Horizon Behavioral Heal·Appomattox, Virginia
Acts as a role model and coach for individuals seeking long-term recovery through mentoring, support groups, and outreach. Assists clients in accessing community resources and developing personalized wellness and resiliency plans.
Location: Lynchburg VA, 24501
The Peer Recovery Specialist or Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) functions as a role model and coach to those seeking personal wellness and long-term recovery by adhering to professional ethics, demonstrating competencies, using effective coping skills, serving as an advocate, using best practices and providing information and referral. This is an entry-level position and will be required to complete all required training and supervision hours to apply for certification within one year of hire date.
Services include one-on-one peer mentoring, peer led support groups, telephone outreach, assisting clients in accessing community resources, services and affiliation with recovery-supported social activities. Some evening and weekend hours.
Required Education and Experience
High School Diploma / GED
At least one continuous year of sustained recovery for persons having lived experience with mental illness or substance use.
Experience in a substance use recovery program preferred.
Knowledge of services and systems available in the community, including primary health care, support services, and generic community resources; knowledge of the nature of the recovery process, including the use of established standardized mental health, substance use, and co-occurring processes; knowledge of basic problem-solving strategies to support individuals in self-directed recovery. Ability to identify and document an individual’s need for resources, services, and other supports; ability to develop recovery, resiliency, and wellness plans by integrating information obtained from informal assessments, evaluations, observations, and interviews; ability to promote services, supports, and strategies for the recovery process; ability to utilize personal experience to support others in recovery; ability to work as a member of a team, maintaining effective, professional working relationships with individuals within the agency as well as those in the community.
Willing and available to work modified schedules (weekends, holidays, etc.) as required. Ability to drive and must possess a valid driver’s license. May be called upon to travel to any Horizon worksite; transport clients, provide services to clients at other locations. Ability to participate in and successfully pass behavioral intervention training; includes both verbal de-escalation skills and physical skills techniques to be utilized with consumers as needed.
The best benefits for those who take care of the community
To Apply – Please visit our online career center at https://www.horizonbh.org/careers/ [https://www.horizonbh.org/careers/]
Horizon Behavioral Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).
Requires a High School Diploma or GED and at least one continuous year of sustained recovery from mental illness or substance use. Must possess a valid driver's license and be able to complete certification training within one year of hire.
Market context
In Virginia, Certified Peer Recovery Specialist roles are typically driven by ongoing demand in behavioral health, addiction recovery, and community support settings. These positions are competitive because employers usually want current CPRS certification, direct experience with substance use disorders, and strong communication skills. Before applying, confirm your certification status and review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here, which condense the original job description to save you research time.