Job Duties:
The City of Virginia Beach Department of Human Services is eagerly seeking to hire a Certified Peer Support Specialist to join our Adult Mobile Crisis team!
The ideal candidate will have completed the 72 hour Peer Recovery Specialist Training and have experience working with and providing peer support services to adults with substance use and or mental health disorders, developing a Recovery Plan by identifying individual’s goals, strengths, and steps, experience as a liaison between individuals with Mental Health and/or Substance Use Disorders and other service providers such as Clinicians, case managers and working with and as a part of an interdisciplinary team.
And here's the exciting part - the selected candidate will qualify for a $3,000 hiring bonus!**
Responsibilities:
Work closely with local hospital emergency rooms, Emergency Service, and Crisis Stabilization staff to provide client perspective on a comprehensive assessment to determine individualized treatment preferences.
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 support through coaching toward an increased sense of responsibility.
Educate clients about available community resources and advocate 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 disorders and mental illness.
Act as a liaison between clients and other service providers (Emergency Service workers, case managers, counselors, etc.) to ensure that client preferences expressed in Recovery Plans are included in Individual Service Plans.
Maintain accurate documentation consistent with agency guidelines, grant requirements, and licensure standards.
Collaborate with multiple programs as part of a treatment team, community services providers, and significant others as necessary.
Utilize SAMHSA’s Crisis Prevention Action Plan and other recovery-oriented peer support programs.
Assist clients with developing skills and strategies to prevent relapse of substance addiction and possible mental health symptoms, reconnecting them with their recovery goals.
The City offers a generous benefits package, which includes health, dental and life insurance, retirement and savings plans, maternity/paternity and parental leave, holidays and Paid Leave.
**Hiring bonuses shall only be for new hires of original employment or re-employment as defined in Human Resources Policy No. 5.0.
$500 will be awarded in the first paycheck.
$1,000 will be awarded upon completing the six (6) month interim performance evaluation with an overall rating of “Meets Expectations”.
$1,500 will be awarded upon completing the employee’s one (1) year probationary period and a performance evaluation with an overall rating of “Meets Expectations”.
Official City Job Description:
Working Conditions:
https://workingcondition-summary-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/B.007696.1.pdf
Minimum Requirements:
MINIMUMS: Requires any combination of education (above the high school level) and/or experience equivalent to one (1) year in fields utilizing the required knowledge, skills, and abilities OR eligibility for certification as a Peer Recovery Specialist with Virginia DBHDS. Must have a current and valid drivers license.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: All employees may be expected to work hours in excess of their normally scheduled hours in response to short-term department needs and/or City-wide emergencies. Must have completed 72 hour Peer Recovery Specialist training and be eligible to become a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) in Virginia. If not obtained prior to hire, the peer counselor will receive Peer Certification Recovery Services training.
Additional Requirements:
DMV Transcript: Required
CDL: Not Required
DOT History: Not Required
CPS Check: Required
Physical: Not Required
Respirator: Not Required
Polygraph Review: Not Required
Psychological Screening: Not Required
Attachments Required: Resume
Preferences:
Associates degree or higher in Human Services or related field.
Certified Peer Recovery Specialist
Registered Peer Recovery Specialist in Virginia.
Experience working as a Peer Recovery Specialist.
Lived experience with Mental Health and/or Substance Use.
Experience working in a crisis setting (psych hospital, MCR, emergency services, etc.)
Experience working as a part of an interdisciplinary team.
Special Instructions:
Must have completed 72 hour Peer Recovery Specialist training.
VRS Contribution: All full-time employees are required to contribute 5% of annual salary toward their retirement account; in accordance with VRS retirement provisions. This will be handled through a pre-tax payroll deduction.
Drug Free Workplace: The City of Virginia Beach maintains a drug free workplace.