Peer Recovery & Outreach Advocate

City-of-Suffolk; Suffolk (VA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Suffolk seeks a Peer Recovery Specialist to lead community engagement, support individuals toward recovery, housing, and services. Using lived experience, you will build trust with hard-to-reach populations, coordinate field outreach, and connect clients with internal teams and partners to maximize impact.

Minimum requirements include a high school diploma and at least two years of sustained recovery; certification as a PRS is preferred and a valid driver's license is required.

Qualifications

• Minimum high school diploma or equivalent.
• Personal, direct experience with substance use disorder and two years of sustained recovery.
• Certification as a Peer Recovery Specialist preferred; ability to pursue certification.
• Requires a valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Build trusting relationships with community members and provide authentic peer support based on shared life experiences.
• Assist individuals in identifying personal recovery goals through individual and group sessions.
• Develop recovery plans with strengths, supports, and resources to aid them in achieving goals.
• Teach recovery information and recovery tools to help clients develop wellness and recovery plans.
• Model personal responsibility, self-advocacy, and wellness by sharing your own recovery story.
• Collaborate regularly with treatment teams and other service providers to coordinate care.
• Interview applicants, explain scope of multiple benefit programs, and determine eligibility for assistance.
• Maintain confidential records and data and perform data entry as required.
• Plan and organize caseloads, scheduling appointments and tracking progress.
• Willing to work disaster-related assignments including emergency shelter duty if needed.

Skills

Active listening

Motivational interviewing

Peer coaching

Community outreach

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Two years of sustained recovery experience

Job description

The City of Suffolk seeks a Peer Recovery Specialist to lead community engagement, support individuals toward recovery, housing, and services. Using lived experience, you will build trust with hard-to-reach populations, coordinate field outreach, and connect clients with internal teams and partners to maximize impact.

Minimum requirements include a high school diploma and at least two years of sustained recovery; certification as a PRS is preferred and a valid driver's license is required.