Peer Recovery Support Specialist

Behavioral Health Group - BHG; Staunton (VA); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Behavioral Health Group - BHG in Staunton is seeking a dedicated peer recovery support professional to provide care and advocate for patients. You will mentor peers, connect individuals with housing, employment, and other services, and support recovery planning using WRAP tools.

Minimum of 2 years in behavioral health and a high school diploma are required; PRSS certification is preferred. The role involves a fast-paced clinical setting with exposure to complex cases and strong teamwork.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in behavioral health.

Responsibilities

• Inspire hope by building authentic, trusting relationships with patients and serving as a peer mentor, advocate, and recovery coach.
• Empower individuals to define, pursue, and achieve meaningful recovery goals through encouragement, practical support, and collaborative problem-solving.
• Educate patients and families about mental health, substance use disorders, and the recovery journey, helping reduce stigma and foster understanding.
• Connect patients with community resources, recovery supports, housing, employment, and other essential services that strengthen long-term recovery.
• Utilize recovery planning tools, including Wellness Recovery Action Plans (WRAP), to help patients develop personalized strategies for wellness and self-advocacy.
• Facilitate and support recovery-focused groups that build coping skills, strengthen problem-solving abilities, and encourage peer connection.

Skills

Peer support

Recovery coaching

Advocacy

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

What you’ll do

Provide Care

• Inspire hope by building authentic, trusting relationships with patients and serving as a peer mentor, advocate, and recovery coach.
• Empower individuals to define, pursue, and achieve meaningful recovery goals through encouragement, practical support, and collaborative problem-solving.
• Educate patients and families about mental health, substance use disorders, and the recovery journey, helping reduce stigma and foster understanding.
• Connect patients with community resources, recovery supports, housing, employment, and other essential services that strengthen long-term recovery.
• Utilize recovery planning tools, including Wellness Recovery Action Plans (WRAP), to help patients develop personalized strategies for wellness and self-advocacy.
• Facilitate and support recovery-focused groups that build coping skills, strengthen problem-solving abilities, and encourage peer connection.

Manage Documentation

• Maintain timely, accurate documentation and collect required program data to support coordinated care, measure outcomes, and advance quality services.
• Protect patient privacy by maintaining confidentiality and exercising sound judgment when handling sensitive information.

Team Building

• Partner with treatment teams to develop and implement person-centered recovery plans that reflect each patient\'s strengths, goals, and aspirations.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in behavioral health.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist (PRSS) or Peer Recovery Coach certification.

Physical Requirements And Working Conditions

• Fast-paced clinical environment with period of increased activity.
• Exposure to patients with substance use disorders, mental health conditions, infectious diseases, and criminal justice involvement.
• Prolonged standing, bending, and stooping.
• Alternating between sitting and standing throughout the workday.
• Potential exposure to bloodborne pathogens.
• Use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when required.
• Frequent keyboarding and computer use.

Our Team

At BHG, we thrive on the greatness of our people. Join us and become part of a community that values excellence, integrity, and making a real difference in the lives of others. BHG is the largest network of Joint Commission-accredited treatment centers and a leading provider of opioid addiction treatment services. With over 110 locations in 24 states, our team of more than 1,900 employees serves over 42,000 patients and helps patients find real recovery.

BHG is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer providing equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other legally protected basis, in accordance with applicable law.