Peer Recovery Specialist I

Hampton-Newport News Community Services Board•Hampton, VA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Join the Hampton-Newport News Community Services Board as a full-time Peer Recovery Specialist and take on a meaningful role where your lived experience can help guide and uplift others. In this position, you'll be essential in creating a supportive, recovery-focused environment for individuals working through mental health and substance use challenges. This is an on-site role, giving you the opportunity to connect directly with those you serve and make a real difference every day. As part of our team, you'll have access to a strong benefits package that includes Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Flexible Spending Account, Competitive Salary, Paid Time Off, Employee Discounts, and participation in the Virginia Retirement System (VRS). If you're passionate about peer recovery and ready to make an impact, we invite you to apply and join our dedicated team. Hampton-Newport News Community Services Board: Our Mission Since 1971, the Hampton-Newport News Community Services Board has delivered a full continuum of high-quality, community-based services to residents of the Peninsula living with mental illness, developmental disabilities, and substance use disorders. Your DAY-TO-DAY as a Peer Recovery Specialist In your role as a Peer Recovery Specialist, you will provide peer-based support and advocacy to individuals as they navigate their recovery journeys. Your responsibilities will include assisting with daily living needs-such as physical, financial, social, and personal support-while encouraging stability and independence within the community. You will help monitor mental wellness, connect individuals to vital resources, and support overall well-being through a person-centered approach. Drawing from your own lived experience, you will build meaningful, trust-based relationships that empower individuals in their recovery. Your communication skills and understanding of the behavioral health system will help others strengthen their ability to live independently. Working in a dynamic environment, you will rely on your ability to stay organized, self-directed, and committed to maintaining a safe and supportive setting for all.

Requirements

Personal experience with mental health and/or substance use challenges.
At least 12 months of sustained recovery, showing growth in managing their condition and maintaining stability.
Completion of the DBHDS 72-hour Peer Recovery Specialist Training within six months of hire for the Peer Recovery Specialist I position.
Strong interpersonal skills.
Ability to build rapport.
Effective use of community resources.
Self-motivated.
Capable of working independently.
Dedicated to continued personal and professional development while supporting others on their path to recovery.
Must successfully pass a criminal history fingerprint background investigation, DMV record check, Child Registry search, drug screening test and employment reference checks.

Responsibilities

Provide peer-based support and advocacy to individuals as they navigate their recovery journeys.
Assist with daily living needs-such as physical, financial, social, and personal support-while encouraging stability and independence within the community.
Help monitor mental wellness.
Connect individuals to vital resources.
Support overall well-being through a person-centered approach.
Build meaningful, trust-based relationships that empower individuals in their recovery.
Strengthen individuals' ability to live independently through communication skills and understanding of the behavioral health system.
Stay organized, self-directed, and committed to maintaining a safe and supportive setting for all.