Certified Peer Recovery Specialist
Paradox Health
Position: Part-time with the opportunity to transition to full-time
Anticipated Start: September 2026
Program: Substance Use Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
Paradox Health is seeking a compassionate, dependable, and relatable Certified Peer Recovery Specialist to join our growing team. This position will begin part-time as our new program opens in September 2026, with the expectation of transitioning to full-time as enrollment and program needs increase.
This is a nonclinical role focused on using lived recovery experience to provide hope, encouragement, advocacy, and practical support to individuals affected by substance use and co-occurring mental health challenges.
Responsibilities
- Use lived experience appropriately to build trust, inspire hope, and demonstrate that recovery is possible.
- Provide individual and group peer-recovery support.
- Help participants identify their strengths, personal recovery goals, barriers, and support systems.
- Assist participants with developing recovery, wellness, and relapse-prevention plans.
- Encourage participation in treatment, recovery meetings, and healthy community activities.
- Connect participants with community resources, including housing, transportation, employment, education, food assistance, healthcare, and mutual-support meetings.
- Support participants during transitions between levels of care and following discharge.
- Advocate for participants while helping them strengthen their self-advocacy skills.
- Help participants navigate treatment and community support systems.
- Recognize signs of distress or safety concerns and immediately notify the appropriate clinical or supervisory staff.
- Document peer-support services accurately and within required timeframes.
- Participate in team meetings and collaborate with counselors, case managers, medical providers, and other program staff.
- Maintain confidentiality, ethical boundaries, and compliance with HIPAA and organizational policies.
- Perform other appropriate nonclinical peer-support duties as the program develops.
Nonclinical Scope
The Certified Peer Recovery Specialist does not diagnose mental health or substance use conditions, complete clinical assessments, provide psychotherapy, create clinical treatment plans, or offer medical advice. All clinical or safety concerns must be referred to an appropriate licensed professional or supervisor.
Required Qualifications
- Current Certified Peer Recovery Specialist credential in Virginia, or a recognized credential eligible for Virginia approval.
- Personal lived experience with substance use, mental health challenges, recovery, or behavioral-health services.
- Ability to use lived experience purposefully while maintaining professional boundaries.
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Strong communication, active-listening, relationship-building, and documentation skills.
- Compassionate, nonjudgmental, reliable, and recovery-oriented approach.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
- Basic computer skills and willingness to learn the organization’s electronic health record system.
- Ability to maintain client confidentiality and follow ethical peer-support standards.
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous experience providing peer support or working in behavioral health, substance use treatment, outreach, or community services.
- Knowledge of local recovery meetings, treatment options, and community resources.
- Training in trauma-informed peer support, motivational interviewing, harm reduction, crisis response, naloxone administration, CPR, or First Aid.
- Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
Schedule and Position Growth
- Position will initially be part-time, with hours based on enrollment and program needs.
- Hours are expected to increase as the program grows.
- The selected candidate should be interested in transitioning into a full-time position when available.
- Occasional evening or weekend availability may be requested for recovery activities or special events.
Why Join Paradox Health?
At Paradox Health, we believe recovery is possible and that people deserve support without shame or judgment—whether this is their first attempt at recovery or their twentieth. This is an opportunity to help build a new program from the ground up while making a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and families affected by substance use.
To apply: Please submit your résumé, certification information, availability, and a brief statement describing your interest in peer recovery work.
Pay: $20.00 - $24.00 per hour
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Work Location: In person
