About Community Action House
Since its founding in 1969, Community Action House has been the focal point of community efforts to provide critical support and pathways out of poverty for our neighbors in need. Our community-powered work takes a client-centric approach that meets people wherever they are at and offers services that enhance ownership and agency. Our work is organized in three interconnected areas: Food Access, Resource Navigation, and Financial Wellness. Welcome, excellence, and collaboration are some of our core values. Learn more at
In October 2021, we launched our new 'Food Club & Opportunity Hub' to expand efficient, impactful healthy food assistance with the on-site integration of other pathway programs. More recently, we announced a partnership with Dwelling Place to help address the affordable housing crisis here in Holland. In July 2023, we publicly launched our expansion of Lakeshore Food Rescue (
Organizational budget: $9M-10M (inclusive of $5M in-kind support)
Agency Size: 60-70 staff and 2,300+ annual volunteers
Our Values
Who we are. Who we aspire to be. What drives us. What unites us. Learn more, here!
Radically Welcoming Guest-Centered Lead with Kindness Curiosity-Driven Always Improving Collaborative by Design Contagious Commitment One Team
Position Details Position: 20-35 hours per week
Hours available: Monday - Friday 8:00am-5pm. Some weekend or evening hours needed on occasion.
Reporting to: Housing Access Program Manager
Position term: Temporary. This position is temporary due to a leave of absence of an existing employee. The duration of this role is contingent upon the employee's return to work. We are committed to providing support during this period and will communicate any updates regarding the status of the position as necessary.
Compensation: $20 - $25/hr
Benefits: Temporary positions are not eligible for our benefits package
About the Position Are you passionate about walking with people on their recovery journey? Do you seek one-on-one connection with people? Are you interested in working with our neighbors working through substance abuse? Join our Outreach Team as a Temporary Recovery Specialist! We're seeking a teammate who promotes harm reduction strategies and leads with compassion, loves building relationships, and is a strong advocate for our community.
As a Temporary Recovery Specialist, you'll work in collaboration with our Outreach Team and Ottawa County Community Mental Health (CMH) to walk with our houseless neighbors by educating on harm reduction, connecting to recovery resources, and conducting wellness checks.
Qualifications Completed Michigan Certification as Recovery Coach (CAR trained), or Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Certified Peer Recovery Coach, or have the ability to be trained and certified Visit Michigan Health & Human Services for more information on the certification process and application. Understanding of and respect for each individual's unique path to recovery Working knowledge of the drug and alcohol treatment system and a demonstrated commitment to the recovery community Previous understanding or willingness to learn about local Ottawa and Allegan county addiction, recovery and harm reduction resources Understanding of Narcan, and comfort with teaching about and administering it Ability to work independently and manage multiple concurrent cases and deliver results Ability to work effectively in collaboration with diverse groups of people Strong communication skills and openness with team members and community members Comfort with technology and database entry and management. Experience in recording case notes and database management preferred Self-reflective, humble, and able to compassionately engage and process with coworkers and diverse populations with a history of addiction/substance abuse and trauma Community Action House is open to considering qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories and personal addiction history, consistent with legal requirements and Michigan Certification as Recovery Coach (CAR trained), or Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Certified Peer Recovery Coach credentials Spanish language proficiency, preferred Regular Tasks in this Role - Working with guests facing addiction Actively identify and provide connection to community resources provided by Ottawa County Community Mental Health (CMH) and other organizations that support the recovering person's goals, by collaborating with the guest, Outreach team, CMH, and other community organizations. Work with guests to identify their personal interests, goals, strengths and weaknesses regarding recovery and collaboratively develop their own plan for advancing their recovery and maintaining a harm reduction plan. Connect Outreach guests to necessary supplies and provide referrals to harm reduction and recovery care, as needed. Provide education and training around Narcan to the Outreach guests, and administer Narcan when necessary. Coordinating with Community Mental Health Maintain weekly connection with Ottawa County Community Mental Health (CMH) Addiction & Recovery Program coaches and leadership to advocate for guest needs and leverage existing resources. Work closely with CMH substance use and mental health teams, and collaborate consistently with CMH Recovery Coach in order to provide the highest level of care. Conduct post-overdose wellness checks for our houseless neighbors, in collaboration with existing county practices, and providing connection to treatment or education on harm reduction strategies. Supporting and educating our Outreach Team Work closely with the Housing Access Program Manager and VP of Programs provide and promote recovery and harm reduction education to Outreach guests, other Outreach team members, volunteers and partners as appropriate. Educate on addiction treatment options, harm reduction, and mental & physical health services to best assist in a guest's journey to recovery. Collect and provide data on the Recovery program, as requested. Locate and build relationships with clients experiencing homelessness throughout Ottawa county; identify their barriers and make appropriate referrals to local resources. Assist clients with a variety of tasks including applying for benefits from local, state, and federal agencies and locating appropriate resources. Carefully listening to client stories with the ability to both empathize as well as search for solutions to potentially ambiguous underlying issues. Maintain timely and accurate program and client records. Support team members with data entry, case notes, and database management projects as assigned. Physical Factors This position may require the ability to hike to outdoors encampments in variable weather conditions. This position may require some light lifting on occasion. Additional Requirements. Must be in active recovery, with two continuous years in recovery prior to application. This position requires the ability to drive between CAH buildings and to various community locations throughout Ottawa County, predominantly Holland/Zeeland area. Must be able to work independently and occasionally non-traditional hours (weekends, evenings) to support events and recruitment activities. We will be checking references between the final interview and an offer. Please be prepared to provide 2 to 3 references.
Application
Interviews are conducted on a rolling basis until position is filled. To apply, submit resume and 1 page cover letter, depending on position. Contact with questions.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Community Action House is committed to creating a diverse work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, medical condition related to pregnancy or childbirth), sexual orientation, and gender identity, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, height, weight, marital status, veteran status, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws. We encourage applicants of all backgrounds to apply.
Note: This Job Description is a description of the typical duties of this position, and is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties. Job incumbents may be asked to perform other duties as required.
