Recovery Resource Navigator - Carrollton

Join Homeward Bound Inc., an AmeriCorps Texas program, on a mission to support individuals and families in North Texas grappling with substance use disorders, mental illness, and criminal behavior. We are seeking compassionate and resourceful individuals with lived experiences related to these challenges, ready to utilize their experiences as a beacon of hope for those who need it most. This position would be great for a college student that is currently studying mental health, psychology, sociology, and/or substance use. 

Program Information: 

• Organization: Homeward Bound Inc. (HBI) 

• Program: AmeriCorps Recovery Resource Navigator 

• Service Term: 8 months, beginning January 2026 

• Service Hours: 1200 hours. 

• Living Stipend 

• Education Award after Service is completed 

• Grant Status: This position depends upon final approval of Homeward Bound’s 2025–2026 AmeriCorps grant award. 

Position Description Summary: 

As an AmeriCorps Recovery Resource Navigator, you'll play an important role in our team, working directly with our clients during their inpatient and outpatient process. Your lived experience will allow you to connect with our clients on a deep, empathetic level, guiding them through their journey to recovery. 

Responsibilities: 

• Collaborate with Treatment Unit Teams: Serve in one of our seven units, collaborating closely with unit counselors, Recovery Support Peer Specialists, health care providers, and managers. Engage daily with a caseload of approximately 10 clients per month. 

• Develop Personalized Plans: Collaborate with clients to develop personalized plans leveraging their recovery capital, including stable housing, employment, financial awareness, social networks, and community resources. Empower clients to overcome obstacles and build independence. 

• Provide Ongoing Support: Ensure clients reach their goals through regular check-ins, adjustments to recovery plans, and active encouragement. Provide training on essential life skills and guidance on navigating various systems and processes. 

• Community Resource: Actively participate in community events to engage clients and adopt a sense of belonging and support. Encourage clients to join these events to build social networks and improve their recovery journey. Additionally, research and stay informed about community and food resources available to support clients' recovery, personal growth, and nutritional needs. Dedicate time to connect with relevant organizations, services, and opportunities, assisting clients in accessing these resources to improve their overall well-being. 

• Practical Assistance: Help clients with practical needs during recovery, such as obtaining identification documents, crafting resumes, and connecting to job opportunities. 

• Build Patient Rapport: Establish and maintain patient rapport by sharing knowledge of personal living skills with clients in groups and individual sessions. 

• Crisis: Notify Nursing Staff and/or Counselor in the event of a crisis. 

• Process: Participate in the Admission process as directed and orient the patient to the treatment unit. 

• Client Interaction: Interact with clients and participate in the process of preventing Against Medical Advice (AMA) departures. 

• Support: Prepare and organize materials for clients to ensure effective treatment sessions. Keep the counselor updated on any significant interactions with clients or their family members by completing an Incident Report Form or using other specified communication methods as directed. 

• Data Collection: Collect and maintain two types of data: client tracking metrics and recovery capital assessment data. Ensure accurate and confidential handling of all data. 

• Utilize Systems Effectively: Utilize the different systems HBI uses effectively to streamline workflow and ensure efficient operations. 

Qualifications: 

• High school graduate, GED recipient, or working toward attaining a high school diploma or GED during the term of service. Must agree to obtain either a diploma or GED before using an education award. 

• Compassionate, resourceful individuals with lived experience related to mental health issues or substance abuse. 

• For those going through recovery, we require 1 year of sobriety. If you were a client of Homeward Bound Inc. (HBI) in the past, we require 2 years of sobriety and to be 1 year removed from your last service date. 

• Ability to establish a positive rapport and communicate effectively with a diverse population. 

• Experience or interest in social services, mental health, or substance abuse recovery fields is beneficial. 

How This Position Will Benefit You: 

• Gain invaluable experience and knowledge in the social services field, leveraging your lived experience to support others. 

• Be a part of a close-knit team working towards a common goal. 

• Empower our clients to overcome obstacles, build independence, and pursue a healthier future. 

• Earn a living stipend while making a significant difference in your community. 

Service Term and Compensation: 

This position requires a minimum of 1,200 hours during the term. For an 8-month term of service, this equates to approximately 35 hours per week. 

All AmeriCorps members are expected to participate in both general and position-specific training. A vital part of the onboarding process will include several weeks of comprehensive resource navigation training. 

Your development is a priority for us. Therefore, we offer the opportunity for members to become Recovery Support Peer Specialists (RSPS) and Mental Health Peer Specialist (MHPS) through the State of Texas, valuable qualification for your future career. 

AmeriCorps members are required to participate in national service days, including the 9/11 Day of Service, MLK Day of Service, and National AmeriCorps Week. 

Essential Functions:  

Members are required to wear their uniform with the AmeriCorps logo at all times of service. Members are required to adhere to all rules and regulations as outlines in their Member Service Agreement.  

Members should adhere to responsible work habits, such as reporting for service on time, staying on task, being friendly and helpful on site and in the community, and maintaining a professional manner and appearance. 

Members must have a strong commitment to community service, to communicate effectively with staff, with fellow members, community partners and AmeriCorps staff. Members must also exhibit a strong work ethic (attendance, record-keeping, completing timesheets in a timely fashion, etc.).  Members are required to adhere to all codes of conduct and or related policies and procedures of Homeward Bound and AmeriCorps.  

AmeriCorps members serving with Homeward Bound must be at least 18 years old and are required to undergo a four-part National Service Criminal History Check. Their position is contingent upon the results of this check, and members may not begin serving until the results have been received and adjudicated. 

Disaster Relief Effort: 

In the event of a local, state, or federal disaster declaration, AmeriCorps members may be asked on a volunteer basis or be required by OneStar to activate to assist in disaster response and recovery activities within their communities.  This may involve virtual service opportunities or in-person service opportunities.  This may include service opportunities outside of the members’ standard service hours or in place of their standard service duties.  In the event of a large-scale, high needs local, state, or federal disaster, AmeriCorps members may voluntarily or be required by OneStar to deploy to an area outside of their service area to assist in disaster response and recovery activities.