Crisis Support Peer Support Specialist The City of Alexandria is located in northern Virginia and is bordered by the District of Columbia (Potomac River), Arlington and Fairfax counties. With a population of approximately 150,000 and a land area of 15.75 square miles, Alexandria is the seventh largest city in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Alexandria has a charming waterfront and is a unique and historic place to live and work. If you are interested in working for the vibrant City of Alexandria, we invite qualified candidates to apply for our Peer Support Specialist position. An Overview The Crisis Services Peer Support Specialist provides peer support services to individuals experiencing or having recently experienced a behavioral health crisis. In collaboration with the City of Alexandrias other Crisis Services teams, including the Post-Crisis Outreach Team, Emergency Services, and the Alexandria Co-Response Program, the incumbent provides motivational support to begin the process of crisis assessment, outreach, and engagement. The incumbent provides assistance to clients, staff, and others to facilitate understanding of appropriate supportive responses, wellness measures, and the consumer experience of the crisis response system and behavioral health services. What You Should Bring The ideal candidate should have knowledge of behavioral health and behavioral health crisis services, including recovery and wellness concepts. Knowledge of public and private agency services and resources available for clients and family members/caregivers, such as schools, social services, and community resources. Knowledge of barriers to wellness and recovery, obstacles related to accessing services and strategies to navigate and overcome barriers. Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with people of various educational, socio-economic, and cultural backgrounds. Work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team engaging individuals in stressful, emotional, and sometimes confrontational situations. Establish and maintain effective working relationships at all organizational levels as well as other agencies and the public. Ability to maintain confidentiality of clinical, medical, and other sensitive records. The Opportunity Provides peer support services to individuals experiencing or having recently experienced a behavioral health crisis Works closely in collaboration with a multi-disciplinary team, including but not limited to case managers, therapists, and first responders. Works in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders to link and support clients, including other city agencies and community-based organizations. Assists and advocates for clients and family members/caregivers/support system as they navigate through the crisis system ensuring referral follow through and transitioning between different levels of care. Assists in coordinating crisis and post-crisis activities, programs and resources which directly support clients and family members/caregivers Facilitates and encourages family member/caregiver involvement as appropriate. Serves as an advocate, mentor, or facilitator for resolution of issues that a peer may be unable to resolve on their own. Educates individuals about various pathways to recovery and available community services and resources. Provides assistance with advocacy and psychosocial rehabilitation to improve community integration. About the Department The Center for Adult Services (CAS) provides programs and services in Aging; Adult Protective Services; Clinical & Emergency Services; and Community & Residential Support Services for seniors and for persons with mental illness, intellectual disabilities and substance use disorders. CAS provides compassionate and effective person-centered services based on best practices. Our teams support self-determination, safety and recovery for Alexandria residents affected by abuse, neglect, mental illness, intellectual disabilities and substance use disorders. High School Diploma or GED. At least six (6) months of personal experience with and knowledge of recovery and/or living with significant emotional, mental/behavioral health and/or substance use challenges or the caregiver (biological, adoptive or kin) of a child with significant emotional, mental/behavioral health and/or substance use challenges; and a willingness to acknowledge this experience to peers and others, as appropriate. Experience navigating the mental/behavioral health, substance use, child welfare and/or juvenile justice systems for themselves or their child. Additional Requirements: Licenses/Certifications: Certification as a Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) in Virginia within one year of hire. Successful completion of Federal criminal records check and Child Abuse Registry check. Completion of the 72-hour Peer Recovery Specialist Training provided by Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services. Currently certified as a Peer Recovery Specialist. At least two years of experience as a peer support specialist working with individuals with mental/behavioral health disorders. At least one year in recovery. Experience working with individuals experiencing behavioral health crises. Possession of a bachelors degree in a human services field. This position requires the successful completion of pre-employment background checks including but not limited to: FBI/Federal Records Check; VA State Child Abuse/Neglect Registry; Medicare/Medicaid Fraud Database; education/certifications; and drivers license. Schedule: Monday Friday 9:00am 5:00pm, position includes occasional evening and weekend hours.