Peer Recovery Specialist Intern

Department: College of Public Health

Job Category: Part-Time / Hourly Wage

Job Type: Part-Time

Location: Empowered Communities Partnership Center, MAP Clinic, Local Health District, Prince William Community Services

Salary: Salary commensurate with education and experience

Criminal Background Check: Yes

About the Program:

The Mason Empowered Communities Partnership Center, in collaboration with the Prince William Department of Community Services, is excited to introduce the PRS Internship. The Partnership Center is a unifying force, drawing together partners across various sectors to decisively address the opioid epidemic. Renowned as a nexus for coordination, collaboration, and innovation, the center is dedicated to counteracting this intricate public health issue through education, prevention, treatment, and unified efforts.

Parallelly, the Prince William Community Services stands resolute in its mission to enhance the lives of residents in Prince William County, the City of Manassas, and the City of Manassas Park. With a specialized focus on those impacted or at risk of developmental delays, mental health challenges, and substance use disorders, they are dedicated to fostering and synchronizing community resources. Their work embodies a deep respect for individual dignity, rights, and comprehensive participation. Together, these two esteemed organizations synergize to mold the PRS Internship, a program poised to make significant strides in community well-being and recovery support.

About the Position:

The Peer Recovery Specialist Intern will work closely with experienced Peer Recovery Specialists to gain insights, knowledge, and practical experience in offering peer support to individuals in recovery. This internship presents a unique opportunity for those with lived recovery experiences to apply them in a professional setting, furthering the mission of holistic wellness and recovery. 

Responsibilities:

The Peer Recovery Specialist Intern develops a one-on-one relationship with program participants who are early in their recovery journey. The Peer Intern encourages, motivates, and supports. Responsibilities include peer support, learning, documenting, collaborating, and community engagement.

Peer Support & Engagement

• Assist in offering one-on-one and group support sessions, under supervision;
• Share personal recovery experiences in a manner that is supportive and encouraging; and
• Participate in community outreach and engagement activities.

Learning & Development

• Attend training sessions, workshops, and seminars as directed;
• Collaborate with mentors to develop an individualized learning plan and set growth goals; and
• Engage in reflective practice and seek feedback for continuous improvement.

Team Collaboration

• Participate in regular team meetings to discuss cases, share experiences, and strategize on support approaches; and
• Work alongside other Peer Recovery Specialists to learn best practices and techniques.

Documentation & Reporting

• Assist in maintaining confidential records of those receiving peer support;
• Contribute to team meetings, offering insights and updates on interactions with participants; and
• Document learning experiences, challenges, and notable interactions.

Community Engagement

• Assist in organizing and participating in community awareness events, seminars, and workshops; and
• Engage with community partners, under supervision, to promote the peer recovery program.

Required Qualifications:

• Completion of a high school diploma or general education degree (GED);
• Lived and stable recovery experience from a mental health condition or substance use disorder, with at least two years of sobriety; and
• Completion of Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) 72-hour peer recovery specialist curriculum.

Knowledge

• Understanding of the principles and practices of peer support;
• Familiarity with the challenges and solutions in substance abuse and mental health recovery;
• Knowledge of current opioid epidemic challenges and solutions; and
• Understanding of the principles of confidentiality and professional ethics.

Skills & Abilities

• Good interpersonal and communication skills;
• Ability to serve as a role model for recovery, wellness, and self-advocacy;
• Disclosure of recovery experiences;
• Basic computer skills including word processing and email;
• Commitment to maintain strict confidentiality standards;
• Reliable transportation to meet participants and partners within the Greater Prince William Area; and
• Ability to meet security criteria for partnering sites (e.g., Community Services, Adult Detention Center, Health Department).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Lived experience of the carceral and legal systems; and
• Bi-lingual (Spanish) speaking.

Special Requirements of the Prince William County Community Services:

• Must pass TB Test;
• Offer of employment is contingent upon the candidate passing a fingerprinted based national criminal history record check;
• Child Protective Services Requirements: Effective 1999, mandated by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services 12VA35-105-400 rules and Regulations for Licensing Providers by the Department of Behavioral Health and Development Services related to Criminal Registry Checks, a search of the registry of founded complaints of child abuse and neglected maintained by the Department of Social Services; and
• Any conviction or pending conviction disclosure.

Prince William County Community Services maintains a drug free workplace. 

Prince William County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

Learning Opportunities:

1. Gain hands-on experience in providing peer support.
2. Learn to navigate the complexities of recovery dynamics in diverse populations.
3. Develop professional skills in documentation, team collaboration, and community engagement.
4. Gain insight into the professional standards and ethics of peer support.

Instructions to Applicants: 

For full consideration, applicants must apply for Peer Recovery Specialist Intern at https://jobs.gmu.edu/; complete and submit the online application; and provide a cover letter (including your ability to work with a diverse population), resume, a copy of certificate of completion of Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) 72-hour Peer Recovery Specialist training, a diversity statement, and a list of three professional references with contact information.

Posting Open Date: November 1, 2023

For Full Consideration, Apply by: November 15, 2023

Open Until Filled?:  Yes