Peer Recovery Specialist

About Mainspring Recovery

Mainspring Recovery is a mission-driven behavioral health organization built on the belief that healing happens when the right people are in the room. We provide care across multiple levels, including Residential, Partial Hospitalization (PHP), and Intensive Outpatient (IOP), supporting individuals and families throughout the recovery process.

Every role at Mainspring, clinical and non-clinical alike, contributes to creating safe, structured, and effective environments where people can rebuild their lives. We invest in strong teams, clear systems, and thoughtful leadership, believing meaningful impact comes from doing the work well, supporting one another, and holding ourselves to high standards across the organization.

Job Title:

Peer Recovery Specialist

Reports To:
Clinical Director/Clinical Supervisor/Executive Director

Department:
Clinical, Peer Support

Location:
On-site, Dumfries, VA

Employment Type:
Full-time | Hourly | Non-Exempt

Wednesday-Sunday 12:30-9:00pm with evening/weekend hours required

Compensation :


The pay range for this position is $21-23 hourly, set in good faith based on the responsibilities of the role, qualifications, and market conditions.

Job Summary

Mainspring Recovery is seeking a compassionate and motivated Peer Recovery Specialist (PRS) to provide strength-based, trauma-informed, and person-centered peer support to individuals navigating substance use recovery and mental health challenges. This role is vital in building trust and engagement within our recovery-oriented system of care.


Key Responsibilities

• Provide peer support services to clients in individual and group settings
• Serve as a role model, mentor, and advocate for clients
• Collaborate with clinical staff to integrate peer recovery supports into treatment plans
• Assist clients in identifying personal goals for recovery and developing strategies to achieve them
• Help clients navigate community resources, recovery meetings, housing, employment, and transportation
• Document services and progress notes in compliance with Medicaid and agency standards
• Support clients during transitions (e.g., admission, discharge, or crisis events)
• Participate in team meetings, training, and supervision
• Uphold the values of recovery, empowerment, and client autonomy
• Maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality in all interactions
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Education / Credentials

• Active Virginia Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) credential (or eligible within 6 months)
• High school diploma or GED
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation

Experience

• Must have lived experience with recovery from substance use and/or co-occurring mental health disorders
• Experience working in a behavioral health or community-based setting

Knowledge / Skills

• Strong communication skills and empathy
• Ability to model recovery and resilience
• Bilingual in Spanish or another high-need language
• Familiarity with Medicaid documentation and community resources in Virginia

Working Conditions

• Work may occur in outpatient, residential, community, or virtual settings
• Wednesday-Sunday 12:30-9:00pm with evening/weekend hours required
• Exposure to individuals in crisis or early recovery stages

Why This Role Matters

The Peer Recovery Specialist (PRS) brings something to the treatment and recovery process that cannot be taught in a textbook: lived experience, hope, and authentic connection. Peer Recovery Specialists help individuals see that recovery is possible because they have walked a similar path themselves and can offer support from a place of understanding and credibility.

• Impact: By building trust, reducing stigma, and meeting individuals where they are in their recovery journey, you'll help clients feel seen, heard, and understood. Your support can increase engagement in treatment, strengthen motivation, and encourage long-term recovery.
• Growth & Development: The PRS role creates opportunities for growth for both the individuals being served and the peers themselves. As a peer, you continuously develop professional skills such as communication, advocacy, leadership, and problem solving while making a meaningful difference in their communities. You also contribute to a recovery-oriented system of care by helping our organization better understand client needs and identify opportunities to improve services.
• Team Culture: Peer Recovery Specialists strengthen team culture by bringing a unique perspective that complements clinical and operational expertise. Your lived experience helps teams maintain a person-centered focus and fosters greater empathy and understanding across disciplines. PRSs often bridge gaps between clients and providers, promoting collaboration, trust, and engagement.

Pre-Employment Requirements

Mainspring conducts, as required, job-related background checks, drug testing, TB testing, verification of employment history, and/or reference checks prior to employment.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Mainspring is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

EEO is the Law:

The pay range for this role is:

21 - 23 USD per hour (Dumfries 3.5)