Peer Recovery Navigator (Social Services Specialist I) at Fairfax County Government

University of Delaware; Fairfax (VA); Hybrid; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on bonus of $2,500

Job summary

The University of Delaware is seeking a peer recovery specialist to work at the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center. This role involves engaging with incarcerated individuals receiving treatment for substance use disorders and supporting their successful transition into recovery.

The ideal candidate must have a Bachelor’s degree in a Human Services field and possess a Virginia Certified Peer Specialist credential or the ability to obtain one. Responsibilities include conducting assessments, providing support, and coordinating services to meet clients' needs.

Applicants should expect to undergo health and background checks, and the job demands active communication and engagement with clients.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field or appropriate experience in Human Services.
• Virginia Certified Peer Specialist credential or ability to obtain it.
• Background check and health tests required.

Responsibilities

• Conduct assessments to identify needs and support recovery.
• Engage individuals in recovery and maintain their participation.
• Coordinate with medical and behavioral health teams.

Skills

Knowledge of the principles and practices of social work

Communication skills

Ability to analyze case information

Ability to maintain confidentiality

Ability to establish relationships

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a Human Services field

Two years of experience in a Human Services area

Job description

Sign‑On Bonus

$2,500 sign‑on bonus available for fully qualified new county employees (full time). A signed payback agreement is required.

About the Role

A peer recovery specialist who uses personal recovery experience and training to connect with incarcerated individuals receiving Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) Treatment through the Sheriff's Office Medical Branch. The role is based in the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center and focuses exclusively on working with incarcerated individuals receiving MOUD and re‑entry services.

Responsibilities

Conduct structured, re‑entry focused assessments to identify social, health, emotional, and economic needs and support successful transition to community‑based recovery and treatment.

Engage and motivate individuals to maintain active participation in recovery and continue active engagement in a recovery lifestyle.

Provide individual and group support, coordinate transportation, assist with recovery housing decisions, and connect to essential services such as self‑help programs, wellness, and basic needs.

Coordinate with the Sheriff’s Office medical team, behavioral health team, and community partners to support continuity of care, including release planning, medication access, and linkage to treatment and recovery supports upon release.

Support program data collection and tracking, including accurate documentation of services provided, client engagement, and re‑entry outcomes to meet program and grant reporting requirements.

Illustrative Duties

• Work with clients to develop a plan of service that meets social, health, emotional, and economic needs.
• Formulate objectives and identify actions to resolve clients' problems.
• Use automated technology and hard copy files to maintain and update case data, notes, documents, records, contacts, and summaries of information.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of social work.
• Knowledge of current social service problems and methods/approaches to address issues.
• Knowledge of regulations and guidelines relating to the assigned area of social service specialization.
• Ability to analyze case information and reach sound decisions based on such information.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to use automated technology to establish and maintain case records.
• Ability to maintain professional ethics and confidentiality of client information.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of individuals.
• Ability to schedule and manage workload to meet deadlines.

Employment Standards

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in a Human Services field, OR minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in any field with a minimum of two years of appropriate and related experience in a Human Services area.

Applicants who do not meet the degree requirement at the time of application must be in their last semester of a degree program that will meet the requirements listed above.

Specific certifications or experience may be required and/or must be obtained within a specified time period following employment.

Certificates and Licenses Required

Virginia Certified Peer Specialist credential or ability to obtain this credential within one year of appointment.

Necessary Special Requirements

Complete a criminal background check, polygraph exam, psychological exam, and tuberculosis test to the satisfaction of the employer. Driver’s license or ability to efficiently access other means of transportation in order to visit clients in their homes and to meet with community service providers is required. Position is emergency/essential services personnel; required to report for duty during inclement weather and/or other emergencies.

Preferred Qualifications

• Virginia Certified Peer Specialist.
• Peer/lived recovery experience.
• Knowledge of and/or experience with Medications for Opioid Use Disorder and community‑based recovery supports.
• Experience working within a correctional setting or with justice‑involved populations.
• Experience with re‑entry planning and coordination of care across systems such as medical, behavioral health, and community providers.
• One to two years of professional social work experience.
• One to two years of experience working with people recovering from substance use disorders.

Physical Requirements

Job is generally sedentary; visual acuity is required to read data on a computer monitor and operate keyboard‑driven equipment. Must communicate with others. May be required to lift up to 15 lbs. All duties performed with or without reasonable accommodations.

Selection Procedure

Panel interview and may include an exercise.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or military status in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.

Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act.