RECOVER Program

Nurturing success and ending the stigma

Southwestern Pennsylvania has one of the highest rates of use, overdoses, and deaths from overdoses in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, with five of six counties in Southwestern Pennsylvania ranking in the top 20% of counties in overdose death rates. Although the fatality rate has dropped over the past three years, the 454 lives lost in 2019 represent too high of a number – but there is still hope.

Employment is a powerful aspect of recovery, as it offers recovering individuals a sense of meaning and accomplishment. The RECOVER (Recovery Employment Connections for Occupations, Vocations and Employer Resources) Program is designed to support individuals on that journey to finding continued success.

Who’s Eligible

The RECOVER Program is available to support individuals who meet the following criteria:

  • Active participant in an Outpatient Treatment Program or other recovery support group
  • Self-disclosure of diagnosed Substance Use Disorder
  • Must live in a county where we provide services: Allegheny, Beaver, Fayette, Greene, Washington, or Westmoreland
  • A desire and ability to follow through with commitments, such as keeping appointments and interviews

Program Structure

Readiness

With opportunities for vocational assessment and job search support, we ensure that our clients are ready to enter or re-enter the workforce, equipping them for success in recovery and in the workplace. We cover the following:

  • Identifying barriers and establishing a foundation for recovery
  • Building communication, interview, computer, and self-advocacy skills
  • Resources specific to each participant’s needs

Placement

Matching each client with a position that reflects their skills and interests allows each individual to thrive in recovery and at work. We help clients visualize life after addiction through:

  • Identifying individualized vocation and suitable positions
  • Assisting in the application and interview process
  • Working with employers on job development opportunities

Retention

We remain in contact with the participant, treatment facility and employer as needed to ensure success. During this time, job coaches and clients continue to work on areas that need addressing or improvement. This may involve:

  • Continuing job coaching services and intervention on a case-by-case basis
  • Finding new employment for individuals who haven’t found the right fit

Employer Education

 

We strive to eliminate the stigma that employers may have towards individuals with OUD. Part of our placement process includes an educational component geared towards potential partnering organizations, addressing several topics and myths about hiring an individual with OUD, such as:

“What is the difference between addiction and recovery?”

“Why is it beneficial to hire individuals in recovery?”

“What if a participant relapses?”

“What policies should I have in place?”

“What are the risks and how am I protected?”

Interested in learning more?

Have questions or looking to enroll? Call us today to learn more about how Life’sWork can help.

Contact Jillian Jensen for more information about the RECOVER Program at (412) 606-4940 or at jjensen@lifesworkwpa.org