Recovery Support Educator

Make a Difference. Support Recovery. Build a Meaningful Career.

Are you looking for a meaningful career where you can make a positive difference in someone's life every day while also enjoying a healthy work-life balance? Join West River Mental Health and become part of a team dedicated to helping individuals build the skills, confidence, and support systems needed to achieve greater independence and long-term recovery. For more than 75 years, West River Mental Health has been committed to providing compassionate, high-quality behavioral healthcare services to individuals and families throughout Western South Dakota and the Black Hills. As the largest and most comprehensive community mental healthcare provider in the region, we offer meaningful career opportunities where employees can grow professionally while making a lasting impact in their communities.

We are currently accepting applications for Full-Time and PRN Recovery Support Educators to join our Full Circle program.

This is an excellent opportunity for individuals who are passionate about supporting others, interested in behavioral health and recovery, or looking to build a meaningful career in human services. Experience in the substance use field is valued, but we are also looking for individuals who bring compassion, professionalism, a willingness to learn, and a genuine desire to help others succeed.

About the Position

As a Recovery Support Educator, you will work directly with individuals as they develop the skills and confidence needed to move forward in their recovery journey. You will help create a safe, supportive, and respectful environment while encouraging clients to build independence, strengthen positive relationships, and develop the practical skills needed for everyday life.

What You'll Do

Responsibilities may include:

• Supporting individuals as they work toward greater independence and recovery
• Assisting clients in developing daily living and independent living skills
• Helping individuals build positive social and communication skills
• Providing encouragement, guidance, and support as clients work toward their personal goals
• Maintaining a safe, respectful, confidential, and recovery-oriented environment
• Building positive and professional relationships with clients
• Supporting clients during challenging or urgent situations and responding appropriately to their needs
• Helping clients establish healthy routines, structure, and positive habits
• Working collaboratively with other members of the treatment and support team
• Maintaining appropriate documentation and communicating relevant information with team members
• Modeling professionalism, healthy boundaries, respect, and positive interactions
• Performing other related duties in support of the program and the individuals we serve

Education & Experience

Candidates must have a minimum of a High School Diploma or GED.

Preferred qualifications include:

• Experience working in the substance use, behavioral health, healthcare, or human services field
• Experience supporting individuals in a residential, recovery, or community-based setting
• A strong interest in learning about substance use, recovery, and behavioral health

We welcome applicants who may be early in their careers and are looking for an opportunity to gain experience, develop new skills, and make a meaningful difference.

Why West River Mental Health?

At West River Mental Health, we believe that taking care of our employees is just as important as taking care of the individuals and communities we serve. We are committed to creating a workplace where employees can build meaningful, long-term careers while still having time for their families, personal lives, and the moments that matter most.

We offer:

• Full-Time and PRN opportunities
• Health and dental insurance for eligible employees
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Life insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage
• Employee Assistance Program
• Generous Paid Time Off
• Paid holidays and floating holidays for eligible employees
• Flexible scheduling that supports work-life balance
• Training and opportunities for professional growth
• A supportive and collaborative team environment
• Valuable experience for individuals interested in behavioral health, substance use services, and human services
• The opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals working toward recovery

We recognize that our employees have lives, families, and important moments outside of work. We strive to create an environment that supports flexibility while also providing meaningful opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Live and Work in the Beautiful Black Hills

West River Mental Health is headquartered in Rapid City, South Dakota, located in the heart of the beautiful Black Hills. Rapid City offers an exceptional balance of community, culture, recreation, and adventure. With excellent schools, diverse community activities, rich history, and incredible access to outdoor recreation, the Black Hills offer something for everyone. Whether you enjoy hiking, biking, skiing, exploring, arts and culture, family activities, or simply spending time surrounded by incredible scenery, Rapid City provides an exceptional quality of life. Here, you can build a meaningful career, make a difference in your community, and still have time to enjoy the people and experiences that matter most.

This position is a Section 3 eligible job opportunity. We encourage applications from individuals who are low-income, live in public housing, and/or receive a Section 8 voucher.

West River Mental Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status. This job description is intended to provide general guidelines regarding the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Duties, responsibilities, knowledge, skills, abilities, and working conditions may change as organizational and program needs evolve.