Peer Recovery Specialist - College Of Health Professions

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Summary

Virginia Commonwealth University is the premier urban public research university in Virginia. VCU’s mission is to advance knowledge and student success through its commitments to an engaging learning environment, research that expands the boundaries of new knowledge, interdisciplinary collaborations that bring new perspectives to complex problems, health care that strives to preserve and restore health for all people, diversity that promotes a climate of inclusion, and sustainable university partnerships. Located in downtown Richmond, VCU enrolls over 31,000 students in over 220 degree and certificate programs in the arts, sciences, and humanities. Sixty‐eight of the programs are unique in Virginia, many crossing the disciplines of VCU’s 13 schools and one college.

The Virginia Center on Aging, housed in the College of Health Professions, is seeking two full-time Peer Recovery Specialists. This position will function as a role model to peers; exhibit competency in personal recovery and use of coping skills; serve as a consumer advocate; and provide consumer information and peer support to clients with gambling issues, including connecting them to other support services.

Typical Duties

The PRS performs a wide range of tasks to assist peers of all ages, from young adult to old age, to regain independence within the community and mastery over their own recovery process. Duties include the following.

• Plan Partnership recovery events
• Support/assist consumers in decision making and resolution of minor problems
• Accompany clients to meetings and participate in meetings of community groups to advocate for consumer needs, leading recovery dialogues/self-help sessions with clients
• Model effective coping and self-help techniques to individuals or groups of consumers
• Assist with development of community resources
• Inform clients on community resources and how to use them appropriately and provide information to consumers and families on specific topics, as assigned
• Assist clients by finding resources, advising the consumer of processes, and encouraging follow through with proposed resolutions, locating social activities, or provide other assistance as needed
• Provide ongoing support and follow up with treatment/recovery plans
• Connect consumers to treatment/recovery services
• Assist in peer support groups with assigned consumers on a regular basis

Minimum Requirements

• Certified as a Peer Support Specialist or 1 continuous year as a current or former recipient of treatment (including mental health/substance use/gambling treatment or diagnosis) and eligibility for certification as Peer Recovery Support
• High School Diploma or GED or equivalent
• One year of experience working with persons with the population supported
• Demonstrated experience or high potential for fostering a diverse faculty, staff, and student environment or commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU
• Specialist by the governing agency
• Must complete a minimum of fifteen (15) hours of training specific to the required components of the specific service definition including crisis response within the first 90 days of employment

This position is a restricted position. Continuation of this position is contingent upon continuation of the associated grant.

Salary Range: $60,000

Position Details:

Department: Virginia Center on Aging - College of Health Professions
Employment Type: UF - University Employee FT
Restricted Status: Yes
FTE: 1
Exemption Status: Exempt

Contact Information:

Contact Name: Jennifer Davis-Walton

Contact Email: [email protected]