The Peer Recovery Specialist position provides non-clinical, person-centered wellness-focused support to engage consumers in treatment and to promote use of the consumer’s wellness recovery plan/relapse prevention plan. The Peer Recovery Specialist shares their first hand lived experiences with recovery to inspire hope, increase engagement in treatment, and in their communities, and support consumers in articulating personal goals for wellness, recovery resiliency and self –advocacy.  The Peer Recovery Specialist will function within the consumer’s treatment team and will receive Coordinated Individual Supervision with the Office of Peer Supports and Recovery Supervisor and the Clinical Program Supervisor.  Will also participate in Peer Support Group Supervision. 

Peer Recovery Specialists have knowledge of the signs and symptoms of Mental Illness and Substance Disorders and the ability to assist the individual to address symptoms using their individual wellness plan. Peer Recovery Specialists provide: Peer Support; serve as a consumer advocates; carry out wellness rehabilitation for mental health and substance use disorders and support functions; promote recovery from substance abuse and/or mental health conditions; promote employment, education, health, and community integration; and serve as a role models for personal recovery. Services carried out by the Peer Recovery Specialist include outreach, monitoring, advocacy, daily living support, and similar functions.

This position will provide peer support to consumers in the 23-hour crisis center program.

Starting Salary: $32,760-Depending on Experience

Key Responsibilities: 

Works closely with other crisis center team members to provide consumer perspective on assessment, treatment planning, and service provision. 
  Assists staff in maintaining accurate records. Completes duties such as filing, printing notes, case documentation in accordance with policy and procedures. Documents work with consumers in an accurate and timely manner that meets agency and payer requirements.     
  Assists in the implementation of the services plan by providing empathy, emotional support, encouragement and education to consumers. Assists as needed in implementation of other direct or case management services.  Follows all program policies and procedures and provides services in keeping with the individual service plan for each consumer.
  Seeks input and feedback from consumers about choices and options in receiving crisis stabilization services and response to these services.  Assists consumers in developing personal recovery plans and in crisis planning to empower consumers to take a pro-active role in their treatment.
  Assists consumers with general problem solving and development of skills to support consumers in maintaining stability and independence in the community.  Educates consumers about available community resources.
  Ensures services are provided with respect to the dignity of the individuals served as outlined in the State and NRVCS Human Rights Plans. Advocates for services on behalf of individuals served and their families/care givers as needed. Documents and reports suspected violations of Human Rights according to NRVCS policies.
  Promotes positive communication and collaboration among team members and other community resources needed to provide quality services.  Conducts self in a professional manner at all times.  Participates in team meetings unless absence is excused, completes proper written communication and relays other helpful information as necessary by voice mail and/or e-mail.  Serves on designated teams, committees and work groups.
  Maintains all communications, both written and verbal, with respect and confidentiality and complies with all HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2 standards and regulations.
  Performs at the expected levels of individual and team productivity. Ensures all client records are in compliance with applicable local, state, and federal requirements including guidelines as they pertain to DBHDS Licensure Regulations, Waiver, State Plan and Clinic Options Medicaid.
  Ensures all required certifications and/or licensure are kept up to date. Attends/provides other training as required to meet personal professional development and/or program needs. 
  In conjunction with other program staff, provides general monitoring and supervision of the crisis center and ensures that policy and procedures are followed.  When in the center, responds to any emergency situations that occur and appropriately involves other providers, including other program staff, agency emergency services staff, emergency medical services, and law enforcement, as needed.   
  Completes other tasks and duties as assigned. 

Qualifications:

Certified and Registered as a Peer Recovery Specialist Ability and willingness to work with individuals with serious mental illness, substance use disorders and co-occurring problems, their families/care givers, and other agencies. Personal experience with SUD and or mental illness and treatment and willingness to disclose. Willingness and ability to provide consumer perspective to clinical team. Working knowledge of substance abuse disorders as they co-occur with mental illness. Basic knowledge of criminal justice system. Ability to identify acutely at-risk clients and intervene with on-site clinical support. Education / understanding of the recovery model as it pertains to mental illness is desirable. Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and concisely (written and oral). Basic knowledge of personal computers and word processing. Manages time effectively in order to complete work within expected timeframes Must possess a valid driver’s license and an acceptable driving record must be maintained throughout employment (unless otherwise approved by agency). Must provide reliable transportation and a telephone.

Education/Experience Required: 

Minimum of high school diploma or GED.  Must have a mental health or substance use disorder that has impacted your life for two years or more, and must identify a year in recovery Virginia State Peer Certification is required.