Peer Recovery Specialist (Family Support Specialist)

Western Tidewater Community Services Board

Peer Recovery Specialist Job Openings

Western Tidewater Community Services (WTCSB), established in 1971, is the single point of entry for mental health, developmental disabilities, and substance abuse services in Franklin and Suffolk, and in the counties of Isle of Wight and Southampton.  WTCSB provides integrated and wraparound care for individuals within the region experiencing a decline in their mental health. 

Peer Recovery and Family Support Specialist

Description:

As a Peer Recovery Specialist and Family Support Specialist, the aim is to continue working on personal recovery goals by assisting agency clients and supporting the agency’s Wellness, Prevention, and Recovery-oriented activities, initiatives, and events. This non-clinical position provides wellness-focused prevention and recovery support to individuals and families. They will share their lived experiences in recovery to inspire hope, increase engagement in treatment and within their communities, and support individuals in articulating personal goals for wellness, recovery resilience, and self-advocacy. 

Responsibilities and Duties:

·       Work closely with team members or clinical supervisors to provide a consumer perspective on assessment, treatment planning, and service provision.  Participate in treatment planning meetings for clients as needed to ensure continuity of care. 

·       Assist individuals with implementation of their wellness plans, general problem-solving, and development of skills to support consumers in maintaining stability and independence in the community.

·       Links and educates individuals to available services within the community, which may include Veterans Affairs. Primary care providers, behavioral health providers, housing resources, financial support, the Department of Social Services, the Social Security Administration, and others, as needed, to recommend per the individual's treatment team. Develop and maintain a community referral network.

·       Advocate for services on behalf of the client and their families or caregivers as needed.  Documents and reports suspected violations of clients’ rights.

·       Assist individuals in developing self-directed strategies for wellness recovery and for periods of potential crisis, to empower them in taking a proactive role in their treatment. 

·       Assist individuals in making and keeping appointments related to mental health, substance abuse, and/or medical treatment services.  Work also includes mental status observation and recommendations.

·       In some instances, interaction with professionals from other agencies or service providers may be necessary as part of a multi-disciplinary team.  A Peer Recovery and Family Support Specialist may need to initiate and maintain relationships with staff from law enforcement, hospital systems, Veterans Affairs, and other human services agencies, as well as with informal community resources.

·       Develop appropriate relationships, using good judgment and discretion, with a variety of individuals with mental health and/or substance use in accordance with the Code of Ethics statement from the Peer Recovery Specialist Certification.

·       Promotes communication with all staff members and parties providing services. Engages and develops relationships with the target population and connects individuals to needed services. 

·       Must maintain all communications, written or verbal, that comply with HIPAA standards and regulations.

·       May participate in Local, state, and national Peer Recovery Advocacy and/or Prevention events.

·       Adheres to agency policies, procedures, and complies with human rights regulations.

·       Performs all required duties as assigned by supervisor.

Qualifications:

·       Registered Peer Recovery Specialist (PRS) with the state of Virginia Licensing with the State of Virginia Licensing Board, and Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) with the Certification Board, preferred or ability and willingness to obtain registration status within five to six months (5 to 6) months from the hire date (unless otherwise approved by the agency).

·       Has lived experience in recovery from a mental health and/or substance use challenge or is a parent or caregiver of an individual with a mental health and/or substance use challenge and confirms experience in treatment and recovery began at least one year ago.

·       High school Diploma or GED Equivalent.

Salary range is based on qualifications, experience, budget, and internal equity.

Benefits for Full-Time:

·       Health/Life insurance

·       Virginia Retirement System plan

·       Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

·       Vacation/Sick leave/Holiday pay

·       VA529-Tuition Savings

·       Critical & Accidental Insurance

·       Tuition discounts- South University

·       Aflac

·       Working Advantage- shopping discount

To Apply:

Please submit a cover letter and either a WTCSB application or a resume to: Western Tidewater Community Services Board, Human Resources Dept. 7025 Harbour View Blvd. Suite 119, Suffolk, VA 23435.  Visit our website at www.wtcsb.org to apply.

WTCSB is an equal opportunity employer.

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