Job Description

Position Summary

The Peer Recovery Specialist (PRS) is a person with lived experience of recovery from mental health and/or substance use challenges who uses that experience to inspire hope, promote recovery, and support clients in achieving their personal goals. PRS play

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an essential role in connecting clients with resources, building recovery skills, providing emotional support, and encouraging engagement in treatment.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Referral Coordination

Follow up with new client referrals that are assigned within 24 hours.

Coordinate with the referral source to ensure that there is an understanding of the client's needs.

Connect clients with housing, employment, food, healthcare, and other community resources. Assist clients with system navigation (treatment, social services, legal, healthcare).

Documentation & Records

Submit all service documentation within 24 hours in accordance with Medicaid guidelines.

Correct and resubmit documentation errors within 24 hours of rejection.

Reference and support client recovery plans and Treatment plans at least weekly.

Maintain accuracy and confidentiality of client records.

Program & Client Support

Perform shift work during staffing shortages, including case management, and administrative coverage.

Assist clients in setting and achieving recovery goals.

Provide emotional support, hope, and encouragement through lived experience.

Teach life skills such as organization, cleaning, and coping strategies. Support relapse prevention through planning, crisis response, and early intervention. Attend and link clients to recovery groups (NA, AA, SMART Recovery, etc.). Provide transportation support within policy (Medicaid transportation, teaching public transit). Encourage engagement in IOP/PHP services and coordinate with the treatment team. Participate in follow-up and outreach to prevent dropout and maintain engagement. Advocate for clients and teach self-advocacy skills. Participate in drug screen coverage rotation Support family education regarding recovery and treatment. Monitor for relapse indicators and report to clinical team. Demonstrate recovery through peer modeling and engagement.

Operations & Compliance

Ensure compliance with Medicaid, DBHDS, and internal policies.

Follow procedures for grievances/complaints and abuse/neglect/exploitation reporting.

Maintain organized digital records and contribute to risk management documentation.

Report any suspected instances of client abuse, neglect, and/or exploitation to a Tandem Behavioral Health Supervisor. Comply with Caseload regulations: Full-time PRSs: maximum 10 clients; Part-time PRSs, maximum 9 clients. Do not exceed 4 hours/day or 900 hours/year of client services. Comply with schedules as assigned for IOP/PHP clients. Accurately record no-shows, early departures, and rescheduled sessions Participate pre-service and in-service staff training, as needed.

Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent required; additional education in human services preferred.

Must be a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) or eligible for certification.

Lived experience with mental health and/or substance use recovery required.

Ability to maintain recovery and serve as a positive role model.

Must submit to national/state background check and DSS central registry clearance. Basic computer skills (EHR, Microsoft Office, Google Workspace). Ability to lift up to 25 pounds and assist clients with daily living activities as needed.

Valid Virginia driver's license and clean driving record.

* Certifications required: CPR, First Aid, and Behavior Modification.