Peer Helper Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Make Recovery Possible. Build Hope. Change Lives.
At Southwest Virginia Community Health Systems (SVCHS), we believe recovery is possible for everyone. As a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), we are committed to providing accessible, patient-centered, integrated care that addresses the whole person—not just their diagnosis. Our community-rooted approach connects individuals and families with the medical, behavioral health, and community resources they need to achieve lasting wellness.
We are seeking a compassionate and dedicated Peer Recovery Specialist who has lived experience in recovery and is passionate about walking alongside others as they begin and sustain their own recovery journey. If you are ready to inspire hope, build meaningful relationships, and make a lasting difference, we'd love to meet you.
Position Summary
The Peer Recovery Specialist serves as a recovery mentor, advocate, educator, and motivator for individuals living with substance use disorders. Using lived experience and evidence-based peer support practices, this position empowers patients to achieve and maintain long-term recovery while promoting resilience, self-advocacy, and personal growth.
As a valued member of the interdisciplinary New Day Recovery team, the Peer Recovery Specialist collaborates with behavioral health providers, medical professionals, care coordinators, and community partners to deliver integrated care that improves health outcomes and supports recovery beyond the clinical setting.
Key Responsibilities

• Serve as a positive recovery mentor and role model, providing encouragement, hope, and practical support throughout each patient's recovery journey.
• Foster authentic peer-to-peer relationships built on trust, empathy, and mutual respect.
• Supervise and maintain a safe, welcoming, supportive, and recovery-oriented environment within the Peer Recovery Center.
• Facilitate individual and group peer recovery services, educational activities, and wellness programming.
• Assist patients in identifying strengths, interests, goals, and barriers while supporting individualized recovery planning.
• Help individuals successfully transition from professionally supported treatment to self-directed, community-based recovery.
• Encourage self-advocacy, personal responsibility, and long-term recovery maintenance.
• Collaborate with the interdisciplinary New Day Recovery team to coordinate patient-centered services.
• Connect patients with community resources, including:
  • Recovery support organizations
  • Educational and vocational services
  • Housing and transportation resources
  • Social, cultural, and spiritual supports
  • Mutual aid and recovery groups
• Address social determinants of health through resource coordination and advocacy.
• Provide transportation for patients when needed to improve access to recovery supports and essential services.
• Support new referrals in entering treatment and remaining actively engaged in recovery services.
• Accurately document all patient interactions in the electronic health record (EHR).
• Maintain confidentiality and comply with all HIPAA regulations, organizational policies, and professional standards.

Minimum Qualifications

• Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) or eligible to obtain certification in accordance with Virginia requirements.
• Personal lived experience in sustained recovery from substance use disorder.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively use lived experience to encourage and support others in recovery.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to maintain appropriate professional boundaries.
• Basic computer skills and ability to document services in an electronic health record.
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
• Ability to travel between multiple clinical locations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in behavioral health, substance use treatment, community health, or human services.
• Familiarity with recovery-oriented systems of care.
• Knowledge of local recovery resources and community organizations.
• Experience facilitating support groups or educational programming.
• Bilingual skills are a plus.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Successful candidates will demonstrate:

• Strong understanding of recovery principles and peer support practices
• Compassionate, nonjudgmental communication
• Crisis de-escalation and conflict resolution skills
• Ability to motivate and inspire hope
• Cultural humility and respect for diverse backgrounds
• Strong organizational and documentation skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within an interdisciplinary team
• Commitment to ethical practice and patient confidentiality

Why Join SVCHS?
At SVCHS, you'll join a mission-driven organization dedicated to improving the health of our communities through accessible, patient-centered, integrated care. We foster a supportive, collaborative culture where every team member plays a meaningful role in improving lives.
As part of our team, you'll have the opportunity to:

• Make a lasting impact on individuals and families in recovery
• Work alongside compassionate medical and behavioral health professionals
• Help reduce barriers to care throughout Southwest Virginia
• Build meaningful relationships within the communities we serve
• Grow professionally through ongoing education and development
• Be part of an organization committed to whole-person care and long-term recovery

Equal Opportunity Employer
Southwest Virginia Community Health Systems is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where every employee is valued and respected.
 

Equal Employment Opportunity & E-Verify Statement

Southwest Virginia Community Health Systems, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We do not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and to applicants and employees with sincerely held religious beliefs, in accordance with applicable law.

Southwest Virginia Community Health Systems participates in the E-Verify program. All newly hired employees are required to complete Form I-9 and will have their employment eligibility verified through E-Verify in accordance with federal law.

In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, all individuals hired must provide documentation establishing identity and authorization to work in the United States. SVCHS does not use E-Verify to pre-screen applicants and will not take adverse action against an individual based solely on tentative non-confirmation results.

Applicants requiring assistance with the application process due to a disability may contact Human Resources for support.

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