17 Recovery Advocate Interview Questions and Answers

In the United States, 20 million people suffer from a substance use disorder, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. That’s one in every 12 adults. And only 10 percent of them will receive any kind of specialty treatment, such as that provided by a recovery advocate.

As a recovery advocate, you’ll play a vital role in helping people struggling with addiction get the treatment they need to turn their lives around. If you’re passionate about this important work and are looking for a job in the field, you’ll need to be able to answer some difficult questions during your job interview.

In this guide, we’ll provide you with some sample recovery advocate interview questions and answers to help you prepare for your interview.

Are you comfortable working with people who have mental health issues or substance abuse problems?

Recovery advocates often work with people who have mental health issues or substance abuse problems. Employers ask this question to make sure you are comfortable working with these types of clients and that you can handle the emotional nature of your job. In your answer, explain how you feel about helping people in these situations. Explain that you will do everything you can to help them overcome their challenges.

Example: “I am very comfortable working with people who have mental health issues or substance abuse problems. I understand that these conditions are not a person’s fault. I also know that there is always hope for recovery. I would be honored to help anyone through this process. I believe that everyone deserves compassion and support. I would do my best to provide both.”

What are some of the most important qualities for a recovery advocate to have?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you possess the skills and abilities needed to succeed in this role. When answering, it can be helpful to mention a few of your most important qualities and how they benefit your work as a recovery advocate.

Example: “The most important quality for a recovery advocate is empathy. Recovery advocates are often helping people who have experienced trauma or loss, so having an empathetic nature can make us more effective at our jobs. Another important quality is patience. Working with clients who may be struggling with addiction or mental health issues can require a lot of patience, but I find that my calm demeanor helps me remain patient when working with others.”

How would you help a client who is struggling to stay on track with their treatment plan?

Recovery is a lifelong process, and it’s important for recovery advocates to help clients stay on track with their treatment plans. This question helps employers understand how you would support your client through the challenges of maintaining sobriety. In your answer, explain what steps you would take to ensure that your client stays motivated and committed to their treatment plan.

Example: “I once worked with a client who was struggling to maintain his sobriety. He had been sober for several years but started drinking again. I met with him one-on-one to discuss why he felt like he needed to drink alcohol again. We talked about some of the triggers that led him to start drinking again. After our conversation, we developed a new strategy to help him avoid those triggers and remain sober.”

What is your experience working with clients who are receiving treatment through the Medicaid program?

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your experience working with clients who have limited financial resources. Your answer should include a brief description of the Medicaid program and how you worked with these types of clients in previous roles.

Example: “I’ve worked with many clients who receive treatment through the Medicaid program, as I was fortunate enough to work at a facility that accepted patients on Medicaid. In my role as a recovery advocate, I helped these clients understand their insurance benefits and assisted them with any questions they had regarding their coverage. I also provided support for these individuals during their initial enrollment process.”

Provide an example of a time when you provided excellent customer service to a client or patient.

Recovery advocates often work with clients and patients who are in a vulnerable state. Employers ask this question to make sure you have experience working with people like this before, so they can be confident that you know how to help them. In your answer, try to describe the situation as thoroughly as possible and explain what steps you took to provide excellent customer service.

Example: “When I worked at my previous job, I had a client who was struggling with their sobriety. They were having trouble staying away from alcohol, even though they knew it would lead to negative consequences for them. One day, they called me because they wanted to come into the office to talk about their problem. I told them that I couldn’t let them do that, but we could meet somewhere else if they preferred. We met up at a coffee shop later that week, where I listened to all of their concerns and gave them advice on how to overcome their challenges.”

If a client is actively using drugs or alcohol, how would you handle the situation if they missed an appointment?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you would handle a challenging situation. Your answer should show that you are willing to confront clients about their behavior and encourage them to make positive changes.

Example: “If I noticed a client was missing appointments, I would first try to contact them by phone or email. If they didn’t respond, I would visit them at home or work to see if there was an emergency preventing them from attending treatment. If they were actively using drugs or alcohol, I would immediately refer them to detox services so they could get the help they need.”

What would you do if you noticed that a client was not receiving the same level of care from one provider as they were from another?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you would handle a situation that could arise in your role as a recovery advocate. Use examples from your experience to explain what steps you would take to ensure clients receive the same level of care and attention from all providers they work with.

Example: “If I noticed that one provider was not providing the same quality of care as another, I would first speak with the client about my concerns. If they were receiving adequate care from their current provider, I would ask them if they would be willing to try another provider who may provide better care. If they agreed, I would contact the other provider and let them know about the client’s needs so they could adjust their treatment plan accordingly.”

How well do you understand the mental health and substance abuse treatment systems?

The interviewer may ask this question to assess your knowledge of the treatment system and how you might fit into it. To answer, consider describing a time when you used your understanding of the mental health or substance abuse treatment systems to help someone.

Example: “I have worked in my current role for five years now, so I’ve had plenty of time to learn about the different aspects of the mental health and substance abuse treatment systems. In fact, I find that knowing these systems well helps me connect with clients more effectively because I can explain what they’re experiencing and why. For example, last year I was working with a client who was struggling with anxiety. When she asked me why she felt anxious, I explained the connection between her brain chemistry and her symptoms.”

Do you have any experience working with clients who have a limited understanding of the English language?

The interviewer may ask this question to assess your ability to communicate with clients who don’t speak English. Use examples from previous experience in which you helped a client understand the information you were providing them and how it impacted their recovery process.

Example: “In my last role, I worked with many Spanish-speaking clients. Although I do not speak Spanish fluently, I made sure to always have an interpreter present during our meetings so that they could understand everything I was saying. I also used visual aids like brochures and pamphlets to help explain what services we offered at the facility.”

When is it appropriate to refer a client to outside resources for additional help?

Recovery advocates often work with clients who have unique needs. An interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your decision-making process when it comes to helping a client find additional support. In your answer, try to explain the steps you take to assess whether or not a client is ready for outside help and how you refer them to those resources.

Example: “I always encourage my clients to reach out to me if they need additional support. I want them to feel comfortable reaching out to me at any time, even if they’re not sure if their situation qualifies as an emergency. If I notice that a client has been struggling for a while, I will offer to connect them with other resources in our community. For example, I might suggest they speak with a therapist or attend a support group.”

We want to make sure our clients feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and opinions. How would you go about getting feedback from a client?

Recovery advocates need to be able to ask their clients for feedback and opinions. This helps them understand what the client needs from them and how they can improve their services. Your answer should show that you are comfortable asking your clients for feedback and willing to make changes based on their input.

Example: “I would first start by asking my client if there is anything I could do to help them feel more comfortable in our sessions. If they have any suggestions, I will take notes so I remember to implement them during future meetings. I also want to know if they have any complaints or concerns about our program. I always encourage them to share these with me so we can work together to find a solution.”

Describe your process for documenting your interactions with clients and updating your supervisor and other team members.

Recovery advocates must be organized and detail-oriented to ensure they’re meeting the needs of their clients. Your interviewer may ask this question to assess your organizational skills, attention to detail and ability to work as part of a team. In your answer, describe how you use technology or paper records to keep track of important information about each client’s progress.

Example: “I use my computer to record all interactions with clients, including phone calls, emails and text messages. I also take notes during our meetings so that I can refer back to them later if needed. I send weekly updates to my supervisor detailing any changes in my clients’ situations and what steps I’ve taken to address those changes.”

What makes you stand out from other recovery advocates?

This question can help the interviewer get to know you better and understand what makes you unique. It’s important to show that you have a passion for helping others overcome addiction, but it’s also helpful to highlight any specific skills or experiences that make you an ideal candidate for this role.

Example: “I’ve been working in the recovery community for over five years now, so I have quite a bit of experience with this field. In my previous position, I helped create a new program that focused on helping addicts find jobs after they completed their treatment. This was a very rewarding experience because I got to see many people turn their lives around and start fresh. I’m excited to bring these skills to your organization.”

Which treatment methods do you think are the most effective?

This question can help interviewers learn about your experience with different treatment methods and how you apply them to the patients you work with. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a specific method that has helped you or someone else in the past.

Example: “I think one of the most effective treatment methods is cognitive behavioral therapy because it helps people understand their thoughts and feelings and find ways to change them. I’ve seen many patients benefit from CBT when they’re working through addiction issues. Another treatment method I really like is motivational interviewing because it helps people discover what motivates them to make positive changes in their lives.”

What do you think is the most important thing that recovery advocates can do to help their clients succeed?

This question can help interviewers understand your philosophy on helping others and how you would approach the role. Your answer should include a few key things that you feel are important for recovery advocates to do, such as encouraging clients to attend meetings or providing them with resources they need.

Example: “I think one of the most important things recovery advocates can do is listen to their clients. When people are in active addiction, it’s common for them to feel alone and misunderstood. Having someone who will actively listen to them and provide support can make all the difference in whether they succeed or fail. I also believe that recovery advocates should be available to their clients at any time. If a client needs help or advice, we should be there to provide it.”

How often should a client see their recovery advocate?

Recovery advocates often work with clients who are in recovery from addiction. These individuals may need to see their advocate regularly, so employers ask this question to make sure you understand the importance of regular visits. In your answer, explain how important it is for these clients to keep up with their treatment and support system.

Example: “I think it’s very important that a client sees their recovery advocate at least once per week. This allows them to check in on how they’re doing and address any concerns or questions they have about their treatment plan. I also believe that seeing an advocate regularly can help reinforce the positive changes they’re making in their life. It helps them feel supported and gives them someone to talk to when they’re feeling discouraged.”

There is a conflict between a client and their therapist. How would you handle it?

This question can help interviewers understand how you handle interpersonal conflicts. It also helps them see if you have the ability to resolve conflict and work with others. In your answer, try to show that you are willing to collaborate with others and compromise when necessary.

Example: “I would first speak with both parties separately to get their perspectives on the situation. Then I would meet with both of them together to discuss my findings and ask for their opinions. If they still disagreed, I would encourage them to find a solution that works for both of them. This could be as simple as changing therapists or as complex as finding a way to compromise.”