Continuum of Care, Inc.’s mission is to enable people who are challenged with mental illness, intellectual disabilities, addiction, or homelessness to rebuild a meaningful life and thrive in the community.
Continuum Recovery Employment Support Services
Continuum Recovery Employment Support Services
(CRESS) runs four programs for individuals who have a history of mental illness, addiction or homelessness:
- Safe Harbor Warm Line
- Employment Apprenticeship Program
- Recovery Support Specialist - Peer Support Services
- Consumer Initiative Grants Program
These programs train and employ people in recovery so they can help others, and also help individuals find housing and rebuild their lives.
The Warm Line serves people with mental illnesses who want a listening ear. All calls are confidential and all operators are trained and in recovery. The Warm Line has answered over 75,000 calls. You can reach the Warm Line every night, including holidays, from 5:00 to 10:00 p.m. at 800.258.1528.
Employment Apprenticeship Program
Continuum offers people with mental health or co-occurring disorders an opportunity to overcome barriers to competitive employment.
Our paid apprenticeship program lasts 12 to 18 months and includes hands-on training in four different areas:
- Custodial
- House Cleaning
- Landscaping
- Moving & Bulk Trash
We also train for bedbug prep and decluttering. Click Here to Apply.
Recovery Support Specialist - Peer Support Services
Mental health professionals recognize that staff who are in recovery can help those starting out on the road to recovery. Continuum employs people in long-term recovery to work in mental health programs. They are an integral part of our multi-disciplinary team and serve as role models and provide practical support to individuals who are just starting out in their recovery.
Continuum also contracts with mental health agencies, including Connecticut Mental Health Center and provides them with Recovery Support Specialists (RSS) who counsel clients in outpatient programs, reduce client anxiety in crisis units, work with people newly released from prison and hospitals, facilitate groups for people in early recovery, and provide a listening ear.
RSS must be certified through one of two recognized agencies:
1. Hartford Healthcare’s Leadership Academy.
https://hhcbehavioralhealth.org/programs-services/recovery-leadership-academy
2. Advocacy Unlimited - Recovery Support Specialist Training
(Recovery Support Specialist Training - Advocacy Unlimited)
In the event a person qualifies and is accepted for the position but has not yet been certified as an RSS, Continuum will pay for the certification classes at one of the above programs.
The RSS position is a rewarding job, and those who are employed with us find fulfillment in helping others get on and manage their journey through a lifetime of recovery. RSS are paid a competitive wage and typically work 12-20 hours a week, though some work full-time. A site supervisor provides daily individual and group supervision to all RSS. The supervisor meets with them to improve their skills, handle problems on the job, and lead group sessions. A seasoned clinician who has a long history of supervising peers is also available to all supervisors and peers for consultation and training. Continuum of Care has employed more than 200 Recovery Support Specialists over the last 15 years.
Consumer Initiative Grants Program
Continuum’s Mental Health Transformation Team provides grants to people diagnosed with mental illness or co-occurring disorders that are receiving Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS). The grant offers people the opportunity to create a project that will benefit them. Grants can be used for artistic projects, health and wellness, adventure, or for other worthwhile endeavors. All applicants must be able to verify that they have been clean and sober for at least 1 year. Grants can be awarded between $10 to $300. More than 1,032 clients have received these grants.
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