Peer Recovery Specialist

The City of Virginia Beach Department of Human Services is eagerly seeking to hire a candidate who has experience working as a Peer Recovery Specialist with lived experience and is Certified or eligible for certification as a PRS for the "Drop In Service" at the Pathways center. 

A $3,000 hiring bonus is being offered for this position.  Hiring bonuses shall only be for new hires of original employment or reemployment as defined in Human Resources Policy No. 5.0. 

• $500 will be awarded in the first paycheck.
• $1,000 will be awarded upon completion of the six (6) month interim performance evaluation with an overall rating of “Meets Expectations”.
• $1,500 will be awarded upon completion of the employee’s one (1) year probationary period and a performance evaluation with an overall rating of “Meets Expectations”.

Duties:

• Responsible for provision of peer support services to adults with substance use disorders. 
• Provide support through sharing personal life experience of recovery from a substance use disorder by giving resources, personal experiences, support, advocacy, education and coaching.
• Perform screenings, conducts recovery oriented service planning and provides individual goal implementation.
• Provide guidance, oversite and assistance within the Drop In Center.
• Plan and implements social activities for members to participate.
• Assist clients in developing a Recovery Plan by identifying client’s goals, strengths, and steps toward recovery, to include needed supports.
• Assist clients with general problem solving and development of skills in obtaining services and supports through coaching toward an increased sense of responsibility.
• Educate clients about available community resources and advocates for services on behalf of clients as needed.
• Assist in the development and facilitation of recovery-oriented groups, using educational tools and utilizing personal experiences with substance use within the Drop In Center.
• Accompany individuals to community support meetings as appropriate.
• Act as a liaison between clients and other service providers (Clinicians, case managers, care coordinators, etc.) to ensure that client preferences expressed in Recovery Plans are included in Individual Service Plans.
• Maintain accurate documentation consistent with agency guidelines.
• Collaborate with multiple programs as part of a treatment team and with community services providers.
• Attend staff meetings, case meetings, and staff training activities as required.
• Utilize evidenced based practices when conducting groups and works within peer recovery guidelines as provided by the state.
• Participate in monthly supervision with a staff member trained in peer specialist supervision.
• Assist clients with developing skills and strategies to prevent relapse of substance addiction.