Senior Peer Specialist

Introduction

The Loudoun County Department of Mental Health, Substance Abuse and Developmental Services is seeking a talented and motivated individual to serve as a Senior Peer Specialist within the Same Day Access program. In this role, you will work with a trusted and reputable team that has a history of success connecting individuals and their families with person-centered, recovery-oriented services and support. We welcome new teammates who approach their professional careers with enthusiasm and dedication to our diverse and fast-growing county. Come be a part of something that matters.

Job Summary

The Senior Peer Support Specialist provides support to individuals in the Access Program.

• Emphasize military cultural competence and working with service members, veterans, and their families to help connect them to support within and external to MHSADS.
• Model effective coping techniques and self-help strategies and mentor the value of every individual's recovery experience.
• Provide peer support, advocacy, family orientation/education, administrative activities, and supportive services to other adults with serious mental illness or co-occurring serious mental illness and substance abuse in a variety of non-clinic-based settings.
• Source, create, and provide resources to link individuals to sources of recovery conducive to employment, health, social services, and support groups.
• Participate in clinical team discussions to review the quality and effectiveness of client care and service.
• Provide crisis intervention services.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; three (3) years of related work experience along with personal experience as an individual with behavioral health treatment; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Have knowledge/familiarity of the mental health, addiction treatment, and social service systems, and an understanding of client rights.
• Demonstrate the ability to work effectively in a wide range of settings with people from diverse backgrounds, including clients and co-workers.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and able to adapt to changing situations.
• Experience with public speaking and facilitation of group workshops or activities.
• Experience coaching others and possess negotiation skills.
• Excellent organization skills and experience planning and designing events and activities.
• Bilingual in Spanish and English.

Job Contingencies and Special Requirements

• Work schedule is 37.5 hours per week.
• Must hold and maintain Virginia Certified Peer Recovery Specialist licensure.
• Registration as a Registered Peer Recovery Specialist under the VA Department of Health Professions is required within six (6) months of hire.
• Must be able to work in the Loudoun County VA community through outreach and networking efforts.
• Must be able to support individuals transitioning for inpatient placements throughout Virginia.
• Employment is contingent upon successfully passing pre-employment background check to include fingerprinting, credit, NCIC, DMV, and TB test.
• Must have a good driving record and a valid driver's license in Virginia or regional state of residence.