Job Description
About Smart Step Smart Step is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit building safe, dignified, structured recovery housing for adults rebuilding their lives after substance use disorder. We believe housing is the foundation that makes recovery possible — and we're hiring a Program Director to lead our first GARR-certified residence in Metro Atlanta. This is a ground-floor opportunity. You won't be inheriting someone else's program. You'll be our founding Program Director — building the culture, hiring the staff, leading our GARR certification, and setting the standard for everything we do. Who We're Looking For Someone whose recovery is their qualification, not their secret. Someone who's walked the walk, found their footing, and is ready to lead others on the same road. If you have lived experience with substance use recovery, three or more years of continuous sobriety, and a heart for helping people rebuild — we want to hear from you. What You'll Do Lead daily operations of Smart Step Recovery Residence (NARR Level III sober living) Build, train, and supervise house management and peer support staff Manage resident intake, recovery planning, and discharge processes Oversee 24/7 staff coverage, safety protocols, and incident response Implement and enforce house rules, drug testing, and recovery accountability Build relationships with treatment centers, courts, parole/probation, and referral partners Lead Smart Step's GARR certification process and maintain ongoing compliance Represent Smart Step at GARR meetings, conferences, and recovery community events Track program outcomes — sobriety, employment, housing stability — for funder reporting Required Qualifications Minimum 3 years of continuous recovery from substance use disorder (verifiable through recovery community references) Active involvement in your preferred recovery pathway (12-step, Refuge Recovery, SMART Recovery, faith-based, or similar) 2+ years of paid or volunteer experience in a recovery residence, treatment program, or peer support role Strong interpersonal and de-escalation skills Comfortable with documentation, policies, and compliance work Willing to obtain CPR / First Aid certification (Smart Step covers cost) Willing to complete Narcan training and respond to overdose situations Clean criminal background or rehabilitated history with significant time elapsed Reliable transportation Ability to work evenings, weekends, and on-call as program needs require Preferred Qualifications Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) — Georgia DBHDD credential CARES Academy graduate Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC) through ADACBGA, or CADC through GACA Prior leadership experience in a GARR-certified or NARR-aligned program Experience with reentry populations, drug courts, or DBHDD referrals Bilingual English/Spanish Knowledge of MAT (medication-assisted treatment) protocols What We Offer The chance to build something from day one, with the support of a 501(c)(3) committed to long-term growth A leadership role where your lived experience is your greatest asset Continuing education investment — Smart Step pays for your GARR CEUs, certifications, and professional development A team that takes recovery seriously and treats residents with dignity Direct access to Smart Step's executive leadership and board How to Apply Submit your resume and a brief cover letter telling us: Your recovery story — as much or as little as you're comfortable sharing What drew you to recovery work What you would build if given the opportunity to lead a sober living program from the ground up Smart Step is an equal opportunity employer. We strongly encourage applications from people in recovery, people of color, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, veterans, and people with lived experience of incarceration. We comply with the Fair Housing Act, ADA, and all applicable employment laws. Pay: $53,922.02 - $64,938.35 per year Benefits 401(k) Work Location: Hybrid remote in Lawrenceville, GA 30046