Peer Recovery Specialist III (Opioid Response Team)

The Department of the Community Services Board is the primary provider of public mental health, substance abuse, and intellectual disability services for the City of Norfolk.  A continuum of services spans from outreach and prevention through intensive psychiatric care, provided by highly clinically oriented service professionals with expertise in these service areas.

Today, the Community Services Board provides treatment and rehabilitation services to over 6,000 Norfolk citizens yearly. Norfolk CSB seeks team members interested in providing skilled services in a public service environment and dedicated to supporting a positive work and treatment environment. Please join us as we provide hope and recovery opportunities for the persons we serve.

The departmental hiring salary range: $42,629 - $49,023

Essential functions include but are not limited to:

• Provides support and encouragement to individuals in crisis to assist with resolving critical situations.

• Support clients in developing a Recovery Plan and helping to identify client's goals, strengths, and steps toward recovery.

• Supports clients with general problem solving and development of skills to obtain needed services.

• Educates clients about available community resources and advocates for services on behalf of clients as needed.

• Assists in the development and facilitation of recovery-oriented groups, using educational tools and utilizing personal experiences with substance use disorders and mental illness.

• Acts as a liaison between clients and other service providers (Emergency Service workers, case managers, counselors, etc.) to ensure that client preferences expressed in Recovery Plans are included in Individual Service Plans.

• Maintains accurate documentation consistent with agency guidelines, grant requirements, and licensure standards.

• Collaborates with multiple programs as part of a treatment team, community services providers, and significant others as necessary.

• Attends staff meetings, case meetings, and staff training activities as required.

• Utilizes SAMHSA's Crisis Prevention Action Plan and other recovery-oriented peer support programs.

• Support clients with developing skills and strategies to prevent relapse of substance addiction and possible mental health symptoms, reconnecting them with their recovery goals.

• Completes other tasks and duties as assigned by supervisor.

• Participates in regular supervision as agreed upon with their direct supervisor.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

High School diploma or GED.

Two years of experience working with consumers with mental health and substance use challenges.  Personal Recovery Plan in self-demonstrated recovery.

The preferred candidate will possess:

• Lived experience with substance abuse disorder.

• Possess a valid driver's license.

• Completion of the DBHDS 72-Hour Peer Recovery Specialist Training.

• Registered and Certified Peer Recovery Specialist issued by Virginia Certification Board. 

• CIT Trained.

Signing Bonus:

This position is eligible for a one-time $5,000 signing bonus.  The signing bonus will be paid in two (2) increments: $2,500 upon completion of 60 days of employment, and $2,500 upon completion of your probationary period and/or recruit academy.  To receive the signing bonus, you must be an active employee in good standing.