Position Details

Peer Recovery Specialist, Forensic Services

Have you received treatment services for substance use and are looking for an opportunity to mentor others?

As a Peer Recovery Specialist, funded by the Opioid Abatement Authority (OAA), you will serve as a vital team member providing expertise in the recovery process, symptom management, and persistence. This role embeds peer recovery specialists into various healthcare and community settings to help adults with substance use disorders (with or without a co-occurring mental illness) successfully transition into and remain in treatment.

This specific position works across an interdisciplinary landscape including Blue Ridge Behavioral Healthcare (BRBH) outpatient programs, regional adult detention centers (Roanoke City, Roanoke County), Therapeutic dockets, and Recovery Court.

Hiring Range: $18/hour-$19/hour

Knowledge, Skills, & Experience:

  • Lived Experience: Must have personally experienced a substance use disorder, been a recipient of treatment services, achieved a minimum of one (1) year of sustained recovery from alcohol and other drugs, and possess a personal history of working a 12-step recovery program. Must be willing to authentically share your recovery journey with clients.
  • Interpersonal & Clinical Understanding: Demonstrated ability to build trusting, supportive relationships with individuals facing severe/persistent mental illness and substance disorders. Knowledge of trauma-informed care and local community resource mapping.
  • Direct Service & Group Facilitation: Provide face-to-face services individually or in groups to introduce recovery concepts, offer encouragement, share personal experiences, and provide peer counseling.
  • Continuity of Care: Act as a warm-handoff liaison between treatment programs, regional jail sites, and community resources. Provide crisis intervention support under the clinical supervision of staff.
  • Documentation: Utilize the Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system to timely and accurately enter case notes, progress assessments, and necessary clinical reports.
  • Software & Databases: Navigate various internal and external databases to safely access client information, track milestones, and compile program metrics.
  • Field-Based Mobility: Routinely travel to local jails, community resource hubs, and alternative BRBH program sites to maintain a strong face-to-face service presence.
  • Cultural Competence: Ability to recognize and adjust peer services to respect cultural, ethnic, and individual client preferences.
  • Education: High school diploma or GED required.

Licensure & Compliance:

  • Certification: Certification as a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) through the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) is preferred at hire; required to be obtained within one year of employment.
  • Safe Driving Record: Requires an unrestricted Virginia Driver's license to transport clients in agency vehicles. Must have an excellent driving record (maximum of 2 moving violations in the last 3 years; zero criminal violations like DUIs or reckless driving in the last 5 years).
  • Background Check: Must successfully clear a background check in accordance with Virginia State Barrier Crime restrictions for behavioral health personnel. Here is the list: https://dbhds.virginia.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Attachment-2-Barrier-Crimes-01_23.pdf

Why work at BRBH?

  • Time spent working with people in recovery: In this job you spend the majority of your day providing peer counseling.
  • Team atmosphere: Our small team works hard to change lives.
  • Work/Life Balance: We have a great Paid Time Off policy - 21 days annually, which starts accruing on your first day, plus 10 paid holidays.
  • We offer great benefits, including VRS (Virginia Retirement System)! Click here for more information: https://www.brbh.org/careers/

Blue Ridge Behavioral Healthcare (BRBH) is one of forty Community Services Boards established under the Code of Virginia to provide comprehensive services for individuals who have mental health disorders, developmental disability, or substance use disorders. BRBH provides multiple programs and services throughout the Roanoke Valley with over 350 employees working to provide quality care to our clients. We are proud to have served our community for over 50 years. BRBH maintains a drug-free workplace and is an equal opportunity employer. This position is located in Roanoke, VA.