Senior Peer Specialist

Loudoun County Government
Leesburg, VA

The Loudoun County Department of Mental Health, Substance Abuse and Developmental Services is seeking a talented and motivated individual to serve as a Senior Peer Specialist within the Same Day Access program. In this role, you will work with a trusted and reputable team that has a history of success connecting individuals and their families with person-centered, recovery-oriented services and support.

We welcome new teammates who approach their professional careers with enthusiasm and dedication to our diverse and fast-growing county. Come be a part of something that matters.
The Senior Peer Support Specialist provides support to individuals in the Access Program.

In this position, you will:
  • Emphasize military cultural competence and working with service members, veterans, and their families to help connect them to support within and external to MHSADS.
  • Models effective coping techniques and self-help strategies and mentors the value of every individual’s recovery experience.
  • Provide peer support, advocacy, family orientation/education, administrative activities, and supportive services to other adults with serious mental illness or co-occurring serious mental illness and substance abuse in a variety of non-clinic-based settings.
  • Source, create, and provide resources to link individuals to sources of recovery conducive to employment, health, social services, and support groups.
  • Participate in clinical team discussions to review the quality and effectiveness of client care and service.
  • Provide crisis intervention services.
Hiring salary commensurate with experience.



High school diploma or equivalent; three (3) years of related work experience along with personal experience as an individual with behavioral health treatment; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Have knowledge/familiarity of the mental health, addiction treatment, and social service systems, and an understanding of client rights.
  • Demonstrate the ability to work effectively in a wide range of settings with people from diverse backgrounds, including clients and co-workers.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and able to adapt to changing situations.
  • Experience with public speaking and facilitation of group workshops or activities.
  • Experience coaching others and possess negotiation skills.
  • Excellent organization skills and experience planning and designing events and activities.
  • Bilingual in Spanish and English.
  • Work schedule is 37.5 hours per week.
  • Must hold and maintain Virginia Certified Peer Recovery Specialist licensure. Registration as a Registered Peer Recovery Specialist under the VA Department of Health Professions is required within six (6) months of hire.
  • Mustbe to work in the Loudoun County VA community through outreach and networking efforts.
  • Must be able to support individuals transitioning for inpatient placements throughout Virginia.
Employment is contingent upon successfully passing pre-employment background check to include fingerprinting, credit, NCIC, DMV, and TB test. Must have a good driving record and a valid driver's license in Virginia or regional state of residence.
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