Peer Recovery Specialist II

Fairfax County•Chantilly (Ch09), VA

About The Position

This role supports a peer-focused initiative for the Fairfax County Opiate Taskforce. Under the direct clinical and administrative supervision of the behavioral health supervisor, the Peer Recovery Specialist engages people in the community after substance-related emergencies, prioritizing individuals who have overdosed on opiates. Using lived experience and recovery-focused approaches, the specialist provides peer-to-peer recovery psychoeducation, supports informed decision-making and individual choice, and links people to treatment and other community supports. The role includes follow-up and transition support, outreach, coordination with first responders and other service providers, and ongoing engagement with peer and recovery communities. The specialist also records call data to help evaluate and improve programming. This is a 24/7 service requiring rapid community response and coordination with first responders. Shifts may include evenings, overnights, and weekends, and the position is designated as emergency/essential services personnel who must report during inclement weather and other emergencies. Service locations may include community settings, outpatient and crisis programs, residential treatment programs, telehealth, and justice system settings. The position may lead or facilitate peer support and educational groups, help individuals develop and enact self-directed recovery plans, provide navigation and outreach services, and support people after mental health or substance use emergencies. The specialist works collaboratively with individuals, families, emergency personnel, hospital staff, treatment providers, behavioral health professionals, and team members.

Requirements

High school graduation or a GED issued by a state department of education.
At least one year of Human Services experience, or an equivalent combination of education, experience, and training.
Virginia Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS), peer recovery certification through an IC&RC member board in another state, or National Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist (NCPRSS) through NAADAC, obtained within six months of hire.
Registered Peer Recovery Specialist (RPRS) through the Virginia Board of Counseling within six months of hire.
Valid motor vehicle driver’s license with fewer than six demerit points, or an equivalent license in another state, maintained throughout employment.
Ability to provide one-on-one and group peer recovery services and relate lived experience of wellness and recovery effectively.
Knowledge of peer recovery principles, theories, and methods; local community resources; wellness and recovery terminology and best practices; and basic clinical psychological, physiological, and psychiatric terminology, theories, and practices.
Ability to establish rapport, maintain effective relationships, facilitate recovery and wellness plans, and help individuals access needed supports and services.
Ability to collaborate with behavioral health professionals, manage a caseload, and communicate effectively orally and in writing using recovery-oriented language.
Ability to maintain records and use evaluation and survey tools.
Ability to recognize distress and threats to safety and take appropriate action consistent with scope of practice.
Ability to lift up to 25 lbs., use a computer to input, access, and retrieve information, travel to various sites, observe client symptoms, and communicate complex information by phone, in writing, and in person.
Complete criminal background, Child Protective Services Registry, driving record, and sanction screening checks to the employer’s satisfaction, and complete a TB screening upon hire.
Work shifts covering 24/7 operations and report for duty during inclement weather and other emergencies.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in a human service-related field.
Experience with and knowledge of community resources in Fairfax County.
At least one year of experience working with a mental health population.
Experience providing direct peer support services to adults in a mental health setting.
Bilingual ability in English and another language.

Responsibilities

Engage individuals in the community following substance-related emergencies, prioritizing people who have overdosed on opiates.
Provide peer-to-peer recovery psychoeducation and use lived experience to motivate individuals to explore change and recovery options.
Support informed decision-making and advocate for individual choice.
Link individuals to treatment and community services, including resources beyond residential treatment, and support transitions to other recovery services.
Provide rapid community response and coordinate with first responders.
Lead, facilitate, or co-facilitate peer support, education, or other wellness- and recovery-focused groups; prepare materials and develop curriculum.
Assist individuals in developing and enacting self-directed recovery, resiliency, and wellness plans.
Provide navigation services to individuals, families, and concerned persons, including help navigating crisis systems of care.
Conduct outreach and engagement to connect people who may benefit from behavioral health services.
Provide follow-up support after mental health or substance use emergencies to help people build skills, access resources, and receive emotional support to avoid future crises.
Collaborate with emergency personnel, hospital staff, treatment providers, other health care and behavioral health professionals, supervisors, and team members.
Maintain ongoing engagement with community stakeholders in peer and recovery communities.
Collect data and maintain records of calls to evaluate and improve programming.
Manage a caseload and recognize signs of distress or safety threats, taking appropriate action within scope of practice.