Peer Support Specialist (Peer Recovery Specialist II)

Fairfax County•Community Services Board - Multiple Locations, VA

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

Under supervision, this position provides peer support to individuals served through The Peer Journey to Hope Program in the CSB Division of Recovery Services. Services provided may include group peer support, individual peer support, recovery planning, and services navigation. Services may be provided in collaboration with the CSB’s Behavioral Health Outpatient Programs (BHOP), CSB Entry Assessment and Referral, and/or other programs. Collaborates as needed with other staff and partners including case managers, therapists, nurses, and psychiatrists. Primary office location is the Chantilly Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board, with other service locations at multiple program sites, virtually and in-person, and/or in the community. Populations served are individuals with mental health challenges.

Requirements

Graduation from high school or a GED issued by a state department of education
Any combination of education and experience equivalent to 1 year of Human Services experience
Virginia Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) through the Virginia Certification Board, or peer recovery certification by a member board of IC&RC through another state, or National Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist (NCPRSS) through NAADAC within 6 months of hire
Registered Peer Recovery Specialist (RPRS) through the Virginia Board of Counseling within 6 months of hire
Valid Motor Vehicle Driver's license with fewer than six demerit points (or equivalent in another state) maintained throughout employment
Ability to effectively relate one’s own lived experiences of wellness and recovery
Ability to provide one-on-one peer recovery services
Ability to provide group peer recovery services
Ability to establish rapport and maintain effective relationships with individuals served
Ability to facilitate development of wellness, recovery, and resiliency plans
Ability to assist individuals to access supports and services needed for recovery
Ability to collaborate with other behavioral health professionals
Ability to manage a caseload
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, including consistent use of recovery-oriented language
Ability to maintain records and use evaluation and survey tools
Ability to recognize signs of distress and threats to safety in individuals served and in the environment
Ability to take appropriate action, consistent with scope of practice, to address distress and crisis

Nice To Haves

Experience with and knowledge of community resources in Fairfax County
At least 1 year of experience working with mental health population
Experience providing direct peer support services to adults in a mental health setting
Bilingual in English and another language

Responsibilities

Leads, facilitates, or co-facilitates peer support groups or other education or support groups with a wellness or recovery focus, including preparing materials and developing curriculum
Assists individuals served in developing a self-directed recovery plan, (including Medicaid billable Recovery, Resiliency, and Wellness (RRW) plans) and enacting their plans
May collaborate with other service providers including Case Managers, Therapists, Nurses, Psychiatrists, and other partners
Service locations are varied and may include outpatient program sites, crisis programs, residential treatment programs, in the community, telehealth, and justice system settings
Provides navigation services for individuals, families, and other concerned persons, identifying and linking them to community resources that support the individual’s goals and interests, including navigating crisis systems of care
Collaborates as needed with other health care providers in providing coordinated services
Conducts outreach and engagement activities to connect with individuals that may benefit from behavioral health services
Provides follow-up support after mental health and/or substance use emergencies, assisting individuals to learn skills, access resources, and receive emotional support to avoid future crises