovery Community.  

We are seeking a Recovery Technician who will provide operational support to the Recovery & Bridge Center, leveraging professional credentials or substantial experience in the SUD field. This role focuses on engagement, safety, recovery coaching, and maintaining a supportive and structured environment.

Benefits for YOU: 

• 13 paid annual holidays, including your birthday; 12 paid vacation days, paid sick leave
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility
• 403(b) Retirement Plan + up to 6% Employer Match
• Health Insurance available the first of the month following 30 days of employment (Sharp)
• EAP 

Key Responsibilities:  

• Support and implement the overall purpose, philosophy, values, and direction of McAlister Institute.
• Model ethical standards and maintain confidentiality and boundaries.
• Monitor clients during the sobering process and ensure safety.
• Assist with hygiene, transportation, and discharge coordination.
• Share lived experience to inspire hope and recovery (if applicable).
• Maintain up-to-date records and documentation.
• Facilitate warm handoffs and referrals to community partners.
• Other duties as assigned.

Shifts: Five, 8.5 hour shifts per week 

Shift 1: 6AM - 2:30PM, Monday - Sunday

Shift 2: 2PM - 10:30PM, Monday - Sunday

Shift 3: 10PM - 6:30AM, Saturday - Sunday

• Candidates must meet one of the following; certified SUD counselor, license-eligible mental health worker, certified peer support specialist with two years’ experience, seven years’ experience as a direct service provider in SUD field without a credential. 
• Must be CPR and First Aid certified on the date of employment or within 60 days of employment and maintain current certification throughout employment.
• Maintains knowledge of legal guidelines pertaining to EMTALA/COBRA and abuse/neglect reporting.
• Knowledgeable about harm reduction, trauma-informed care, patient-centered care, and motivational interviewing. 
• Ability to work effectively with a diverse population, including the impoverished, unhoused, and those suffering from chronic substance use and/or mental health challenges.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, written and verbal communication, adaptability, and professionalism. 
• Exudes a calm and competent manner, able to converse with medical professionals, lay persons, as well as persons or families and defuse crisis or high intensity situations.  
• Proficiency with software and/or equipment (Microsoft Office applications including Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint).
• Proficient with EHR Systems (e.g., Electronic Health Records such as Welligent or SmartCare). 
• Maintains confidentiality; listens to others without interrupting; effectively regulates emotions, especially under stress; remains open to others' ideas and tries new things.
• On-site position.
• Must possess a valid and unrestricted California Driver's License, with a good driving record, free of any major infractions.  
• Skills include strong paperwork and computer skills, ability to maintain-up-to-date records, exceptional written and verbal communication; ability to work in a team; excellent time management skills; and organizational abilities. 
• Must comply with all agency and contract requirements related to trainings, public health, certifications, reporting, etc. 
• Bilingual proficiency in Spanish and English strongly preferred.  Must be able to pass a drug test, background clearance, and provide a negative TB test. 
• Must be free of probation or parole for at least one year. 

Equal Opportunity Employer:

McAlister Institute is committed to creating a diverse environment and we are proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition (cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, or denial of medical and family care leave, any other non-job-related factors, and other characteristics protected by local, state, or federal anti-discrimination law covering employment.

Reasonable Accommodations: 

McAlister Institute is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the jobs@mcalisterinc.org., for more information. Please include your name and position you are applying for. 

Work Authorization Requirement:
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application. McAlister Institute does not participate in visa sponsorship programs, including H1-B visas, and will not provide sponsorship for any employment-based visas. 

Pre-Employment:
All employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of pre-employment requirements including a criminal background investigation, which involves fingerprinting. (A felony or misdemeanor conviction may disqualify the applicant from McAlister Institute employment as we are subject to County of San Diego contractual hiring requirements).  A pre-employment physical examination, and post-offer background check is required. Candidates must have at least one year clear of probation or parole, a drug test, and a negative TB test.

General Information & Considerations: 

Placement on the pay range is based on multiple factors including, but not limited to, relevant years of experience and qualifications.

Current McAlister Institute employees may receive priority consideration for positions when they meet essential qualifications.