Peer Support Specialist- Co-response (FT)

Colonial Behavioral Health; Williamsburg (VA); On-site; USD 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Virginia Retirement System

Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance

HSA/FSAs

PSLF employer

Job summary

Colonial Behavioral Health (CBH) is seeking a Peer Support Specialist to join the Co-responder Team in Virginia. The role focuses on recovery, wellness, self-advocacy, and linking individuals to services.

The position requires a Registered Peer Recovery Specialist and at least one year in behavioral health services, plus a valid driver's license. The schedule is typically Monday–Friday during standard business hours, with potential expansion to evenings and weekends as the program grows.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Registered Peer Recovery Specialist (RPRS) required.
• Experience in behavioral health or with individuals facing behavioral health concerns preferred.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a recovery role model and provide peer-based support.
• Assist individuals in recovery and wellness activities and linkage to services.
• Support self-advocacy, independence, and connection to community resources.
• Crisis resolution and problem-solving with individuals in behavioral health crises.

Skills

Crisis de-escalation

Communication

Teamwork

Problem-solving

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Registered Peer Recovery Specialist (RPRS)

Job description

Colonial Behavioral Health (CBH) provides opportunities for recovery and support to individuals and their families in the areas of mental health, substance use disorders, and developmental disabilities. CBH serves the residents of James City County, the City of Poquoson, the City of Williamsburg, and York County.

Colonial Behavioral Health is currently recruiting for a Peer Support Specialist to join our Co-responder Team.

The Peer Support Specialist works directly with individuals experiencing behavioral health crises and provides support focused on recovery, wellness, self-advocacy, and connection to appropriate services. This position works closely with first responders, behavioral health providers, and public and private community partners to help de-escalate crisis situations, promote safety, and facilitate timely linkage to care and follow-up services.

Position includes a Sign-on Bonus: ($1,000 at hire and $1,000 upon successful completion of 6-month probationary period).

Job Responsibilities

• Serve as a role model for recovery, wellness, and self-advocacy.
• Use lived experience and peer support principles to assist individuals in gaining or regaining control of their lives through recovery- and wellness-based activities, concepts, and practices.
• Encourage and support individuals in developing self-advocacy, empowerment, and independent living skills based on informed choice.
• Assist individuals experiencing behavioral health crises with crisis resolution, problem-solving, and connection to appropriate resources.
• Work collaboratively with community partners, including law enforcement, Fire/EMS, outpatient behavioral health providers, and public and private service agencies.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

The initial schedule for this position will generally be Monday through Friday during standard business hours.

As the Co-responder Program expands, program operations are expected to transition to coverage approximately 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., seven days per week.

Employees in this position must have the flexibility and availability to work varying shifts, including evenings, weekends, and other non-standard hours, as program needs evolve.

Skills and Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required
• Registered Peer Recovery Specialist (RPRS)
• Demonstrated knowledge of behavioral health concerns, recovery principles, and community resources available to individuals with mental health, developmental disabilities, and/or substance use disorders, including co-occurring conditions.
• Basic knowledge of human rights, ethical considerations, confidentiality, and legal requirements related to behavioral health services.
• Ability and willingness to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, problem-solving, and crisis de-escalation skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with individuals served, families, coworkers, first responders, and community partners.
• At least one year of experience working in behavioral health services or with individuals experiencing behavioral health concerns. Experience may be gained through previous employment or through personal experience as a recipient of behavioral health services. required.
• At least two years of psychiatric stability and/or sobriety, as applicable to the individual’s lived experience. required; training available, if needed.
• Valid driver's Licenserequired

DMV record must be submitted with application

Our compensation package for this position includes:

• Competitive compensation
• Virginia Retirement System
• Health, Dental, Vision, & Life Insurance
• Health Savings Account/Flexible Spending Accounts
• Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) employer

Colonial Behavioral Health is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.