Peer Navigator

Are you a peer recovery specialist (PRS) or someone with lived experience in addiction and recovery who wants to make a difference in the lives of women in the early stages of recovery? If so, the peer navigator position at Georgia’s Friends might be for you.

In this role, you will serve as a critical member of a small, close-knit team that provides support services to the residents of Georgia’s House, a sober-living home for women in Charlottesville. The Peer Navigator is responsible for engaging residents in the use of the BehaveHealth database that is a tool to aid in the assessment of an individual’s recovery capital and in the delivery of peer support services. Their focus is to increase the effective use of the Measure-Plan-Engage (MPE) model of recovery at Georgia’s Friends.

The ideal candidate will have lived experience with a substance use disorder (SUD), an understanding of the concept of recovery capital, knowledge of community-based recovery resources, and the ability to provide support services to women in recovery in a coaching capacity. Training in the BehaveHealth software system will be provided if the ideal candidate does not have prior experience.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES

Reporting to the Executive Director and working closely with our Recovery Program Manager, the Peer Navigator will:

● Provide peer support services to residents through the Measure-Plan-Engage (MPE) model, utilizing the BehaveHealth navigation software

● Oversee the organizational use and maintenance of the BehaveHealth system

● Work with residents one-on-one to develop individualized recovery plans that meet each resident’s needs and goals

● Guide residents in meeting their recovery goals

● Provide support to Georgia’s Friends’ staff, recovery peers, and Georgia’s House residents in the use of the BehaveHealth system

● Perform miscellaneous related duties as assigned by direct supervisor

EDUCATION, TRAINING, & EXPERIENCE –

The ideal candidate will have lived experience with  substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health challenges.

Must be extremely comfortable using computers and mobile phones.
Ability to handle a caseload of clients.
Must be highly organized, professional, and responsible with excellent communication skills.
Must have a high school diploma at a minimum. Post-secondary training/education and/or associate’s degree a plus.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS –

PRS or CPRS accreditation is an extreme plus, but not required.
Previous experience using the BehaveHealth system is a plus.
Professional experience working in the addiction and recovery field is a plus.
Training in trauma-informed care and crisis intervention is a plus.
Understanding of the criminal justice system as it applies to individuals with SUDs is a plus.
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE…

Cares deeply about helping women in recovery.
Is professional, motivated, and self-directed.
Is comfortable establishing and holding personal and professional boundaries.
Is extremely comfortable with technology and embraces learning new software.
Has reliable transportation.
POSITION TYPE: Part-time position for up to 20 hours per week. Position will begin when filled.

WORK SCHEDULE: The schedule will be determined based on the needs of the ideal candidate, but will include working the following:

Tuesday through Friday
The first Sunday of every month
HOW TO APPLY: Please send a resume and cover letter to kristina@georgiasfriends.org.

ABOUT GEORGIA’S FRIENDS & GEORGIA’S HOUSE

Georgia’s House provides hope and healing to women who are in the early stages of recovery from substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health challenges. Women may live in our safe, supportive, and structured home for up to two years starting at $100/month. Georgia’s House is the signature initiative of Georgia’s Friends, a nonprofit that provides programs and services to help women in recovery. Georgia’s Friends is the only VARR-certified recovery residence in the Charlottesville area.

Georgia’s House is located in a beautifully restored 1890’s Victorian home in Charlottesville’s Ridge Street Historic District. You’ll be within walking distance of the downtown mall, West Main Street, UVA Grounds, and IX Park.

At Georgia’s Friends, we care about the well-being of our staff as well as our residents so you’ll create your own personal self-care plan that will be an important part of your professional evaluation process. We want to ensure that you’re taking care of yourself, as well as others.

Bona Fide Occupational Qualification

This position provides direct services to individuals, some of whom have experienced trauma and require support in sensitive and intimate settings. Being female is considered a Bona Fide Occupational Qualification (BFOQ) for this position, pursuant to Section 703(e)(1) of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. This BFOQ is deemed necessary due to the intimate personal nature of the services provided and to ensure the privacy, safety, and comfort of our clients.

Commitment to Equity and Inclusion

Georgia’s Friends is committed to creating an inclusive and equitable workplace where team members of all backgrounds feel valued and empowered. We actively encourage candidates of diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply, including those with lived experience in recovery or related fields.

Georgia’s Friends is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. We are committed to equal employment opportunities for all employees and to offering employees an environment free of discrimination and harassment. Georgia’s Friends employment decisions are made on organization needs, requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, family or parental status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in Virginia.