Peer Recovery Specialist PRS - Rapid Response Team

Hours: full-time (37.5 hours per week)

Location: Lynchburg, VA 24501

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POSITION SUMMARY

The Peer Recovery Specialist (PRS) will provide rapid follow up services to individuals who are referred by first responders in the community as part of the Marcus Alert program. Responses will primarily be done as a team approach with a QMHP clinician. The rapid follow up team will make contact with individuals in the community setting within 48 business hours of receiving the referral. This position functions as a role model and coach to those seeking personal wellness and long-term recovery by adhering to professional ethics, demonstrating competencies, using effective coping skills, serving as an advocate, using best practices and providing information and referral. This is an entry level position and will be required to complete all required training and supervision hours to apply for certification within one year of hire date.Services include one-on-one peer mentoring, peer led support groups, telephone outreach, assisting clients in accessing community resources, services and affiliation with recovery supported social activities. Some evening and weekend hours.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• High School Diploma or GED
• At least one year of personal experience living in recovery with mental health/substance use challenges or the family member/supporter of a person who experienced mental health/substance use challenges.

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 work effectively and in a professional manner when under stress and confronted with severe time constraints. 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. Ability to recognize the boundary between personal lives and professional roles. 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.

HORIZON ENVIRONMENT

Horizon Behavioral Health Community Services Board (CSB) is located in the beautiful heart of Central Virginia. Whether your passions be hiking the Appalachian Trails, kayaking the James River Blueways, or a Sunday drive along the world-famous Blue Ridge Parkway, Lynchburg Virginia offers small-town southern charm with an active culture of music festivals, outdoor activities, world-class performing arts, and a revitalized downtown that places Lynchburg at the top of the in 2019 Best Place for Millennials to Move charts. Horizon is also the proud recipient of Living in Lynchburg’s 2021 Giving Back Award, Best of Lynchburg for Counseling Services for multiple consecutive years, and again named Best Place to Work by Lynchburg Business Magazine in 2023!

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 https://www.horizonbh.org/careers/

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