A key component of a successful sober home is the house manager. They play an important role in maintaining accountability and effectiveness in a house. If you’re running or planning to establish a recovery residence, you need to find a good sober living house manager. But it’s not always obvious where you can source your staff. It’s not always as easy posting on Indeed and watching the candidates pour in. So let’s talk about where to look and find those house managers:
Where to Look:
Treatment Centers: Many treatment center program graduates continue their journey in recovery by helping others. Your local treatment center has an extensive network of alumni. Many of those may have gone into peer support or are looking to become a house manager to mentor others.
Sober Community Organizations: Local organizations, such as AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) or NA (Narcotics Anonymous), can be great resources. You likely have already attended meetings or know people who have. These people can help guide you to someone who may have had experience you’re looking for. Often long time members have been house managers or know someone who’s looking for that position.
Referrals and Word of Mouth: Spread the word within your professional and personal networks. Often graduates or other sober home operators can lead to finding dedicated and passionate people.
Local Colleges and Universities: Consider reaching out to local colleges and universities. You’ll have great luck in those with social work, psychology, or counseling programs. Graduates or students with an interest in addiction recovery and peer support are often interested in this role.
Volunteering Organizations: Exploring volunteering organizations that focus on addiction recovery or mental health. Volunteers who have strong commitment to the cause could be interested in the role.
Training and Certification Programs: Look into training and certification programs for sober living or peer support. These programs often attract individuals seeking formal education and recognition in the field. They’d be a great addition to your organization.
Social Media and Online Communities: Engage with sober living communities online. Facebook and instagram are great places to post about your opening. You’ll be able to connect with local individuals who have been around and want to support others in recovery.
Qualities to Look For:
If you’re going to find a good sober living house manager, you’re going to need to go beyond checking off qualifications. Look for someone who embodies empathy, patience, and a strong sense of responsibility. The ideal candidate should be able to enforce rules. They should also foster a supportive and understanding environment. Experience with overcoming addiction is valuable. Conflict resolution skills and a commitment to personal growth are also valuable.
Interview Process:
Once you’ve identified potential candidates, conduct thorough interviews. Ask about their journey with recovery. Also ask about their leadership style. And make sure you know how they would handle challenges in the sober living environment. Assess their ability to connect with residents and support them effectively.
The role of a sober living house manager is critical. They provide residents with the structure and encouragement needed for successful recovery. By using resources and networks, you can increase your chances of finding a dedicated and capable person. They will positively impact the lives of those in recovery. Invest time and effort into the search process to ensure that your sober living house has the leadership it needs to thrive.
Want to know how One Step can help your house managers run your sober home? Whether they’re brand new to the role or they’re seasoned veterans, our software can help them hold residents accountable.