Advertising Summary: The Virginia Partnership for Gaming and Health (VPGH) at Virginia Commonwealth University is seeking a certified Peer Recovery Specialist to join the team and will be assigned to Region 4 - Central (e.g. Chesterfield, Henrico, Richmond). This is a restricted position and funding is guaranteed for one (1) year from the date of hire. Continuation of this position is dependent on continued funding for the VPGH.

Unit: College of Health Professions MBU

Department: Rehab Counseling

Department Summary: The Virginia Partnership for Gaming and Health (VPGH) at Virginia Commonwealth University aims to inspire hope, build support, and foster solutions that empower every Virginian seeking to transform their lives from problem gambling. VPGH is funded by the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) and also partners with the Virginia Council on Problem Gambling so eligible Virginia Problem Gambling Helpline callers (and others) receive direct referrals for treatment and recovery services in their community. If needed, VPGH covers the cost of treatment to ensure every support seeker's recovery needs are met. VPGH provides no-cost, evidence-based training on problem gambling to its network of clinicians and peer recovery specialists.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Typical Duties

The PRS performs a wide range of tasks to assist peers of all ages, from young adult to old age, to regain independence within the community and mastery over their own recovery process. This Peer Recovery Specialist will be assigned to Region 4 - Central (e.g. Chesterfield, Henrico, Richmond). Duties include the following:

• Connect support seekers to treatment/recovery services.
• Provide ongoing support and follow up with treatment/recovery plans.
• Assist in peer support groups with assigned support seekers on a regular basis and support/assist support seekers in decision making and resolution of minor problems.
• Assist support seekers by finding resources, advising the support seeker of processes, and encouraging follow through with proposed resolutions, locating social activities, or provide other assistance as needed.
• Model effective coping and self-help techniques to individuals or groups of support seekers.
• Inform support seekers on community resources and how to use them appropriately and provide information to support seekers and families on specific topics, as assigned.
• Maintain professional boundaries and adhere to ethical standards in all peer recovery support interactions, ensuring services are person-centered, recovery-oriented, trauma-informed, and aligned with state certification requirements and organizational policies.
• Assist with development of community resources.
• Plan Partnership recovery events

This position is a restricted position with grant funding guaranteed for a minimum of one year. Continued employment after that time will be contingent upon future grant funding.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED or equivalent.
• One year of experience working with persons with the population supported.
• Certified as a Peer Support Specialist or 2 continuous years as a current or former recipient of treatment (including mental health/substance use/gambling treatment or diagnosis) and eligibility for certification as Peer Recovery Support Specialist by the governing agency.
• Must complete all training requirements and onboarding within 30 days of start date.
• Demonstrated ability to work in and foster an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.

Salary Range: $60,000

Benefits: All full-time university staff are eligible for VCU’s robust benefits package that includes comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave, generous tuition benefits, retirement planning and savings options, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, employee discounts, well-being resources, abundant opportunities for career development and advancement, and more.

FLSA Exemption Status: Exempt

Restricted Position: Yes

ORP Eligible: Yes

Flexible Work Arrangement: Hybrid

University Job Title: 92123 - Open

Contact Information:
Contact Name:  Jennifer Davis-Walton
Contact Email:  daviswaltoj@vcu.edu