PEER RECOVERY SPECIALIST-New Horizons ($1,000 Sign On Bonus)

The Peer Recovery Specialist position provides non-clinical, person-centered, wellness-focused support to engage clients in treatment and to promote use of the client's wellness recovery plan. The Peer Recovery Specialist shares their first-hand lived experiences with recovery, to inspire hope, increase engagement in treatment and in their communities, and support consumers in articulating personal goals for wellness, recovery resiliency and self -advocacy.  The Peer Recovery Specialist will function within the client's treatment team and will receive coordinated individual supervision with the Office of Peer Supports and Recovery Supervisor, and Program Supervisor and will participate in Peer Support group supervision. 

Peer Recovery Specialists will have knowledge of the signs and symptoms of mental illness and substance use disorders and the ability to assist the individual to address symptoms using their individual wellness recovery plan. Peer Recovery Specialists provide: Peer Support; serve as a consumer advocates; carry out wellness rehabilitation for mental health and substance use disorders and support functions; promote ongoing recovery from substance use and/or mental health conditions; promote employment, education, health, and community integration; and serve as a role models for personal recovery. Services carried out by the Peer Recovery Specialist include outreach, monitoring, advocacy, daily living support, and similar functions.

Starting Salary $29,878-Depending on Experience

$1,000 Sign on Bonus

Key Responsibilities: 

• Works closely with other crisis stabilization team members to provide consumer perspective on assessment, treatment planning, and service provision. Participates in treatment planning meetings as needed to ensure continuity of care.  
   
• Assists staff in maintaining accurate records.  Completes duties such as filing, printing notes, case documentation in accordance with policy and procedures.  Documents work with consumers in an accurate and timely manner that meets agency and payer requirements. 
   
• Assists in the implementation of the services plan by providing empathy, emotional support, encouragement and education to consumers on individual and group basis. Assists as needed in implementation of other direct or case management services.  Follows all program policies and procedures and provides services in keeping with the individual service plan for each consumer.
   
• Plans and implements recreational or leisure time activities for consumers during residential crisis stabilization.
   
• Seeks input and feedback from consumers about choices and options in receiving crisis stabilization services and response to these services.  Assists consumers in developing personal recovery plans and in crisis planning to empower consumers to take a pro-active role in their treatment.
   
• Assists clients with implementation of their wellness recovery plans, general problem solving, and development of skills to support maintaining stability and independence in the community. 
   
• Assists with crisis resolution and general problem-solving. Ensures services are provided with respect to the dignity of the individuals served as outlined in the State and NRVCS Human Rights Plans.  Advocates for services on behalf of individuals served and their families/care givers as needed. Documents and reports suspected violations of Human Rights according to NRVCS policies. Peer Recovery Specialists must be accessible by telephone at home to manage client emergencies/crisis if needed.
   
• In conjunction with other program staff, provides general supervision of the residential facility and ensures that policy and procedures are followed.  When in the facility, responds to any emergency situations that occur and appropriately involves other providers, including other program staff, agency emergency services staff, emergency medical services, and law enforcement, as needed.   
   
• Promotes positive communication and collaboration among team members and other community resources needed to provide quality services.  Conducts self in a professional manner at all times.  Participates in team meetings unless absence is excused, completes proper written communication and relays other helpful information as necessary by voice mail and/or e-mail.  Serves on designated teams, committees and work groups.
   
• In some instances, interaction with professionals from other agencies or service providers may be necessary as part of a multi-disciplinary team. Peer Recovery Specialists may have to initiate and maintain relationships with staff from law-enforcement, hospital systems, and other types of human service agencies and with informal community resources.
   
• Develops appropriate relationships, using good judgment and discretion, with a variety of individuals with mental health and/or substance use conditions in accordance with the ethics statement from the Peer Supports Specialist Certification. 
   
• During residential services, assists clients with daily living tasks as needed, including general facility maintenance tasks, laundry, meal preparation, etc. Transports clients as needed, and in accordance with NRVCS policy.
   
• Maintains complete and accurate records, turning in all required paperwork (i.e.:  clinical documentation, time sheets, mileage documentation, incident reports, leave requests, etc.) on time.  Stays informed about and follows all NRVCS and funding sources' policies and procedures.
   
• Maintains all communications, both written and verbal, with respect and confidentiality and complies with HIPAA and 42-CFR Part 2 standards and regulations.
   
• Performs at the expected levels of individual and team productivity. Ensures all client records are in compliance with applicable local, state, and federal requirements including guidelines as they pertain to DBHDS Licensure Regulations, Waiver, State Plan and Clinic Options Medicaid.
   
• Will be flexible as Office of Peer Supports and Recovery develops.  Peer Recovery Specialist positions may share work hours among programs utilizing Peer Supports. 
   
• May participate in local state and national Peer Advocacy events.
   
• Completes other tasks and duties as assigned by Supervisor, Program Manager, Program Director and/or Senior Director.

Qualifications: 

• Certified and Registered as a Peer Recovery Specialist.
• Commitment to being a role model for individuals with serious mental illness, substance use disorders or co-occurring illness.
• Personal experience with Mental Illness, Substance Use Disorders and treatment, and a willingness to disclose.
• Willingness and ability to provide consumer perspective to clinical team.
• Working knowledge of substance use disorders as they co-occur with mental illness, and a basic knowledge of the criminal justice system.
• Education / understanding of the recovery model as it pertains to mental illness is desirable
• Demonstrate initiative, resourcefulness and the ability to work independently as well as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Basic knowledge of personal computers and word processing. Must possess a valid driver's license (state of Virginia, unless otherwise approved by agency) with an acceptable driving record.  Must maintain acceptable record throughout employment.
• Must have an acceptable criminal history background and child protective services check upon hire and maintained throughout employment;
• Must have acceptable drug screen results upon hire.

Education/Experience Required: 

• High school diploma or equivalent is required. 
• Must have a mental health or substance use disorder that has impacted your life for two years or more, and must identify a year in recovery.
• Certification and Registration as a Peer Recovery Specialist is required.