Title: Peer Recovery Specialist: Division of Institutions #W0017

State Role Title: Prog Admin Specialist I

Hiring Range: $21.24 - $33.14

Pay Band: 4

Agency: Dept of Corr - Central Admin

Location: DOC Headquarters

Agency Website: https://vadoc.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

Provides administrative oversight of the Mental Health and Wellness (MHW) Peer Recovery Specialist (PRS) program. Ensures all facilities with MHW PRS are supported and organized, assists with training PRS at current and new sites, including but not limited to, 72-hour DBHDS PRS curriculum, specialized supervision hours, and continuing education. Works under supervision of Mental Health and Wellness and in collaboration with Peer, Re-entry, and Substance Use Disorders Services. Prepares MHW PRS for certification including disseminating and reviewing applications, submitting paperwork to the Certification Board, and coordinating between the Certification Board and the VADOC.

Minimum Qualifications

Demonstrated ability in facilitating peer recovery specialist groups. Demonstrated skill in making effective presentations to diverse audiences, including Department leadership, community agencies, other government agencies and probationers. Demonstrated skill in coaching others on their facilitation skills. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing to develop partnerships between service agencies and probationers. Experience using evidence based cognitive behavioral, social learning, cognitive restructuring and/or other behavioral change approaches with clients or students. Familiarity with the criminal justice system and substance use disorder services. Organized and strong collaboration skills.

Additional Considerations

Professional certification in a relevant counseling discipline or human services field. Peer Recovery Specialist Certification from DBHDS. Working experience as counseling professional providing group and individual substance use disorder training.

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

If selected as a finalist with the VADOC, candidates can expect the following:

Background Investigation Requirements: All applicants are subject to a background investigation. Investigations may include fingerprint checks (State Police, FBI); local agency checks; employment verification; verification of education (relevant to employment); credit checks; and other checks based on the position.

Drug Testing Requirements: Applicants applying to a designated safety sensitive position are subject to a pre-employment drug screen. Marijuana use is prohibited for positions that require possession of a firearm or a Commercial Driver’s License in the performance of official duties such as Corrections Officers, Probation Officers, Tractor Trailer Drivers and others.

Application Requirements: Application and/or résumé for this position are only accepted electronically through the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Electronic Recruitment System. All applications should be submitted by 11:55pm on the closing date for the position. Mailed, emailed, faxed, or hand delivered applications and/or résumés will not be accepted. The decision to interview an applicant is based solely on the information received for this position from the electronic application and/or résumé.

Layoff Preferences: Applicants who possess an Interagency Placement Screening Form (Yellow Form) or a Preferential Hiring Form (Blue Form) as issued under the Department of Human Resources Management (DHRM) Policy 1.30 Layoff (Commonwealth of VA employees only) MUST attach these forms when submitting their state application and/or résumé.

VADOC is an EEO employer and is committed to supporting workforce diversity, equitable opportunities and inclusivity. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request.

VADOC values our Veterans and encourages all to apply and receive preference in the hiring process. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other nation service alumni are also encouraged to apply. Click here for more information: Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Program - Virginia Department of Veterans Services.

Contact Information

Name: Human Resources

Phone: 804-385-1123

Email: Applications submitted via email will not be accepted

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.