Peer Recovery Specialist – Housing Program

The person in this position is currently or has previously been a consumer of a public mental health or substance use services unit and have a history of homelessness or unstable housing. Must have the ability to demonstrate and appropriately share with program partners and clients their experience, strength and hope for recovery. The peer specialist uses empowerment and recovery oriented approaches with individuals and groups to help combat stigma, raise self esteem and mastery, regain independence, integrate into the community and instill hope. The qualified applicant will seek to maximize client choice, self-determination and decision-making in the planning and coordination of housing services. The goal of the housing unit is to move individuals or households immediately from the streets or homeless shelters into their own apartments. Clients will have serious mental illness that is often accompanied with substance use, history of involvement in the criminal justice system and chronic physical illness. The Housing Peer Support Specialist should recognize, understand, and respects each client’s point of view, experiences and preferences in relation to the client’s housing needs.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School diploma (or GED/High School Equivalence Certificate)
• Completion of the 72-hour Virginia Department of Behavioral and Developmental Services peer training program required.
• Personal experience in recovery from mental health and/or substance use issues, personal experience with homelessness or unstable housing and Peer Recovery Specialist Certification with the Virginia Certification Board and registration with the Virginia Board of Health Professions preferred.
• Must possess a valid Driver’s License, proof of vehicle insurance, good driving record and the ability to provide own transportation.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• May be exposed to allergenic environments from client’s homes, including dust, smoke, pet contamination, cleaning supplies, etc.
• May be exposed to clients with infectious diseases.
• 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

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.

If you need assistance or an accommodation to apply or interview, contact Human Resources at [email protected] or 540-636-4250, Ext 2155.

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.