Peer Recovery Specialist – New Market, VA (Shenandoah County)

Peer Recovery Specialist – New Market, VA
Full Time; Non-Exempt; Pay rate: $17-$18/hour

Position Summary

The Peer Recovery Specialist provides recovery‑oriented, person‑centered peer support to individuals with substance use, mental health, and co‑occurring challenges. Drawing on lived experience, this role engages participants through outreach, one‑on‑one support, and group activities to help individuals identify goals, build skills, and navigate community resources.

The Peer Recovery Specialist emphasizes hope, self‑determination, and connection while meeting participants where they are.  Additional responsibilities related to re-entry services may apply depending on program assignment.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Provide one‑on‑one and group peer support using recovery‑oriented and trauma‑informed approaches.
• Facilitate peer-led groups, workshops, and educational sessions as assigned.
• Conduct outreach and engagement in a variety of community settings, including offices, homes, shelters, jails, public spaces, and outdoor locations.
• Support participants in identifying personal goals and developing strategies related to recovery, stability, and wellness.
• Assist participants with navigating community services such as healthcare, housing, employment, benefits, and legal or social service systems.
• Support participants in completing applications, scheduling appointments, and following through on referrals.
• Model and share lived experience appropriately to inspire hope and normalize recovery.
• Collaborate with internal staff and external partners, with participant consent, to coordinate services and support continuity of care.
• Provide transportation and accompaniment to appointments when appropriate and approved.
• Complete required documentation, data entry, and reporting in a timely and accurate manner.
• Participate in supervision, team meetings, trainings, and professional development activities.
• Work collaboratively with the Program Coordinator to support scheduling, coordination of services, and continuity of participant care.
• Uphold ethical standards, confidentiality, and professional boundaries at all times.

Role Focus Areas

Peer Support Specialists may be assigned additional responsibilities based on program needs.  One such focus area includes re-entry services for justice-involved individuals.

Peer Recovery Specialist – Re-Entry Focus

In addition to the core responsibilities listed above, the Re-Entry Peer Support Specialist:

• Provides peer support and group facilitation to individuals who are incarcerated and recently released.
• Conducts peer engagement and group activities within correctional settings, as approved.
  Supports pre-release and post-release coordination, including re-entry planning, referrals, and follow-up.
• Assists justice-involved participants with navigating barriers related to housing, employment, benefits, transportation, and community reintegration.
• Works collaboratively with correctional facilities, re-entry partners, and community providers to support continuity of care.

Core Competencies

• Strong recovery orientation and belief in multiple pathways to recovery
• Ability to build trusting relationships with individuals experiencing significant barriers
• Effective communication, active listening, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently while remaining accountable to a team
• Basic computer and data entry skills

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED
• Lived experience with substance use, mental health, and/or trauma‑related challenges
• Certification as a Virginia Peer Recovery Specialist, or ability to obtain within required timeframe
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel locally

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience providing peer support, outreach, or navigation services
• Knowledge of local community resources
• Spanish language skills
• Work Environment and Physical Demands

This position involves frequent community‑based work, including travel and outdoor activities. The role may require lifting up to 50 pounds, extended periods of standing or walking, and a flexible schedule that may include evenings or weekends.

To Apply:

Send cover letter and resume to Director@StrengthInPeers.org. Applications will be accepted until positions are filled. Only applications that provide both cover letter and resume will be considered. Please, no phone calls.