Behavioral Health Specialist Jobs in Virginia

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JOB SUMMARY:

The Peer Recovery Bridger Specialist II, Supportive Housing Program, provides lead support to the peer recovery specialist-Supportive Housing. In addition to peer recovery specialist oversight, this position is responsible for assisting the Coordinator of Behavioral Housing with hiring and training of peer recovery staff for housing. Provides peer counseling, support, and mentoring to individuals with serious mental illness (SMI) and/or substance use disorder (SUD) within the Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH), Auxiliary Grant Supportive Housing (AGSH) or Public Housing Agency Voucher (PHA) program. Serves as an advocate and assist in maximizing individual choice and decision making in the recovery process. This member of the Supportive Housing team has experience as a recipient of mental health services and has experienced stable, sustained recovery.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Provide lead support to the peer recovery specialist-Supportive Housing. In addition to peer recovery specialist oversight, this position is responsible for assisting the Coordinator of Behavioral Housing with hiring and training of peer recovery staff for housing. Provide peer recovery services to individuals with substance use disorders (SUD) and/or serious mental illness (SMI) disorders.
• Provide peer counseling to validate the individual's experience, provide guidance and emotional support, assist individuals in becoming actively involved in the recovery process, and assist the individual in articulating personal goals for recovery.
• Assist individuals in the identification of goals and objectives by helping them determine problems, identify their own recovery goals, and discuss possible objectives/interventions based on the individual's recovery/life goals.
• Provide ongoing observation of the individual's progress and response to treatment and communicate with the treatment team; utilize recovery coaching, peer support, and/or mentoring to assist individual in meeting their recovery goals.
• Document individual progress in order to maintain a permanent record of individual activity according to established methods and procedures.
• Co-facilitate health, wellness, and WRAP classes as needed, and provide mentoring to promote hope, self-determination, and empowerment.
• Assist individuals in setting up and sustaining self-help support groups; provide transportation as necessary to assist individuals in applying for benefits/assistance, attending educational classes/groups, visiting other agency programs, etc.
• Assist staff in identifying program environments that are conducive to recovery; lend insight into substance use disorders and mental illness and what makes recovery possible.

OTHER DUTIES:

- Perform such other duties as assigned by supervisor.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Self-knowledge to manage own recovery process.
• Twelve (12) months' sustained recovery from SMI desired.
• Good oral and written communication.
• Basic computer skills.
• Have experience as a recipient of mental health services.
• Skills to establish supportive relationships with individuals of services.

EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION REQUIRED:

High school diploma or equivalent or have at least one year of paid or volunteer work experience with mental health services.

College degree in human services field preferred.

Applicant must have passed Peer Certification Exam through the Department of Recovery Services and be registered.

Valid Driver's license with a safe driving record.