Salary: $54,184.26 - $59,737.08 Annually Location : Alexandria, VA Job Type: Full-Time Job Number: 2025-00141 Department: Department of Community and Human Services Division: CENTER FOR ADULT SERVICES Opening Date: 11/01/2024 Closing Date: 11/17/2024 11:59 PM Eastern Bargaining Unit: N/A Peer Recovery Support SpecialistOpioid Treatment ProgramPosition Overview If you have been searching for a position that allows you to help change lives by coordinating resources to achieve wellness and recovery-oriented goals for those affected by substance use, be an advocate for clients and their families as they navigate the system of care, mentor and educate to create positive outcomes, then the Department of Community and Human Services within Clinical & Emergency Services has an opportunity for you. This position is a grant-funded position. As a Peer Support Specialist, you would provide peer support services to individuals with a substance use disorder or co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. The Peer Support Specialist will provide motivational support to begin the process of understanding recovery and the stages of change, assist clients, staff and others to understand appropriate supportive responses, wellness measures and the overall recovery process as well as offer assistance with advocacy and psychosocial rehabilitation to improve community integration. Examples of Duties:
- Provides peer support services to individuals with a substance use diagnosis in individual or group settings.
- Assists in coordinating activities, programs and resources which directly support clients and family members/caregivers in achieving wellness and recovery-oriented goals, such as self-help and peer-led groups.
- Assists in the development of strength-based individual goals and works with clients in development of a Wellness Recovery Action Plan.
- Works closely in collaboration with a multi-disciplinary team that includes but not limited to: Therapists, Nurses, Case Managers, and Medical Providers.
- Works in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders, including other city agencies or community-based organizations in order to link and support clients.
- Assists and advocates for clients and family members/caregivers/support system as they navigate through the system of care ensuring referral follow through and transitioning between different levels of care.
- Facilitates and encourages family member/caregiver involvement as appropriate.
- Serves as an advocate, mentor, or facilitator for resolution of issues that a peer may be unable to resolve on their own.
- Provides skills training to clients and family members/caregivers on tasks related to recovery-focused goals.
- Educates individuals about various pathways to recovery and available community services and resources.
What we are looking for: The ideal candidate will have knowledge of recovery and wellness concepts and behavioral health services. Knowledge of public and private agency services and resources available for clients and family members/caregivers, such as schools, social services, and community resources. Knowledge of barriers to wellness and recovery, obstacles related to accessing services and strategies to navigate and overcome barriers. Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with people of various educational, socio-economic, and cultural backgrounds. Work effectively in stressful, emotional, and confrontational situations and as part of a multidisciplinary team. Establish and maintain effective working relationships at all organizational levels as well as other agencies and the public. Ability to maintain confidentiality of clinical, medical, and other sensitive records. Who we are: As a member of the Division of Clinical and Emergency Services, you will work alongside professionals who are passionate about providing top-notch clinical services to adults with behavioral health disorders. We're dedicated to helping our clients achieve their goals, dedicated to supporting and valuing our staff. We are a community of lifelong learners who collaborate, challenge, and support each other to advance our clinical knowledge and skills, and help our clients achieve the best outcomes. What we offer you: In addition to an awesome group of people to work with, the City of Alexandria offers great benefits! The following benefits are available to you, as a full-time employee of the City of Alexandria:
- Health Insurance
- Tuition Assistance and Professional Development
- Employee Transportation Benefits Program
- Virginia Retirement System
- Paid Annual and Sick Leave/Sick Leave Bank
- Paid City Holidays
- Dental and Vision Insurance
- Supplemental Life Insurance
- Long Term Disability Insurance
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Spring Health Mental Health Services
- Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
The Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) is also a qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program. Use the following link to access the PSLF website and learn about this program in detail: . Minimum & Additional Requirements High School Diploma or GED. At least six (6) months of personal experience with and knowledge of recovery and/or living with significant emotional, mental/behavioral health and/or substance use challenges or the caregiver (biological, adoptive or kin) of a child with significant emotional, mental/behavioral health and/or substance use challenges; and a willingness to acknowledge this experience to peers and others, as appropriate. Experience navigating the mental/behavioral health, substance use, child welfare and/or juvenile justice systems for themselves or their child. Certification as a Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) in Virginia within one year of hire. Successful completion of Federal criminal records check and Child Abuse Registry check. Preferred Qualifications Completion of the 72-hour Peer Recovery Specialist Training provided by Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services. At least one year of direct work experience with individuals served by the specific program where the position is located (Intellectual Disability, Mental Illness, and/or Substance Abuse/Dependence). At least six months in recovery from substance use. Possession of a bachelor's degree in a human services field. At least one year of experience working with individuals with mental/behavioral health disorders. Currently certified as a Peer Specialist. At least one year of experience working with individuals who have been homeless. Notes This grant-funded position requires the successful completion of pre-employment background checks including but not limited to: FBI/Federal Records Check, VA State Child Abuse/Neglect Registry; Medicare/Medicaid Fraud Database; education/certifications; and driver's license. Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:30AM - 5:00PM We are proud to welcome you to explore the City of Alexandria's excellent benefits and programs! The benefits referenced on this site, may be changed from time to time without notice. Also, temporary and some part-time positions are not eligible for these benefits. For further information, please contact the Benefits Division of the Department of Human Resources at 703.###.#### or email 01 In Virginia or any other location, have you ever been or are the subject of a founded complaint of child abuse or neglect? If yes, list all cases and explain. If no, indicate N/A. 02 All positions in DCHS require successful completion of pre-employment background checks in the Virginia State Child Abuse/Neglect Registry and national Medicare/Medicaid Fraud Database. Some positions require criminal records check, and scrutiny of any found criminal records against the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Services list of Barrier Crimes. Some positions require drug testing, and verification of driver's license and education/certifications.
03 To answer yes to this question, you must answer yes to all the following questions:•Do you have a High School Diploma or GED?•Do you have at least six (6) months of personal experience with and knowledge of recovery and/or living with significant emotional, mental/behavioral health and/or substance use challenges or the caregiver (biological, adoptive or kin) of a child with significant emotional, mental/behavioral health and/or substance use challenges?•Do you have a willingness to acknowledge this experience to peers and others, as appropriate?•Do you have experience navigating the mental/behavioral health, substance use, child welfare and/or juvenile justice systems for themselves or their child? •Do you have certification as a Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) in Virginia within one year of hire?•Can you successfully complete a Federal criminal records check and Child Abuse Registry check?If you answer no to any part of this question you must answer no.
04 If you answered No to question 3, do you have any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position? (If you answered, Yes' to question 3, please answer Yes to this question).
05 Have you completed the 72-hour Peer Recovery Specialist Training provided by Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services?
06 Do you have a valid driver's license?
07 Do you have at least one (1) year of direct work experience with individuals served by the specific program where the position is located (Intellectual Disability, Mental Illness, and/or Substance Abuse/Dependence)?
08 Do you have at least 6 months in recovery from substance use?
09 Do you have possession of a bachelor's degree in a human services field?
10 Do you have at least one (1) year of experience working with individuals with mental/behavioral health disorders?
11 Are you currently certified as a Peer Recovery Specialist?
12 Do you have at least one (1) year of experience working with individuals who have been homeless?
Required Question