Peer Recovery Specialist II

Unique opportunity to join the new peer focused initiative to support the Fairfax County Opiate Taskforce. Under the direct clinical and administrative supervision of the behavioral health supervisor, the incumbent of this position will use recovery focused approaches to engage individuals in the community following emergency response to a substance-related crisis, with priority response given to those who have overdosed on opiates. 

This position provides peer-to-peer recovery-based psychoeducation, linkage and referrals to supportive services in the community, supports informed decision-making, and advocates for individual choice. The incumbent will utilize their lived experienced and own recovery journey to help engage and
motivate individuals to explore avenues of change. 

This is a 24/7-hour service, and the incumbent must be able to provide rapid response in the community and coordination with first responders to offer this support. Scheduled shifts may include evenings, overnights and weekends in which pay for shift differential will apply. 

The position further supports individuals with transitions to other treatment and recovery supports as appropriate. Collects data and maintains records of calls to evaluate and improve programming. Works collaboratively with emergency personnel, hospital staff, treatment providers, supervisor and team members. Possesses and shares significant knowledge of local community resources beyond residential treatment that may support the individuals recovery, and works to link individuals to those treatment supports. Provides ongoing engagement with community stakeholders in the peer and recovery communities.

Note: To learn more about careers that make a difference, watch our video "CSB Celebrates 50th Anniversary of Providing Care."(The illustrative duties listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list. A complete list of position duties and unique physical requirements can be found in the position job description.)

• Leads, facilitates, or co-facilitates peer support groups or other education or support groups with a wellness or recovery focus, including preparing materials and developing curriculum;
• Assists individuals served in developing a self-directed recovery plan, (including Medicaid billable Recovery, Resiliency, and Wellness (RRW) plans) and enacting their plans;
• May collaborate with other service providers including Case Managers, Therapists, Nurses, Psychiatrists, and other partners;
• Service locations are varied and may include outpatient program sites, crisis programs, residential treatment programs, in the community, telehealth, and justice system settings;
• Provides navigation services for individuals, families, and other concerned persons, identifying and linking them to community resources that support the individual’s goals and interests, including navigating crisis systems of care;
• Collaborates as needed with other health care providers in providing coordinated services;
• Conducts outreach and engagement activities to connect with individuals that may benefit from behavioral health services;
• Provides follow-up support after mental health and/or substance use emergencies, assisting individuals to learn skills, access resources, and receive emotional support to avoid future crises.

(The knowledge, skills and abilities listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list.)

• Knowledge of the principles, theories, and methods of peer recovery services;
• Knowledge of local resources, services, and support in the community relevant to the population;
• Knowledge of wellness and recovery terminology, theories, and best practices;
• Knowledge of basic clinical psychological, physiological and psychiatric terminology, theories, and practices;
• Ability to effectively relate one’s own lived experiences of wellness and recovery;
• Ability to provide one-on-one peer recovery services;
• Ability to provide 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 to access supports and services needed for recovery;
• Ability to collaborate with other behavioral health professionals;
• Ability to manage a caseload;
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, including consistent use of recovery-oriented language;
• Ability to maintain records and use evaluation and survey tools;
• Ability to recognize signs of distress and threats to safety in individuals served and in the environment;
• Ability to take appropriate action, consistent with scope of practice, to address distress and crisis.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Any combination of education, experience, and training equivalent to the following:(Click on the aforementioned link to learn how Fairfax County interprets equivalencies for “Any combination, experience, and training equivalent to”)
Graduation from high school or a GED issued by a state department of education; plus, any combination of education and experience equivalent to 1 year of Human Services experience.
  
CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES REQUIRED:

• Virginia Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) through the Virginia Certification Board, or peer recovery certification by a member board of IC&RC through another state, or National Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist (NCPRSS) through NAADAC within 6 months of hire.
• Registered Peer Recovery Specialist (RPRS) through the Virginia Board of Counseling within 6 months of hire.
• Valid Motor Vehicle Driver's license with fewer than six demerit points (or equivalent in another state) maintained throughout employment.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• The appointee to this position will be required to complete a criminal background check, a Child Protective Services Registry check, a driving record check, and sanction screening to the satisfaction of the employer. A TB screening upon hire.
• Additional Work Schedule Requirements: Shift work to cover 24/7 operations
• This position is emergency/essential services personnel. (Required to report for duty during inclement weather and/or other emergencies.)

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Bachelor’s degree in a human service-related field.
• Experience with and knowledge of community resources in Fairfax County. 
• At least 1 year of experience working with mental health population.
• Experience providing direct peer support services to adults in a mental health setting.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: 
Ability to lift up to 25 lbs. Ability to input, access, and retrieve information from a computer. Ability to travel to various sites. Ability to observe clients symptoms, communicate complex information by phone, in writing, and in person. All duties performed with or without reasonable accommodations.

SELECTION PROCEDURE: 
Panel Interview and may include a practical exercise.

Fairfax County is home to a highly diverse population, with a significant number of residents speaking languages other than English at home — including Spanish, Asian/Pacific Islander, Indo-European, and many others. We encourage candidates who are bilingual in English and another language to apply for this opportunity.

Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or military status in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.  
  
Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. TTY 703-222-7314. [email protected] EEO/AA/TTY.