Part-Time Substance Abuse Peer Recovery Specialist

Overview

For over 60 years, Hope Link Behavioral Health (formerly PRS) has supported individuals and families facing behavioral health challenges. We envision a world where hope is accessible to all through high-quality mental health services, crisis intervention, and suicide prevention, fostering an inclusive community where everyone can achieve well-being and belonging.

The Substance Abuse Peer Recovery Specialist (SA) provides outreach and support to clients with substance abuse or co-occurring substance abuse and mental illness in Loudoun County and facilitates recovery groups. This position also provides information on the recovery process and promotes opportunities to help clients move into recovery.

This position is located in Loudoun County at the Mental Health, Substance Abuse and Developmental Services (MHSADS) offices in Sterling, Virginia and Leesburg, Virginia. The position requires flexibility to rotate hours between both offices.

• Part-Time, 20 hours per week
• Monday – Friday
• Flexibility to work during Loudoun County operating hours: 8:30 am to 8:00 pm

• Provides outreach phone calls and visits to clients receiving substance abuse and/or mental health services.
• Conducts engagement visits to potential clients in the community within specific programs, including the Library and Connection Zone.
• Provides individual peer-focused services in the community to clients referred.
• Provides services to clients in the Adult Detention Center (ADC) when requested, including individual meetings to assess re-entry needs, facilitating a Recovery group as needed, and providing additional support upon release from the ADC.
• Facilitates or co-facilitates groups focused on recovery from substance use and/or mental health illness.
• Provides feedback to supervisor on groups and communicates with clinical staff regarding crisis intervention needs for clients served.
• Assists with transportation education and provides resources for local transportation and natural supports; may provide local transportation as needed and appropriate.
• Provides education on the recovery process based on personal experience and program material.
• Represents staff in agency and community-based work groups to enhance services for the target population as needed.
• Demonstrates knowledge and skill in computer procedures relevant to this position.
• Performs other duties as assigned by clinicians and treatment team members.
• Records demographic and service data on all persons served, including required data from the Adult Detention Center.
• Facilitates WRAP with individuals as needed.
• Assists individuals in developing job training skills and exploring job placement options.

• Adaptability to changes in environment and situations
• Strong and effective communication skills; accepts criticism and feedback
• Dependability by following instructions, responding to management direction, and keeping commitments
• Meets attendance and punctuality guidelines
• Maintains emotional self-awareness and manages relationships positively
• Focuses on solving conflict and building interpersonal relationships
• Contributes to a positive team spirit and openness to others’ views

• High school diploma or GED
• Valid driver’s license with a good driving record; must have a vehicle or access to one
• High degree of empathy toward clients served
• Must be a consumer with lived experience (past or present) of substance abuse, mental health, and/or co-occurring disorders
• Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist preferred or ability to become certified within nine (9) months of employment
• Must successfully complete all contract compliance training

The statements reflect the usual responsibilities and principal functions of the position and shall not be construed as a complete description of all the work requirements that may be inherent or added to the position.

Hope Link Behavioral Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

“Where Hope Meets Help.”