Provides peer to peer support services to individuals with Mental Illness and/or Substance Use Disorder who are enrolled in Northwestern Community Services. Performs a variety of paraprofessional duties in support of wellness and recovery by utilizing their lived experiences of recovery and mental illness and/or substance use disorder plus skills learned in formal training to provide non-clinical group and individual sessions with the individuals served to promote their recovery and resiliency. Peer Support Specialists offer emotional support, share knowledge, teach skills, provide practical assistance and connect individuals with resources, opportunities, communities of support and other people. Services are non-clinical, person centered, strengths based, wellness focused, and trauma informed. Peer support services help to ensure the individual’s wellness-recovery plan reveals the needs and preferences of the individuals being served to complete their measurable and personalized goals.

This job description is based upon an evaluation of agency requirements at the time this description was written. This job description will change as the position is developed further, or in response to organizational or technological changes.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School Diploma or equivalent required, Bachelor's degree preferred
• One year of relevant experience required
• Lived experience of recovery with at least one year of stability/sobriety
• Completion of Virginia Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Services (DBHDS) 72-hour Peer-Based Specialized Training required
• Some in-state travel required within the NWCSB coverage area
• Medically Assisted Treatment experience required for Office-Based Addiction Treatment positions
• Must possess a valid Driver’s License, good driving record, and the ability to provide own transportation

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• May be exposed to allergenic environments from client’s homes, including extreme heat, humidity, dust, smoke, pet contamination, cleaning supplies, etc.
• May be exposed to clients with infectious diseases
• Must be able to drive for long periods of time to visit clients in and out of the catchment area as needed
• Must be able to walk distances, climb and descend stairs, maneuver in and out of agency vehicles
• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Must be able to lift/push/pull up to 25 pounds at times

SALARY: $36,159.00

RETIREMENT: NWCSB participates in Virginia Retirement System.

DISCLAIMER: All full-time employees are eligible for a complete benefits package that includes enrollment in Virginia Retirement System. For more information about benefits and a complete list of current job openings, please visit our website, www.nwcsb.com. Positions remain open and advertised until filled.

Northwestern Community Services Board provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $36,159.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person