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Recovery Advocate information

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How much do recovery advocate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for recovery advocate in Virginia is $21.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.92 and $25.48 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a recovery advocate?

Recovery Advocates are professionals who support individuals dealing with substance use disorders or mental health challenges on their journey to recovery. They provide guidance, encouragement, and resources to help clients achieve and maintain sobriety or mental wellness. Recovery Advocates often draw from personal experience, offering peer support, assisting with navigating treatment options, and connecting clients to community services. Their role is crucial in empowering individuals to take control of their recovery and build healthy, fulfilling lives.

How does a recovery advocate typically collaborate with clinical staff and other team members in a treatment facility?

Recovery Advocates work closely with clinical professionals, such as counselors, therapists, and medical staff, to support clients through their recovery journey. They often act as a bridge between clients and the treatment team by relaying concerns, offering peer support, and helping to implement care plans. Regular team meetings and case discussions are common, allowing Recovery Advocates to provide valuable insights from their lived experiences and daily interactions with clients. This collaborative approach ensures that clients receive holistic, coordinated care tailored to their needs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a recovery advocate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Recovery Advocate, you need a solid understanding of addiction recovery principles, strong interpersonal skills, and often a certification such as Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) or equivalent experience in recovery support. Familiarity with electronic documentation systems, case management software, and basic crisis intervention tools is typically required. Outstanding active listening, empathy, and motivational skills set exceptional advocates apart in supporting clients through their recovery journey. These skills are crucial for building trust, providing effective guidance, and fostering lasting positive change in individuals' lives.

What is the difference between Recovery Advocate vs Peer Support Specialist?

AspectRecovery AdvocatePeer Support Specialist
CredentialsMay require certification or training in recovery coachingOften requires peer support certification or lived experience
Work EnvironmentCommunity programs, treatment centers, recovery facilitiesSimilar settings, including community organizations and healthcare facilities
Employer & IndustryNonprofits, healthcare providers, addiction treatment centersBehavioral health agencies, recovery programs, social services
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in recovery supportSimilar roles focusing on peer-led support

Recovery Advocates and Peer Support Specialists both work in recovery and behavioral health settings, often sharing similar credentials and work environments. While their titles may differ, both roles focus on supporting individuals through recovery processes, emphasizing lived experience and peer support. The main difference lies in specific certifications or training requirements, but both are vital in addiction and mental health services.

What are popular job titles related to Recovery Advocate jobs in Virginia?

For Recovery Advocate jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Recovery Advocate jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Recovery Advocate jobs in Virginia are:

Recovery Advocate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Recovery Advocate job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $44,671 per year, or $21.5 per hour.

Recovery Support Specialist (RSS) (Pool/PRN)

Connections Health Solutions

Leesburg, VA • On-site

Per diem

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 hours ago

Connections Health Solutions rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

We're not just behavioral health people-we're crisis people.
Connections Health Solutions is a leading provider of immediate-access behavioral health crisis care. Our team combines medical and recovery-oriented treatment to stabilize individuals in crisis and connect them to community-based resources for ongoing recovery.
Founded by emergency room psychiatrists Dr. Chris Carson and Dr. Robert Williamson, our model is physician-led and data-driven, drawing upon more than 15 years of crisis care expertise. Recognized by SAMHSA and the National Council for Mental Wellbeing as a national best practice, we've delivered invaluable treatment to hundreds of thousands of individuals facing crises. Our commitment remains consistent, to improve access, inspire hope, and provide the right support.
Our values shape our decisions, define our culture, and foster continuous learning and growth.
We accept people as they are, creating safe spaces where they feel valued and respected. We inspire hope by walking with people side-by-side, showing them grace and compassion. We act with intention, holding ourselves and each other accountable, and doing the right thing. We work as one team, trusting and supporting each other. We embrace change and innovation, striving to find better ways to fulfill our mission.
We are on a mission to change the face of behavioral health. Help us save lives and make a difference.
Earn More with Shift Differentials
Maximize your earnings with additional hourly pay:
  • +$2/hr -> Monday-Thursday Nights
  • +$3/hr -> Friday-Sunday Nights
  • +$2/hr -> Saturday-Sunday Days

What You'll Do:
The Recovery Support Specialist (RSS) plays a critical role in supporting individuals experiencing behavioral health and substance use challenges by providing hope, encouragement, and peer-based support throughout their recovery journey. Drawing upon lived experience and recovery principles, the RSS serves as a positive example that recovery is possible, attainable, and sustainable.
As a valued member of the interdisciplinary treatment team, the RSS partners with clinical and operational staff to promote engagement, recovery, resilience, and wellness. Through relationship-building, advocacy, education, and support, this role helps create a therapeutic environment that fosters safety, dignity, empowerment, and person-centered care.
  • Builds meaningful therapeutic relationships with individuals by providing peer support, encouragement, and recovery-focused guidance throughout the treatment process.
  • Serves as a recovery advocate, helping individuals identify strengths, overcome barriers, and actively participate in their treatment and recovery planning.
  • Shares lived recovery experiences appropriately and professionally to inspire hope, model recovery, and reinforce that healing and wellness are achievable.
  • Facilitates and co-facilitates psychoeducational, recovery-oriented, and skills-based groups that support individual growth, resilience, and community connection.
  • Provides one-on-one peer support and coaching to assist individuals in identifying goals, developing coping strategies, and navigating challenges in recovery.
  • Partners closely with nursing, clinical, medical, and operational teams to support treatment goals and ensure a coordinated, person-centered approach to care.
  • Utilizes trauma-informed, recovery-oriented practices to promote emotional safety, reduce escalation, and help minimize the use of restrictive interventions, including seclusion and restraint.
  • Assists individuals in identifying and accessing community resources, support systems, and recovery services that promote successful transitions and long-term wellness.
  • Demonstrates knowledge of multiple pathways to recovery and supports individuals in pursuing the approach that best aligns with their needs, goals, and values.
  • Encourages engagement in treatment, programming, and recovery activities through authentic connection, support, and positive reinforcement.
  • Documents all interactions, observations, and services provided in the Electronic Health Record (EHR) in accordance with organizational, regulatory, and documentation standards.
  • Supports daily therapeutic programming and contributes to a positive, welcoming, and recovery-focused treatment environment.
  • Maintains required certifications, competencies, and training requirements, including attendance at department meetings and ongoing professional development activities.
  • Models Connections' values and commitment to delivering compassionate, person-centered behavioral healthcare.
  • Perfoms other duties as assigned to support patient care, recovery outcomes, and operational excellence.

What You'll Bring:
  • High School Diploma or equivalent
  • Completion of (or enrollment in) the DBDHS 72-hour Peer Recovery Specialist training
  • A minimum of 1 (one) year of personal recovery from mental health and/or substance use challenges, or 1 (one) year of experience as a family member supporting a loved one
  • Registered with VA Board of Counseling and maintains registration throughout employment
  • Agreement to adhere to the Peer Recovery Specialist Code of Ethics
  • Experience using Electronic Health Records (EHRs) and proficiency with basic computer applications, including email, internet navigation, and electronic documentation, preferred
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality and comply with HIPAA and organizational policies
  • The Company has a mandatory vaccination policy. All successful applicants must be fully vaccinated, including showing proper documentation, or otherwise be exempt pursuant to the Company's exemption process prior to their start date as a condition of employment
  • State of Virginia Fingerprint Clearance
  • Must be able to pass Virginia Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Services (VA DBHDS) background check
  • Must be able to pass Virginia Department of Social Services (VA DSS) Office of Background Investigations - Central Registry Search
  • Must be able to obtain a State of Virginia Food Handlers Card
  • Physical Requirements
    • Safely perform physical interventions (e.g., standing, pivoting, reaching, kneeling, lowering to the floor, and supporting another person's weight)
    • Lift, push, pull, or carry up to 50 lbs. occasionally
    • Tolerate prolonged walking, standing, and observation in a fast-paced environment
    • Work with individuals who may exhibit agitation, aggression, or unpredictable behavior

It would be great if you had:
  • Behavioral Health/Substance Use Treatment or GMH Recovery experience
  • Three years or more of personal recovery desired
  • Completion of specialized peer certifications (WHAM, ASIST, etc.)
  • Knowledge of evidence-based/person-centered skillsets, such as Motivational Interviewing, Trauma Informed Care, Verbal De-escalation, Harm Reduction, and Person-centered language

What We Offer:
Full-time only:
  • Employees (and their families) are offered comprehensive health insurance, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity
  • CHS pays for Basic Life, AD&D, Short and Long-Term Disability
  • Voluntary Life insurance option for employees and their families
  • Health Savings Accounts (with $1,000 to $2,000 employer contribution depending on plan)
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (health care and dependent care)
  • 401k company match after 6 months (50% of deferrals up to 6% of compensation)
  • Generous PTO starting at 160 hours accrued annually and 12 recognized company holidays
  • Company-paid parental leave available to eligible employees

All employees (Pool, Part-time and Full-time):
  • Employee Assistance Program to help with confidential emotional support, work life solutions, financial solutions, legal assistance, or online support
  • After 90 days, you are auto enrolled in the 401k Plan

Connections Health Solutions is proud to be a Second Chance Employer.
Actual compensation is based on relevant experience, education, internal equity, and budget.
Virginia pay range
$22-$23 USD
EEO Statement
Connections Health Solutions is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We are committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all employees and applicants.
Recruitment Fraud Warning
Connections Health Solutions has been made aware of individuals impersonating our recruiters and issuing fraudulent interview invitations and job offers.
Please note:
  • Official communications come only from an email address ending in @connectionshs.com.
  • We will never extend an offer without completing our formal interview process.
  • We will never ask candidates to pay fees, purchase equipment, or send money as part of the hiring process.

If you receive a suspicious communication claiming to represent Connections Health Solutions, please contact myRecruiter@connectionshs.com to verify its authenticity before responding.

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