What are the responsibilities and job description for the CS Certified Peer Support Specialist - Part Time / HIDTA Grant funded position at Prince William County Government?
Are you interested in being the bridge between Incarceration and Recovery?
Are you passionate about using your lived experience to create real change? Prince William Community Services (PWCS) is seeking a dedicated Part-Time Human Services Associate - Peer Support Specialist to join an innovative new initiative aimed at improving the lives of justice-involved individuals with opioid use disorder. This role offers you the chance to be a vital connector, supporting people in their most vulnerable moments and guiding them toward recovery, stability, and a second chance.
In collaboration with the Prince William Regional Adult Detention Center and George Mason University’s Jail MAT (JMAT) program, this HIDTA Grant-funded role directly supports individuals receiving Medications for Opioid Use Disorder while incarcerated and continues that support through their reentry into the community. As a Part-Time Peer Support Specialist, you’ll provide group and one-on-one motivational support, overdose prevention education, and reentry planning. In addition, you’ll help ensure participants have access to the services they need post-release, from continued MAT services to transportation, housing, employment, and more. Your lived experience will not only offer hope and connection but also improve outcomes like reduced overdose risk and lower recidivism, making a lasting impact on individual lives and community health.
About This Role:
In this role as a Human Services Associate - Peer Support Specialist, you will facilitate peer-led support groups and individual mentoring inside the Adult Detention Center. You will provide overdose prevention education and distribute naloxone kits. You will collaborate with jail, GMU, PWCS Staff, and other community-based partners to support treatment continuity. The individual in the role will offer reentry navigation and warm handoffs to community MAT services and social supports as well as help participants meet court-mandated goals and coordinate with supervision officers. You will also advocate for client needs in accessing housing, employment, medical care, and more.
Minimum Requirements:
- High school diploma or GED and five years of related experience providing support services to individuals challenged with substance use issues.
Preferences:
- Certified Peer Recovery Specialist, or have completed 72-hour DBHDS Peer Recovery Specialist training and are able to sit for the exam
- Lived experience with substance use disorders and/or mental health related challenges
- Ability to connect and develop a rapport with client population
- Have received training in providing person-centered, strengths-based support services
- Experience completing documentation necessary to maintain client records including wellness recovery plans and progress notes
- Bilingual/Spanish-speaking
Special Requirements:
- Must possess a valid driver's license;
- Must pass DMV record check;
- Must pass TB test;
- Offer of employment is contingent upon the candidate passing a fingerprint-based National Criminal History Record Check.
- Certification in First Aid and Cardiac Pulmonary Resuscitation, as required
- Child Protective Services Requirements: Effective 1999, mandated by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services 12VA35-105-400 rules and Regulations for Licensing Providers by the Department of Behavioral Health and Development Services related to Criminal Registry Checks, a search of the registry of founded complaints of child abuse and neglected maintained by the Department of Social Services.
Work Schedule:
FLSA Nonexempt – 37.50 hours/bi-weekly. Hours are flexible Monday – Friday between 7 AM and 4 PM, and some evenings are possible.
Starting Salary Range: $23.25 - $34.19 Hourly
We also offer great benefits including:
Retirement from the Virginia Retirement System (VRS)
401a and 457 retirement savings and investment plans
Paid Annual Leave
Paid Personal Leave
Paid Sick Leave
Paid Holidays
Optional Group Medical and Dental Health Plans
Optional Group Life Insurance
An Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Career Development Opportunities
Full-time positions with Prince William County Government qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness. Click here for PSLF for additional information.
NOTE: The above position description is intended to represent only the key areas of responsibilities; specific position assignments will vary depending on the business needs of the department. To view the class description in its entirety, click here.
Prince William County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.
SEE YOURSELF HERE!
Salary : $23 - $45
