Peer Recovery Specialist II

About the role

This position delivers services in the Striving to Achieve Recovery (STAR) program within the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center (ADC). STAR is a peer‑centered program that engages individuals with groups, activities, and individual peer support, primarily in a specialized men’s housing unit. The role involves facilitating multiple groups per week on a wide variety of recovery topics and providing one‑on‑one peer recovery services, including support in recovery planning, building recovery capital, learning accountability, problem‑solving challenging relationships, and learning a new way of living. While primarily serving the STAR housing unit, the position may also support other populations housed in the ADC.

Responsibilities

• Lead, facilitate, or co‑facilitate peer support or other education/support groups with a wellness or recovery focus, including preparing materials and developing curriculum.
• Assist individuals in developing self‑directed recovery plans (including Medicaid‑billable Recovery, Resiliency, and Wellness (RRW) plans) and enacting those plans.
• Collaborate with service providers such as case managers, therapists, nurses, psychiatrists, and other partners.
• Provide services in varied locations, including outpatient sites, crisis programs, residential treatment programs, community settings, telehealth, and justice‑system settings.
• Offer navigation services for individuals, families, and concerned persons, linking them to community resources and crisis systems of care.
• Coordinate with other health‑care providers to deliver integrated services.
• Conduct outreach and engagement activities to connect with individuals who may benefit from behavioral health services.
• Provide follow‑up support after mental‑health and/or substance‑use emergencies, helping individuals learn skills, access resources, and receive emotional support to avoid future crises.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of principles, theories, and methods of peer recovery services.
• Knowledge of local community resources, services, and supports relevant to the population.
• Familiarity with wellness and recovery terminology, theories, and best practices.
• Understanding of basic clinical psychological, physiological, and psychiatric terminology, theories, and practices.
• Ability to relate personal lived experiences of wellness and recovery effectively.
• Ability to provide one‑on‑one and group peer recovery services.
• Ability to establish rapport and maintain effective relationships with individuals served.
• Ability to facilitate development of wellness, recovery, and resiliency plans.
• Ability to assist individuals in accessing supports and services needed for recovery.
• Ability to collaborate with other behavioral health professionals.
• Ability to manage a caseload.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, using recovery‑oriented language consistently.
• Ability to maintain records and use evaluation and survey tools.
• Ability to recognize signs of distress and safety threats and take appropriate action within scope of practice.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Education and/or experience equivalent to at least one (1) year of Human Services experience.

Certifications

• Virginia Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) through the Virginia Certification Board, or equivalent certification from an IC&RC member board, or National Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist (NCPRSS) through NAADAC – to be obtained within six months of hire.
• Registered Peer Recovery Specialist (RPRS) through the Virginia Board of Counseling – to be obtained within one (1) year of hire.
• Integrated Forensic Peer Recovery (IFPRS) certification – to be obtained within one (1) year of employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Current certification as a Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPRS) or Registered Peer Recovery Specialist (RPRS) in Virginia.
• Forensic Peer Support Specialist Certification (IFPRS).
• Two (2) or more years using lived experience and recovery journey to help individuals recover from substance‑use challenges.
• Experience providing direct peer support services to adults with mental‑health and substance‑use challenges.

Special Requirements

• Criminal background check, Child Protective Services Registry check, and sanction screening.
• TB screening upon hire and annually thereafter.
• Designation as emergency/essential services personnel (required to report for duty during inclement weather or other emergencies).

Physical Requirements

• Observe, monitor, and document client behavior.
• Climb stairs and lift up to 20 lb.
• Participate in recreational activities.
• Navigate hallways, rooms, and stairs within the Adult Detention Center.
• Review/write notes in records and use a computer.
• All duties performed with or without reasonable accommodations.

Selection Procedure

The selection process includes a panel interview and may include a practical exercise.

Pay

This full‑time position is eligible for an additional annual environmental bonus of $5,408.

Benefits

• Foreign‑language‑skills stipend of up to $1,600 per year for qualified bilingual employees.
• Competitive wage and comprehensive benefits package, including training and development opportunities.