What are the responsibilities and job description for the Peer Recovery Specialist - Appomattox SUD Grant position at Horizon Behavioral Health?
Hours: full-time (37.5 hours per week)
Location: Appomattox, VA 24522
Why be a Peer with Horizon?
- Quality behavior health training with Central Virginia company in operation for 50 years
- Retirement plan through Virginia State Retirement System (VRS)
- Generous paid vacation time
Position Summary
The Peer Recovery Specialist uses lived experience to mentor and coach participants across all phases of recovery, offering 1:1 support, peer groups, outreach, and warm handoffs to resources like housing, benefits, and community supports. The role builds low-barrier, trust-based relationships, maintains contact for up to six months after discharge, and partners with community agencies to reduce barriers and sustain engagement. Documentation, data capture, and adherence to code of ethics are expected, along with evening/weekend availability. The specialist completes required DBHDS trainings, accrues supervised hours, and obtains state certification within one year of hire. This position is Appomattox-based. Appomattox SUD grant, 3-year grant funded. This position may come to an end with the ending of the grant.
Required Education and Experience
- High School Diploma or GED
- At least one continuous year of sustained recovery for persons having lived experience with mental illness or substance use.
Related Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of the nature of the recovery process including the use of established standardized mental health, substance use, and co-occurring processes; Knowledge of basic problem solving strategies to support individuals in self-directed recovery; Basic knowledge of multiple pathways to recovery; signs and symptoms of mental health and/or substance use challenges and strategies to address these symptoms; Ability to identify an individual’s need for resources, services, and other supports; Ability to coordinate services with diverse public and private providers; Ability to utilize personal experience to support others in recovery. Ability to work as the member of a team and maintain effective, professional working relationships with individuals within the agency as well as those in the community. Ability to work independently performing the duties of the position under general supervision. Ability to engage in and sustain ongoing, professional relationships with individuals receiving services through appropriate boundary setting. Knowledge surrounding the operation and care of computer equipment and cellular devices. Knowledge of basic computer skills and the ability to efficiently utilize internet search to identify resources relevant for peer support. Ability to participate in and successfully pass behavioral intervention training; includes both verbal de-escalation skills and physical skills techniques to be utilized with consumers as needed. Ability to drive and must possess a valid driver’s license. Willing and available to work modified schedules (weekends, holidays, etc.) as required.
THE BEST BENEFITS FOR THOSE WHO TAKE CARE OF THE COMMUNITY
We’re proud to offer some of the best benefits options in Central Virginia. Participation in the Virginia Retirement System (VRS) is exclusively for public service workers in Virginia, while several options exist for life, health, dental, and vision insurance. Emphasis on work-life balance means a generous annual leave policy ensuring time for wellness with separate time allocated for sick leave and additionally for paid holidays. Stay active with Horizon’s annual wellness programs and various opportunities to interact with the community through the year. Horizon’s clinical sites are NHSC/HRSA-approved for clinical student loan repayment, and qualify for both the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) and the Behavioral Health State Loan Repayment (BHLRP) programs. If you are interested in continuing your education, working at Horizon qualifies you to receive discounts at some local universities.
To Apply – Please visit our online career center at https://www.horizonbh.org/careers/
Horizon Behavioral Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).