Peer Helper Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

For over 60 years, HopeLink Behavioral Health (formerly PRS) has been a beacon of support for individuals and families facing behavioral health challenges and life crises. We envision a world where hope is accessible to all. Through high-quality mental health services, crisis intervention, and suicide prevention, we foster an inclusive community where everyone can achieve well-being and a sense of belonging.

SUMMARY STATEMENT OF POSITION:

This Family Peer Support Partner is responsible for serving families with children/ youth up to age 21 who experience one or more behavioral and / or mental health challenges. The youth may have had contact with the social services system or juvenile justice or court system; or who require emergency services or long-term community mental health and other supports. HopeLink also serve families who self-refer.

What We Offer:

• Meaningful Work: Make a real difference in the lives of others.
• Competitive Salary: $20.00 - $23.00/hr.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, FSA, 403b Retirement plan with match; 12 paid holidays; PTO and sick time; birthday leave; employee assistance program; tuition reimbursement.
• Supportive Environment: Join a dedicated team committed to providing high-quality care.

SCHEDULE & LOCATION:

• Schedule: Monday - Friday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm, occasional work until 7 pm.
• This is a community-based position in Loudoun County.
• Some work for home/telehealth opportunities weekly.

PRIMARY DUTIES:

• Serve as a peer partner and coach to families navigating behavioral health systems and other formal and informal community resources, ensuring families have the information they need.
• Work collaboratively with team coordinators/facilitators, including Intensive Care Coordinators (ICC) to provide High Fidelity Wraparound care or other team-based care for identified clients, if the family is engaged with these services.
• Support the voice and choice of the youth and family through modeling the effective presentation of ideas and suggestions during team meetings.
• Assist the youth and family in strengths and needs discovery, and promote and reinforce strength-based strategies. Mentor and coach families to act on strengths and use setbacks to increase resiliency.
• Build trust with parents/caregivers by engaging in a confidential, respectful, nonjudgmental, and supportive relationships. Listen to and validate each family member's perspective, feelings and values, allowing everyone to be heard.
• Help families understand their child's needs and services. Help families understand and manage information received related to diagnosis, treatment, and services.
• Support parents/caregivers and encourage them to continue to have hope, effectively use family and community supports, and learn skills to parent children so they become empowered and effective adults.
• Participate in connecting family with a variety of support services for parents/caregivers such as support groups, family activities, and other resources.
• Participate in evaluation, monitoring and other evaluation processes, including but not limited to Wraparound Fidelity Monitoring, as appropriate.

ESSENTIAL COMPETENCIES:

• Adaptability to changes in environment and situations
• Strong and effective communication skills and accepts criticism and feedback
• Dependability by following instructions, responds to management direction and keeps commitments
• Meets attendance punctuality guidelines
• Maintains emotional self-awareness and manages relationships positively
• Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming and building interpersonal relationships
• Contributes to building a positive team spirit and exhibits objectivity and openness to others views

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be the current or former biological or adoptive parent or person in the parent role who has been the primary caregiver of a child with emotional, behavioral, or mental health and/or substance use challenges.
• Must have experience navigating Virginia behavioral health systems with their child.
• High school diploma or GED; Certified Peer Support Specialist or Wraparound Facilitator Certification a plus.
• Bi-lingual - (Spanish) speaking preferred.
• Must be a self-starter who possesses strong interpersonal skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with demonstrated ability to build rapport with staff, clients, internal and external providers and highly organized.
• Ability to learn quickly Electronic Health Record (EHR) software.
• High degree of empathy toward individuals with serious mental illness with the ability to connect with individuals of diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
• Ability to work occasional early evening and/or weekend hours which may be scheduled.

The above statements reflect the usual responsibilities and principal functions of the position and shall not be construed as a complete description of all the work requirements that may be inherent or added to the position.

Ready to Join Our Mission?

If you're passionate about helping people achieve mental wellness, we encourage you to apply!

HopeLink Behavioral Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

'Where Hope Meets Help.'