Arlington County’s Children’s Behavioral Health Bureau, Child and Family Services Division within the Department of Human Services (DHS) is seeking a Peer Recovery Specialist-Family Support Partner to join a dynamic and innovative team. The Bureau is responsible for providing comprehensive mental health and substance use services to help youth to function adequately in their environments and help their families support them. Services for children and adolescents are provided in their homes, school, or community. The Family Support Partner will connect with and empower youth and their families through their own lived experience and will support individuals to achieve wellness.

Family Support Partner (FSP) services can be provided as a standalone service or as a part of a High-Fidelity Wraparound team which are strength-based, individualized, person-centered, and growth-oriented support which assists in promoting family advocacy, resiliency, and self-determination. These services are provided to the parent/caregiver of a youth or young adult under the age of 21, who has behavioral health, developmental, and/or substance use challenges which may put them at risk of being placed out of the home or may have led them to be involved in multiple child-serving agencies.

Specific duties include:

• Supporting and promoting an environment that emphasizes opportunities for all individuals to achieve wellness, while honoring family culture, voice, and choice;

• Serving as mentors, role models and "system navigators" to youth and families and connecting them to the resources and services necessary to support their individual growth and success;

• Assisting youth and families in understanding the key roles of professionals involved in their team, including behavioral health, child/youth welfare, legal and courts-based professionals, for example, and how to navigate their related systems; 

• Collaborating with the youth and family’s professional and natural support team to ensure the family’s strengths, culture, and vision are utilized to address their identified needs;

• Building trust with parents/caregivers by engaging in a confidential, respectful, non-judgmental, and supportive relationship and helping them gain knowledge and skills to promote self-efficacy;

• Documenting work with families in an electronic health record as required, including detailed progress notes, and co-creating and implementing service plans;

• Participating in case and supervisory consultation as required and bringing concerns to the attention of the care coordinator and supervisor for discussion;

• Providing emergency crisis intervention to maintain safety and to provide services in the best interest of the youth; and

• Completing all training related to High Fidelity Wraparound and Family Support Partners and/or Peer Recovery Specialists, as required by the agency.

The ideal candidate will exhibit independence, decisiveness, and responsibility to be able to clearly and informatively communicate decisions to stabilize safety, and avert additional crises. The candidate will also possess general knowledge of the Child and Family Services Division mission statement and practice model in order to provide information, resources, and behavioral health services to children and families.

Minimum: 

• Completion of the requirements for graduation from High School or GED program;

• Experience navigating Virginia behavioral health systems as the primary caregiver to a child which includes specifically navigating the mental health, substance use, educational, employment, child welfare, and/or housing systems and resources (Applicant must be able to provide proof of lived experience relevant to the role); and

• Bilingual (Spanish and English)

Licenses/Certifications:

• Certification as a Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) and Registration as a Peer Recovery Specialist (RPRS) in Virginia. (Must be completed within 6 months of hire); and

• Completion of Virginia DBHDS 72-hour Peer Recovery Specialist training (Must be completed within 90 days of hire).

Substitution: Completion of coursework in Social Work, Sociology, Psychology, Special Education, Mental Health, or Counseling from an accredited college or university can substitute for the experience requirement.

Desirable: Preference may be given to candidates with one or more of the following:

• Certification as a Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) and Registration as a Peer Recovery Specialist (RPRS) in Virginia; 

• Completion of Virginia DBHDS 72-hour Peer Recovery Specialist training;

• Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) Facilitator Certification;

• Whole Health Action Management (WHAM) Facilitator Certification;

• High-Fidelity Wraparound - Family Support Partner training;

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; and

• Experience working as part of a professional team and addressing the needs of families and children from diverse racial, ethnic, and cultural populations;

Language Proficiency: An assessment of verbal Spanish proficiency is required before a candidate can be appointed to a bilingual position (English/Spanish). The incumbent in a bilingual position will receive the language pay premium on all hours worked.

CPRS/RPRS: Application, requirements, and instructions for obtaining certification as a Peer Recovery Specialist and registration as a Peer Recovery specialist in Virginia can be found on the Virginia Department of Health Professions Webpage. (https://www.dhp.virginia.gov/Boards/Counseling/PractitionerResources/ApplicationsandForms/)

Driver's License: The applicant must possess, or obtain by time of appointment, a valid driver's license. The applicant must authorize Arlington County to obtain or provide a copy of their official driving record. Any offer of employment may be contingent upon a favorable review of the applicant's driving record.

Background Check: A pre-employment criminal records check will be conducted. It may include checks of the following: criminal record, driving record, education, professional licensure, and credit history. You may be required to sign a release authorizing the County to obtain your background information.

This position is funded with ongoing state funds.

Work Hours: Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. with at least two evening hours (until 8:00pm) required, 40 hours per week.

Your responses to the Supplemental Questionnaire are considered part of the selection process. Please do not enter "see resume" as a response to the questions. 

Each section of the application must be completed. A resume may be attached; however, it will not substitute for the completed application. A cover letter will also be required to be attached to your application. Incomplete applications will not be considered. 

The official title for this position is Peer Recovery Specialist.

All Peer Recovery Specialists are eligible for County government employee benefits that include health, dental, vacation and sick leave, commuter transportation subsidies, tuition reimbursement, as well as a generous retirement plan.

For more information on Arlington County’s generous benefits and retirement plan, click here.

Arlington County is committed to advancing diversity, equity, access, and inclusion across all our services, activities, and programs. Learn more about our commitment.

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