Southwest Virginia Community Health Systems·Bristol, Virginia
The Peer Recovery Specialist serves as a mentor and advocate for individuals with substance use disorders, utilizing lived experience to support long-term recovery. They facilitate peer services, coordinate community resources, and collaborate with an interdisciplinary clinical team to improve patient outcomes.
Make recovery possible.
Build hope.
Change lives.
At southwest virginia community health systems (Svchs), we believe recovery is possible for everyone.
As a federally qualified health center (Fqhc), we are committed to providing accessible, patient-Centered, integrated care that addresses the whole person—not just their diagnosis.
Our community-Rooted approach connects individuals and families with the medical, behavioral health, and community resources they need to achieve lasting wellness.
We are seeking a compassionate and dedicated peer recovery specialist who has lived experience in recovery and is passionate about walking alongside others as they begin and sustain their own recovery journey. If you are ready to inspire hope, build meaningful relationships, and make a lasting difference, we'd love to meet you.
The peer recovery specialist serves as a recovery mentor, advocate, educator, and motivator for individuals living with substance use disorders. Using lived experience and evidence-Based peer support practices, this position empowers patients to achieve and maintain long-Term recovery while promoting resilience, self-Advocacy, and personal growth.
As a valued member of the interdisciplinary new day recovery team, the peer recovery specialist collaborates with behavioral health providers, medical professionals, care coordinators, and community partners to deliver integrated care that improves health outcomes and supports recovery beyond the clinical setting.
Key responsibilities
Serve as a positive recovery mentor and role model, providing encouragement, hope, and practical support throughout each patient's recovery journey.
Foster authentic peer-to-peer relationships built on trust, empathy, and mutual respect.
Supervise and maintain a safe, welcoming, supportive, and recovery-oriented environment within the Peer Recovery Center.
Facilitate individual and group peer recovery services, educational activities, and wellness programming.
Assist patients in identifying strengths, interests, goals, and barriers while supporting individualized recovery planning.
Help individuals successfully transition from professionally supported treatment to self-directed, community-based recovery.
Encourage self-advocacy, personal responsibility, and long-term recovery maintenance.
Collaborate with the interdisciplinary New Day Recovery team to coordinate patient-centered services.
Connect patients with community resources, including:
Recovery support organizations
Educational and vocational services
Housing and transportation resources
Social, cultural, and spiritual supports
Mutual aid and recovery groups
Address social determinants of health through resource coordination and advocacy.
Provide transportation for patients when needed to improve access to recovery supports and essential services.
Support new referrals in entering treatment and remaining actively engaged in recovery services.
Accurately document all patient interactions in the electronic health record (EHR).
Maintain confidentiality and comply with all HIPAA regulations, organizational policies, and professional standards.
Equal opportunity employer southwest virginia community health systems is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where every employee is valued and respected.
Southwest Virginia Community Health Systems, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We do not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.
We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and to applicants and employees with sincerely held religious beliefs, in accordance with applicable law.
Southwest Virginia Community Health Systems participates in the E-Verify program. All newly hired employees are required to complete Form I-9 and will have their employment eligibility verified through E-Verify in accordance with federal law.
In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, all individuals hired must provide documentation establishing identity and authorization to work in the United States. SVCHS does not use E-Verify to pre-screen applicants and will not take adverse action against an individual based solely on tentative non-confirmation results.
Applicants requiring assistance with the application process due to a disability may contact Human Resources for support.
Candidates must have personal lived experience in sustained recovery from substance use disorder and be a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) or eligible for certification. A valid driver's license and the ability to document services in an electronic health record are also required.
Market context
Behavioral-health roles in Virginia commonly draw steady demand as agencies and treatment programs look for clinicians who can support counseling, care coordination, and recovery services. These positions are competitive because a valid CSAC license is required, while a psychology or counseling degree and treatment-industry experience are preferred; benefits often include PTO and health-related coverage. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this platform to save time, and confirm your licensure details before applying.