What are the responsibilities and job description for the Peer Support Specialist position at Epic Health Partners?
The Peer Recovery Specialist provides recovery-oriented peer support services to individuals experiencing mental health and/or substance use challenges. Using personal lived experience, this position offers hope, models recovery, builds practical skills, and assists individuals in navigating treatment and community support systems. This position emphasizes empowerment, self-advocacy, and engagement in recovery as defined by each individual.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
- Use lived experience with recovery to build trusting, supportive relationships with individuals receiving services.
- Provide one-on-one peer support that promotes hope, motivation, empowerment, and resilience.
- Appropriately share personal recovery experiences to model healthy coping strategies.
- Assist individuals in identifying triggers, building coping skills, and creating relapse prevention strategies.
- Coach individuals on daily living skills, wellness practices, communication, self-advocacy, and problem-solving.
- Encourage engagement in recovery-oriented activities, peer supports, and community resources.
- Assist individuals in navigating behavioral health systems, public benefits, and social service programs.
- Facilitate or co-facilitate peer-led groups, recovery education classes, or support circles as assigned.
- Conduct follow-up outreach through phone calls and home or community visits to support engagement and attendance.
- Respond calmly and effectively to crisis situations to support stability, prevent relapse, and sustain recovery.
- Assist in the development, coordination, and ongoing improvement of the agency’s alumni program.
- Plan and facilitate alumni engagement activities, including sober events, peer support groups, reunions, and celebrations.
- Support alumni experiencing relapse by assisting with re‑entry into treatment and transitions between levels of care.
- Maintain accurate, timely, and compliant documentation in accordance with agency, state, and regulatory requirements.
- Collaborate with clinical staff, case managers, and multidisciplinary treatment teams while maintaining peer role integrity.
- Participate in supervision, team meetings, training, and professional development activities.
- Adhere to the Peer Recovery Specialist Code of Ethics, confidentiality standards, and agency policies.
Qualifications
- Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) through a DBHDS‑approved certifying body or Registered Peer Recovery Specialist (RPRS) through the Virginia Board of Counseling required
- Experience providing peer support, outreach, or recovery‑focused services
- Strong communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills
- Basic computer skills and ability to complete required documentation and tracking
- Valid driver’s license required
- Current certification in CPR & First Aid
- Verification of tuberculosis screening required
- Successful completion of DBHDS criminal background investigation and central registry checks
Benefits
This full‑time position offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employee well‑being and long‑term professional growth, including:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Paid time off and paid holidays
- Retirement plan options
- Ongoing training and professional development
About Epic Health Partners
Epic Health Partners is a behavioral health organization dedicated to providing high‑quality, person‑centered care for individuals navigating substance use and mental health challenges. We deliver services rooted in evidence‑based, trauma‑informed, and recovery‑oriented practices. Our team is committed to professionalism, accountability, and collaboration—supporting both the people we serve and the staff who serve them. As Epic continues to grow, we remain focused on building strong teams, developing staff, and creating sustainable programs that reflect our values and standards of care.