Peer Recovery Specialist - Recovery and Reentry Grant

Job Description

Job Description

Hours: full-time (37.5 hours per week), Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. 

Location: Lynchburg, VA, 24501

Position Summary

The Recovery and Reentry Peer Recovery Specialist uses lived experience with recovery from substance use and/or co-occurring mental health conditions to inspire hope, promote recovery, and support justice-involved individuals as they transition from incarceration to the community. Working collaboratively with correctional staff, clinicians, case managers, and community partners, the Peer Recovery Specialist engages participants during incarceration, providers recovery coaching and mentorship, assists with individualized reentry planning and facilitates successful linkage to treatment, medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), recovery supports, housing, employment, transportation, and other community resources. The Peer Recovery Specialist promotes recovery capital, reduces barriers to engagement, supports overdose prevention, and provides ongoing encouragement and follow-up to improve treatment engagement, sustain recovery and reduce recidivism. This is a grant-based position and may to come to an end with the ending of grant funding.

Required Education and Experience

• High School Diploma / GED
• At least one continuous year of sustained recovery for persons having lived experience with mental illness or substance use.

Related Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of the nature of the recovery process including the use of established standardized mental health, substance use, and co-occurring processes;
Knowledge of basic problem solving strategies to support individuals in self-directed recovery;
Basic knowledge of multiple pathways to recovery; signs and symptoms of mental health and/or substance use challenges and strategies to address these symptoms;
Ability to identify an individual’s need for resources, services, and other supports;
Ability to coordinate services with diverse public and private providers;
Ability to utilize personal experience to support others in recovery.
Ability to work as the member of a team and maintain effective, professional working relationships with individuals within the agency as well as those in the community.
Ability to work independently performing the duties of the position under general supervision.
Ability to engage in and sustain ongoing, professional relationships with individuals receiving services through appropriate boundary setting.
Knowledge surrounding the operation and care of computer equipment and cellular devices.
Knowledge of basic computer skills and the ability to efficiently utilize internet search to identify resources relevant for peer supports.
Ability to participate in and successfully pass behavioral intervention training; includes both verbal de-escalation skills and physical skills techniques to be utilized with consumers as needed.
Ability to drive and must possess a valid driver’s license.
Willing and available to work modified schedules (weekends, holiday, etc.) as required.

THE BEST BENEFITS FOR THOSE WHO TAKE CARE OF THE COMMUNITY

We’re proud to offer some of the best benefits options in Central Virginia.  Participation in the Virginia Retirement System (VRS) is exclusively for public service workers in Virginia, while several options exist for life, health, dental, and vision insurance. Emphasis on work-life balance means a generous annual leave policy, ensuring time for wellness, with separate time allocated for sick leave and additionally for paid holidays. Stay active with Horizon’s annual wellness programs and various opportunities to interact with the community throughout the year. Horizon’s clinical sites are NHSC/HRSA-approved for clinical student loan repayment, and qualify for both the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) and the Behavioral Health State Loan Repayment (BHLRP) programs.  If you are interested in continuing your education, working at Horizon qualifies you to receive discounts at some local universities. 

To Apply – Please visit our online career center at 

Horizon Behavioral Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).