MARCUS ALERT PEER RECOVERY SPECIALIST

At MPNN BH, our mission is “PROMOTING WELLBEING…. ONE INDIVIDUAL… ONE FAMILY… ONE COMMUNITY AT A TIME”

Our organization provides services designed to help members of our community achieve their individual goals. MPNN BH has over 60 distinct programs to aid and support all ages and many situations.

Job Summary

The Peer Recovery Specialist is a key member of the MARCUS Alert crisis response team, bringing lived experience with mental health challenges, substance use, or recovery to support individuals experiencing behavioral health crises. The Peer provides emotional support, hope, and practical assistance during and after crisis response, helping individuals feel understood, respected, and empowered while promoting voluntary engagement and connection to services. Reports to the Marcus Alert Coordinator.

Job Responsibilities

• Respond to MARCUS Alert crisis calls alongside behavioral health clinicians, EMS, or co-response partners
• Provide peer-to-peer emotional support using lived experience to build trust and rapport
• Model recovery, self-advocacy, and coping strategies during crisis encounters
• Support de-escalation efforts through calm presence, empathy, and shared understanding
• Assist individuals in identifying immediate needs, strengths, and supports
• Support individuals during crisis stabilization, transport, or referrals as appropriate
• Assist with safety planning, grounding techniques, and coping skills
• Provide follow-up outreach after crisis events to support continued engagement and recovery
• Encourage voluntary participation in services and supports
• Help individuals connect to behavioral health services, substance use treatment, housing, benefits, and community resources
• Support individuals in navigating complex systems with advocacy and practical guidance and community partners
• Participate in team briefings, debriefings, and reflective supervision
• Maintain clear role boundaries while advocating for the voice and perspective of the person served
• Exhibit strong communication and boundary-setting skills
• Demonstrate cultural humility and practice equity-centered engagement
• Uphold a steadfast commitment to dignity, choice, and person-centered care
• Complete required documentation in a timely and accurate manner
• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to HIPAA, MARCUS program standards, and agency policies
• Engage in ongoing training and supervision related to crisis response and peer support
• Other Duties, as assigned

Job Requirements

Essential

• Must pass all required Background Checks.
• Must possess a valid Virginia Driver's License with reliable transportation and driving record acceptable to agency insurance carrier.
• Must obtain a TB test with satisfactory results within 30 days of employment, and yearly thereafter as required by licensing authority.

Education and Experience

• Certified Peer Recovery Specialist
• Lived experience with mental health challenges, substance use, or co-occurring conditions, with demonstrated recovery
• Experience providing peer support, outreach, or advocacy
• Ability to work flexible schedules, including nights, weekends, and holidays

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in crisis services, mobile response, or co-response teams
• Knowledge of local behavioral health and recovery resources
• Training in trauma-informed care, de-escalation, and harm reduction

Experience working with diverse and historically under served communities

Benefits include:

• Competitive salary
• Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and vision insurance (TLC Anthem BCBS)
• Generous paid time off and holiday pay (12 paid holidays, PTO accrued monthly)
• Professional development opportunities
• Retirement plan through Virginia Retirement System (VRS)
• Work site qualified under NHSC, click the link to check eligibility for loan forgiveness http://www.nhsc.hrsa.gov/

The agency of MPNN Behavioral Health maintains a drug free workplace.

Benefits listed are for full time qualifying employees. EOE