Peers Program Director

First Choice Services; Fairmont, Charleston (WV, WV); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

First Choice Services in Charleston, WV seeks a Director of Peer Programs to lead PRSS, oversee operations, manage budgets, and drive recovery-oriented services. The role reports to the CEO and leads PRSS staff, recovery coaches, and coordinators.

Candidates should have WVCBAPP PRSS certification, a bachelor's in human services or related field, and at least three years of lived experience with substance use disorder. Travel and in-person meetings with partners are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in human services or related field
• 3+ years lived experience with substance use disorder
• WVCBAPP PRSS Certification or plan to complete within a year
• Experience in peer support, crisis intervention, and suicide prevention

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement program strategies aligned with organizational goals.
• Oversee daily operations and service delivery.
• Prepare and manage departmental budgets.
• Recruit, develop, and retain high-performing staff.
• Lead change management initiatives and drive continuous improvement.
• Meet regularly in-person with remote teams and partner agencies.
• Represent the department in conferences and stakeholder engagements.

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

Team management

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic planning

Policy compliance

Change management

Communication

Travel coordination

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Human Services/ Psychology/ Counseling/ Social Work/ Addictions

WVCBAPP Peer Recovery Support Specialist Certification

Tools

Microsoft Office

Web-based case management platforms

Data analysis tools

Job description

Job DetailsJob Location: Charleston, WV 25311

AGENCY AND MISSION

First Choice Services is a 501c3 non-profit organization. First Choice Services provides free support through helplines, behavioral health training, and expert guidance. We connect individuals, families, and communities to real help. We are proud to offer the lived experience of our team to support, encourage, and help others find a pathway to wellness.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Director of Peer Programs provides strategic leadership, oversight, and management of the PRSS function. This position ensures the delivery of high-quality, recovery-oriented services that promote hope, wellness, self-direction, and community integration. The role is responsible for developing operational strategies, ensuring effective service delivery, managing budgets and resources, leading teams, and driving continuous improvement initiatives that support organizational objectives.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP

The Director of Peer Programs reports to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The position’s direct reports include all FCS Peer Program staff (Peer Recovery Support Specialists (PRSS), Recovery Coaches, and Program Coordinators).

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and implement program strategies aligned with organizational goals.
• Establish annual objectives, performance measures, and key results.
• Advise executive team on operational and strategic matters related to PRSS activities.
• Identify opportunities for innovation, efficiency, and growth.
• Collaborate with Director of Marketing and Communications on media, marketing and outreach.
• Collaborate with FCS Program Directors to enhance interagency efficiencies and client outcomes.

Operations Management

• Oversee daily operations and service delivery.
• Ensure compliance with organizational policies, regulatory requirements, and industry standards.
• Monitor performance metrics and implement corrective actions when necessary.
• Develop and maintain operational procedures and best practices.
• Coordinate and execute the annual Peer Recovery Retreat.

Financial Management

• Prepare and manage departmental budgets.
• Monitor expenditures and optimize resource utilization.
• Identify cost‑saving opportunities while maintaining service quality.
• Prepare financial and operational reports as needed.

Team Leadership

• Recruit, develop, and retain high-performing staff.
• Collaborate with Director of Training and Development to enhance staff performance.
• Provide coaching, mentoring, and performance management.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Lead change management initiatives.
• Meet regularly in-person with remote teams.
• Collaborate with Employee Services department to manage team members.
• Provide peer supervision hours specific to the domains outlined by the WVCBAPP.

Professional Network Leadership

• Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Represent the department in conferences, executive meetings, community forums, and partner engagements.
• Address stakeholder concerns and ensure high levels of satisfaction.
• Meet regularly in-person with partner agencies.

Continuous Quality Improvement

• Establish quality standards and performance benchmarks.
• Analyze operational data and trends to improve effectiveness.
• Lead process improvement and organizational excellence initiatives.
• Attend conferences, community meetings and other learning opportunities.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

• WVCBAPP Peer Recovery Support Specialist Certification
• Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services, Psychology, Counseling, Social Work or Addictions preferred
• Three years lived experience with substance use disorder
• Experience in peer support, crisis intervention, and suicide prevention
• WVCBAPP Certified as a PRSS Supervisor, or committed to completing the certification process within a year.

Knowledge and Skills

• Strong understanding of recovery principles, peer support models, and behavioral health systems.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed, person-centered, and culturally responsive care.
• Strong organizational and project management abilities.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Strong professional ethics and judgement.
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving expertise.
• Financial and operational management proficiency.
• Project and change management experience.
• Ability to build partnerships, lead teams and influence stakeholders.
• Technical proficiency in Microsoft Office and web-based case management platforms
• Ability to actively listen giving full attention to others and seeking understanding
• Resilience and composure while dealing with frustration, unpleasantness and stressful circumstances.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The primary work environment is a climate controlled, contact center environment. The position requires both prolonged periods of desk work using computer and phone, as well as a good deal of travel for meetings and remote work at partner sites and other FCS offices. This is not a work from home position.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS (Reasonable accommodations will be made for individuals with disabilities)

Limited physical effort required with limited exposure to physical risk.

Must be willing and able to travel involving overnight stays that may include multiple nights.

Ability to lift 35 pounds unassisted. Heavier weight with assistance.

Ability to work evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays as required.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Qualifications