Peer Recovery Specialist or CPRS - Admissions

Horizon Behavioral Heal•Lynchburg, VA

12d•Onsite

About The Position

The Peer Recovery Specialist or Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (PRS or CPRS) functions as a role model and coach to those seeking personal wellness and long-term recovery by adhering to professional ethics, demonstrating competencies, using effective coping skills, serving as an advocate, using best practices and providing information and referral. This is an entry level position and will be required to complete all required training and supervision hours to apply for certification within one year of hire date. Services include one-on-one peer mentoring, peer led support groups, telephone outreach, assisting clients in accessing community resources, services and affiliation with recovery supported social activities. Some evening and weekend hours.

Requirements

High School Diploma / GED
At least one continuous year of sustained recovery for persons having lived experience with mental illness or substance use.
Knowledge of local behavioral health systems, resources, and recovery communities.
Strong interpersonal, communication, and active listening skills.
Ability to remain calm in high-stress situations and to support others in de-escalation.
Commitment to recovery principles, person-first language, and trauma-informed care.
Basic computer proficiency for documentation and communication.
Knowledge of services and systems available in the community, including primary health care, support services, and generic community resources.
Knowledge of the nature of the recovery process, including the use of established standardized mental health, substance use, and co-occurring processes.
Knowledge of basic problem-solving strategies to support individuals in self-directed recovery.
Ability to identify and document an individual’s need for resources, services, and other supports.
Ability to develop recovery, resiliency, and wellness plans by integrating information obtained from informal assessments, evaluations, observations, and interviews.
Ability to promote services, supports, and strategies for the recovery process.
Ability to utilize personal experience to support others in recovery.
Ability to work as a member of a team, maintaining effective, professional working relationships with individuals within the agency as well as those in the community.
Willing and available to work modified schedules (weekends, holidays, etc.) as required.
Ability to drive and must possess a valid driver’s license.

Nice To Haves

CPRS or similar peer support credential preferred, or ability to obtain certification within 6 months of hire.

Responsibilities

Serve as a role model and coach to those seeking personal wellness and long-term recovery.
Adhere to professional ethics, demonstrate competencies, and use effective coping skills.
Act as an advocate for clients.
Provide information and referral services.
Provide one-on-one peer mentoring.
Facilitate peer-led support groups.
Conduct telephone outreach.
Assist clients in accessing community resources and services.
Facilitate affiliation with recovery-supported social activities.
Document client progress and services provided.
Travel to any Horizon worksite and transport clients as needed.
Provide services to clients at other locations.
Participate in and successfully pass behavioral intervention training, including verbal de-escalation and physical skills techniques.