Peer Support Specialist - Field Richmond, Virginia

CVS Health • Front Royal, VA

5d • $19 - $35

About The Position

The Peer Support Specialist uses lived experience with behavioral health and/or substance abuse recovery and the justice system to guide, coach, and mentor Aetna members working toward recovery. The specialist also helps the Aetna team understand how best to support and coordinate care for members. They share coping strategies, wellness tools, resources, and information about substance abuse, mental illness, and the justice system with Aetna team members.

The role works with care management teams, healthcare professionals, providers, and justice system personnel to coordinate member care, support recovery-oriented practices, and address social determinants of health. The specialist may accompany members to medical, behavioral health, or community appointments when appropriate, and helps members set goals and participate in wellness and recovery activities at a comfortable pace.

Requirements

• Experience working in a justice-involved setting or with individuals with justice involvement.
• Certified Peer Support Specialist in Virginia, or willingness to obtain Virginia certification within the established timeframe.
• 1–2 years of experience in a community or outpatient setting working with individuals with substance abuse or mental health issues.
• Ability to work effectively with a wide range of individuals with substance abuse and/or mental health issues and justice involvement.
• Ability to educate providers regarding recovery-based principles.
• Working knowledge of multisystem engagement and outreach programming related to healthcare and clinical education.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team and manage multiple priorities.
• Ability to work independently.
• Strong communication skills.
• Experience using computers and Microsoft Office Suite applications.
• High school diploma or GED.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Services or a related field.
• Experience working in a managed care setting.
• Bilingual skills.

Responsibilities

• Attend case rounds and help coordinate member care, including identifying members who may benefit from Peer Support Services.
• Orient and educate care management teams on how to support members in recovery, reinforce care plans, maintain community tenure, adapt tasks to members’ culture, language, and religion, improve access to care, identify healthcare needs, and reduce unnecessary hospitalizations, emergency services, and recidivism.
• Collaborate with healthcare professionals, providers, and justice system personnel on recovery principles and opportunities to address social determinants of health that may affect members’ health and treatment plans.
• Help care managers and coordinators identify socioeconomic issues affecting members’ overall health and develop health and social management plans and goals.
• Attend medical, behavioral health, or community appointments with members when appropriate to support treatment adherence and advocate for appropriate care.
• Assist members in setting and attaining short- and long-term goals.
• Suggest approaches that encourage members to participate in wellness and recovery activities at a pace that is comfortable for them.
• Share lived experience, coping strategies, wellness tools, resources, and relevant information with members and Aetna team members.

Benefits

• Medical coverage
• Dental coverage
• Vision coverage
• Paid time off
• Retirement savings options
• Wellness programs
• Other resources supporting colleagues’ and families’ physical, emotional, and financial well-being, based on eligibility
• Eligibility for a CVS Health bonus, commission, or short-term incentive program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED