Provides peer to peer support services to individuals with Mental Illness and/or Substance Use Disorder who are enrolled in Northwestern Community Services. Performs a variety of paraprofessional duties in support of wellness and recovery by utilizing their lived experiences of recovery and mental illness and/or substance use disorder plus skills learned in formal training to provide non-clinical group and individual sessions with the individuals served to promote their recovery and resiliency. Peer Support Specialists offer emotional support, share knowledge, teach skills, provide practical assistance and connect individuals with resources, opportunities, communities of support and other people. Services are non-clinical, person-centered, strengths-based, wellness-focused, and trauma-informed. Peer support services help to ensure the individual’s wellness-recovery plan reveals the needs and preferences of the individuals being served to complete their measurable and personalized goals.
QUALIFICATIONS:
1. High School diploma or GED required. Bachelor’s degree preferred.
2. At least one year experience in behavioral health services or with behavioral health populations, whether through previous employment or participation in services, is required.
3. Lived experience of recovery from mental illness and/or substance use disorder with at least 1 year of psychiatric stability and/or sobriety.
4. Completion of Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services 72-hour peer-support training required.
5. Must possess a valid driver’s license, good driving record and the ability to provide personal transportation as necessary to perform job duties.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
1. May be exposed to allergenic environments from client’s homes, including dust, smoke, pet contamination, cleaning supplies, etc.
2. May be exposed to clients with infectious diseases.
3. Must be able to drive for long periods of time to travel in and out of the catchment area as needed.
4. Must be able to walk distances, climb and descend stairs, maneuver in and out of agency vehicles.
5. Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
6. Must be able to lift/push/pull up to 25 pounds at times.
SALARY: Starting at $36,882.00
RETIREMENT: NWCSB participates in the Virginia Retirement System.
DISCLAIMER: All full-time employees are eligible for a complete benefits package that includes enrollment in Virginia Retirement System. For more information about benefits and a complete list of current job openings, please visit our website, www.nwcsb.com. Positions remain open and advertised until filled.
Northwestern Community Services Board provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
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