Registered Peer Support Specialist for SAIOP Groups

Leaders for Life; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Leaders for Life, Inc. is seeking a compassionate Registered Peer Recovery Specialist to support participants in our Substance Abuse Intensive Outpatient Program.

The role emphasizes using lived recovery experience to foster stability, sobriety, and long-term wellness within a non-clinical peer support framework. You will collaborate with the SA-IOP treatment team, provide individual and group support, and help clients identify goals, triggers, and barriers.

Qualifications

• Current Virginia RPRS credential preferred and required for Medicaid-billable peer services.
• Lived experience with recovery from substance use or mental health challenges.
• Strong communication and documentation skills required.

Responsibilities

• Provide individual and group peer recovery support to SA-IOP participants.
• Use lived experience to encourage hope, engagement, and motivation.
• Assist clients with identifying recovery goals, personal strengths, triggers, and barriers.
• Support development of coping skills, self-advocacy, healthy routines, and relapse-prevention strategies.
• Facilitate or co-facilitate recovery-focused peer groups and discussions.
• Complete new client orientations and help clients become familiar with program expectations, schedules, and supports.
• Conduct or assist with approved drug screening procedures as per policy.
• Assist clients with scheduling transportation using Medicaid or insurance benefits.
• Connect clients with community resources, support groups, housing, employment, transportation, and other needed services.
• Encourage participation in recovery activities outside formal treatment.
• Assist clients with building natural supports and a strong recovery network.
• Participate in treatment team meetings and communicate concerns to clinical staff.
• Maintain confidentiality, professional boundaries, and ethical standards.
• Complete accurate and timely service documentation.

Skills

Lived recovery experience

Strong communication

Documentation skills

Team collaboration

Education

Virginia Registered Peer Recovery Specialist credential

Job description

Leaders for Life, Inc. is seeking a compassionate, dependable, and recovery-focused Registered Peer Recovery Specialist (RPRS) to join our Substance Abuse Intensive Outpatient Program (SA-IOP).

The Peer Recovery Specialist will use lived recovery experience to support individuals working toward stability, sobriety, and long-term recovery. This position provides non-clinical peer support, encouragement, education, and connection to community resources while working closely with the SA-IOP treatment team.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide individual and group peer recovery support to SA-IOP participants
• Use lived experience appropriately to encourage hope, engagement, and motivation
• Assist clients with identifying recovery goals, personal strengths, triggers, and barriers
• Support the development of coping skills, self-advocacy, healthy routines, and relapse-prevention strategies
• Facilitate or co-facilitate recovery-focused peer groups and discussions
• Complete new client orientations and help clients become familiar with program expectations, schedules, and available supports
• Conduct or assist with approved drug screening procedures in accordance with agency policy and applicable requirements
• Assist clients with scheduling transportation through their Medicaid or insurance transportation benefit when available
• Connect clients with community recovery resources, support groups, housing, employment, transportation, and other needed services
• Encourage participation in recovery activities outside of formal treatment
• Assist clients with building natural supports and a strong recovery network
• Participate in treatment team meetings and communicate relevant concerns to clinical staff
• Recognize and report safety concerns or changes in client functioning
• Complete accurate and timely service documentation
• Maintain confidentiality, professional boundaries, and ethical standards

Qualifications:

• Current Virginia Registered Peer Recovery Specialist (RPRS) credential preferred and required for Medicaid-billable peer services
• Lived experience with recovery from substance use, mental health, or co-occurring challenges
• Strong communication, interpersonal, organizational, and documentation skills
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries while providing meaningful peer support
• Ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds
• Reliable, organized, and able to work as part of a multidisciplinary behavioral health team

Experience working in substance use treatment, behavioral health, peer recovery services, or an intensive outpatient setting is preferred.

This position is ideal for someone who is passionate about using their recovery experience to help others build confidence, strengthen recovery supports, and move toward greater independence and wellness.

Leaders for Life, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.