Senior Peer Specialist

Loudoun County Government; Leesburg (VA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Loudoun County Government seeks a Senior Peer Specialist for the Same Day Access program in Leesburg, VA. The role focuses on recovery-oriented peer support and linkage to community resources.

Work schedule is 37.5 hours per week. Must hold and maintain Virginia Certified Peer Recovery Specialist licensure; regional licensure within 6 months of hire. Driving is expected in Loudoun County. Equal opportunity employer.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; 3 years related work exp and personal experience with behavioral health treatment, or equivalent combo.

Responsibilities

• Emphasize military cultural competence and work with service members, veterans and families to connect them to support.
• Model coping techniques and recovery-oriented approaches; mentor the value of each person’s recovery.
• Provide peer support, advocacy, family education, administrative tasks, and supportive services to adults with serious mental illness or co-occurring conditions in non-clinic settings.
• Link individuals to resources for recovery, employment, health, social services and support groups.
• Participate in clinical team discussions to review client care and service quality.
• Provide crisis intervention services.

Skills

Public speaking

Interpersonal skills

Spanish-English bilingual

Cultural competence

Advocacy

Mentoring

Coaching

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Loudoun County Government has been named one of Forbes' 2025 Best Large Employers! We’re proud to be recognized nationally for our commitment to employee satisfaction and excellence in public service. At Loudoun County, we bring together talented professionals from all backgrounds to make a meaningful impact in a dynamic, growing community — that’s The Loudoun Difference.

Introduction

The Loudoun County Department of Mental Health, Substance Abuse and Developmental Services is seeking a talented and motivated individual to serve as a Senior Peer Specialist within the Same Day Access program. In this role, you will work with a trusted and reputable team that has a history of success connecting individuals and their families with person-centered, recovery-oriented services and support. We welcome new teammates who approach their professional careers with enthusiasm and dedication to our diverse and fast-growing county. Come be a part of something that matters.

Job Summary

The Senior Peer Support Specialist provides support to individuals in the Access Program.

In This Position, You Will

• Emphasize military cultural competence and working with service members, veterans, and their families to help connect them to support within and external to MHSADS.
• Models effective coping techniques and self-help strategies and mentors the value of every individual’s recovery experience.
• Provide peer support, advocacy, family orientation/education, administrative activities, and supportive services to other adults with serious mental illness or co-occurring serious mental illness and substance abuse in a variety of non-clinic-based settings.
• Source, create, and provide resources to link individuals to sources of recovery conducive to employment, health, social services, and support groups.
• Participate in clinical team discussions to review the quality and effectiveness of client care and service.
• Provide crisis intervention services.

Hiring salary commensurate with experience.

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent; three (3) years of related work experience along with personal experience as an individual with behavioral health treatment; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Have knowledge/familiarity of the mental health, addiction treatment, and social service systems, and an understanding of client rights.
• Demonstrate the ability to work effectively in a wide range of settings with people from diverse backgrounds, including clients and co-workers.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and able to adapt to changing situations.
• Experience with public speaking and facilitation of group workshops or activities.
• Experience coaching others and possess negotiation skills.
• Excellent organization skills and experience planning and designing events and activities.
• Bilingual in Spanish and English.

Job Contingencies And Special Requirements

• Work schedule is 37.5 hours per week.
• Must hold and maintain Virginia Certified Peer Recovery Specialist licensure. Registration as a Registered Peer Recovery Specialist under the VA Department of Health Professions is required within six (6) months of hire.
• Must be to work in the Loudoun County VA community through outreach and networking efforts.
• Must be a ble to support individuals transitioning for inpatient placements throughout Virginia.

Employment is contingent upon successfully passing pre-employment background check to include fingerprinting, credit, NCIC, DMV, and TB test. Must have a good driving record and a valid driver's license in Virginia or regional state of residence.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Loudoun County Government prides itself on fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace that promotes employee wellness and work-life balance. As an equal opportunity employer, we consider all qualified applicants regardless of age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or other non-merit factors.

Reasonable Accommodation

Applicants who wish to request a reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process should call Human Resources directly at 703-777-0213 or email Human Resources.