Peer Recovery Specialist or CPRS - NEW Crisis Receiving Center

Horizon Behavioral Health•Lynchburg, VA

64d•Onsite

About The Position

The Peer Support Specialist (PSS) provides compassionate, person-centered support to individuals experiencing behavioral health crises by drawing from their own lived experience with mental health and/or substance use recovery. The PSS works collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team within the Crisis Receiving Center to assist clients in achieving stabilization and accessing ongoing support and resources.

Requirements

High School Diploma / GED
At least one continuous year of sustained recovery for persons having lived experience with mental illness or substance use.
Basic computer proficiency for documentation and communication.
Ability to identify and document an individual’s need for resources, services, and other supports.
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.
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.
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.

Responsibilities

Provide compassionate, person-centered support to individuals experiencing behavioral health crises by drawing from their own lived experience with mental health and/or substance use recovery.
Work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team within the Crisis Receiving Center to assist clients in achieving stabilization and accessing ongoing support and resources.
Develop recovery, resiliency, and wellness plans by integrating information obtained from informal assessments, evaluations, observations, and interviews.
Promote services, supports, and strategies for the recovery process.
Utilize personal experience to support others in recovery.
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.
Drive and transport clients, provide services to clients at other locations.
Participate in and successfully pass behavioral intervention training, including verbal de-escalation skills and physical skills techniques.