CS Therapist I - Certified Peer Support Specialist (HIDTA Grant funded)

Posting number: 202610749

Department: COMMUNITY SERVICES

Division: Adult Behavioral Health & Recovery Services

Job classification: Clinical Services Caseworker Associate /C42

Posting type: Open

Categories: Community Services, Community and Social Services

Summary

Are you interested in being the bridge between Incarceration and Recovery!

Are you passionate about using your lived experience to create real change? Prince William Community Services (PWCS) is seeking a dedicated Clinical Services Caseworker Associate - Peer Support Specialist to join an innovative new initiative aimed at improving the lives of justice-involved individuals with opioid use disorder. This role offers you the chance to be a vital connector, supporting people in their most vulnerable moments and guiding them toward recovery, stability, and a second chance.

In collaboration with the Prince William Regional Adult Detention Center and George Mason University’s Jail MAT (JMAT) program, this HIDTA Grant-funded role directly supports individuals receiving Medications for Opioid Use Disorder while incarcerated and continues that support through their reentry into the community. As a Peer Support Specialist, you’ll provide group and one-on-one motivational support, overdose prevention education, and reentry planning. In addition, you’ll help ensure participants have access to the services they need post-release, from continued MAT services to transportation, housing, employment, and more. Your lived experience will not only offer hope and connection but also improve outcomes like reduced overdose risk and lower recidivism, making a lasting impact on individual lives and community health.

This position qualifies for a $5,000 hiring bonus. This bonus will be paid in two equal installments as funds permit. The first installment of $2500 is payable after (90) days of employment have been completed. The final $2,500 installment will be payable following the completion of the probationary period.

About This Role:

In this role as a Clinical Services Caseworker Associate - Peer Support Specialist you will facilitate peer-led support groups and individual mentoring inside the Adult Detention Center. You will provide overdose prevention education and distribute naloxone kits.  You will collaborate with jail, GMU, PWCS Staff, and other community-based partners to support treatment continuity.  The individual in the role will offer reentry navigation and warm handoffs to community MAT services and social supports, as well as help participants meet court-mandated goals and coordinate with supervision officers. You will also advocate for client needs in accessing housing, employment, medical care, and more.

Minimum Requirements: 

• High school diploma or GED 
• 5 years of related experience providing support services to individuals challenged with substance use issues. 

Preferences:

• Certified Peer Recovery Specialist, or have completed 72-hour DBHDS Peer Recovery Specialist training, and are able to sit for the exam

• Lived experience with substance use and/or mental health-related challenges.
• Ability to connect and develop a rapport with the client population.
• Have received training in providing person-centered, strengths-based support services
• Experience in completing documentation necessary to maintain client records, including wellness recovery plans and progress notes.
• Bilingual/Spanish-speaking 

Special Requirements:

• Must possess a valid driver's license;
• Must pass DMV record check;
• Must pass TB test;
• Offer of employment is contingent upon the candidate passing a fingerprint-based National Criminal History Record Check;
• Certification in First Aid and Cardiac Pulmonary Resuscitation, as required
• 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 neglect maintained by the Department of Social Services.

Work Schedule:

FLSA Exempt – Standard Mon – Fri days, with some flexibility

Hiring Salary Range: $70,921.50 - $97,968.00