Substance Abuse Peer Recovery Specialist

For over 60 years, Hope Link Behavioral Health (formerly PRS) has been a beacon of support for individuals and families facing behavioral health challenges and life crises. We envision a world where hope is accessible to all. Through high-quality mental health services, crisis intervention, and suicide prevention, we foster an inclusive community where everyone can achieve well‑being and a sense of 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 will promote opportunities to enhance the ability of clients served to move into recovery.

• Shifts available: 4 days a week, Monday - Friday, 8:30 am and 8:00 pm
• 20 hours per week
• Onsite: MHSADS Leesburg Office, Shenandoah Building, andMHSADS Sterling Office, Eastern Loudoun Service Center

• 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 Library and Connection Zone.
• Provides individual peer-focused services in the community to clients referred.
• Provide services to clients in the Adult Detention Center (ADC) when requested. Services include but are not limited to: meet individually with Treatment Unit participants to assess re-entry needs, conduct "Big Book" Study group, facilitate Recovery group as needed, and provide additional support upon release from the ADC as needed.
• Facilitates or Co-facilitates groups focused on recovery from substance use and / or mental health illness.
• Provides feedback to supervisor on groups.
• Communicates to clinical staff the need for crisis intervention for clients served.
• Provides assistance in transportation education, including providing assistance and resources in local transportation and natural supports. May provide local transportation as needed and as appropriate.
• Provides education on the recovery process based on personal experience and program material.
• Represents staff in agency and/or community-based work groups to enhance services provided within, and related to, the services for 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.
• Record 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 in exploring job placement options.

• Adaptability to changes in environment and situations
• Strong and effective communication skills and accepts criticism and feedback
• Dependability by following instructions, responds to management direction and keeps commitment
• Meets attendance punctuality guidelines
• Maintains emotional self-awareness and manages relationships positively
• Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming and building interpersonal relationships
• Contributes to building a positive team spirit and exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views

• High school diploma or GED.
• Valid driver's license with good driving record. Must have a vehicle or access to a vehicle.
• 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 above 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'.

This position is subject to background check requirements, including disqualifying 'barrier crimes' under DBHDS regulations.