Peer Support Specialist - Emergency Services & Crisis Care, Fairfax County, VA, Fairfax, VA
Fairfax County, VA -
Fairfax, VA,
US
Peer Support Specialist - Emergency Services & Crisis Care
Date Posted: 2024-06-21
Job description
Salary : $43,498.00 - $72,496.11 Annually
Location : FAIRFAX (HH12), VA
Job Type: FT Hourly W BN
Job Number: 24-01398
Department: Community Services Board
Opening Date: 06/01/2024
Closing Date: 6/21/2024 11:59 PM Eastern
Pay Grade: S15
Posting Type: Open to General Public
Job Announcement
This is an exciting entry level opportunity working on the Emergency Services & Crisis Care Team.
At the Merrifield Crisis Response Center (MCRC), we are committed to providing immediate support and resources to individuals experiencing behavioral health crises. Our team consists of dedicated professionals, including military veterans, who are passionate about helping others navigate their recovery journey.
This position is specifically designed for military veterans who are in recovery and motivated to support fellow veterans and individuals in crisis. As a PRS, you will play a vital role in providing trauma-informed peer support, recovery support services, and assistance to individuals with behavioral health challenges in crisis situations. Under the supervision of a Licensed Clinical Emergency Services Supervisor or designee, you will utilize your personal experience and professional training to promote opportunities for participants to move into recovery.
The population of Fairfax County is very diverse where 38.7% of residents speak a language other than English at home () and CSB recognizes that staff competence speaking a variety of languages is necessary to meet client needs. We encourage candidate's bilingual in English and a foreign language to apply. A foreign language skills stipend of up to $1,300/year (full-time) may be given for qualified bi-lingual employees.
Note: To learn more about careers that make a difference, watch our video ""
Illustrative Duties
(The illustrative duties listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list. A complete list of position duties and unique physical requirements can be found in the position job description.)
Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities
(The knowledge, skills and abilities listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list.)
Employment Standards
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Graduation from high school or a GED issued by a state department of education; plus 4 months of experience in providing peer/recovery support services.
CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES REQUIRED:
NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Ability to stand, stoop, bend, stretch, walk, climb, sit, kneel, crouch, reach, crawl, lift and handle materials with manual dexterity. Ability to lift up to 10 lbs; input, access, and retrieve information from a computer; be physically active for three hours at a time; and to walk, negotiate, or traverse property sites that may be undergoing construction or having terrain that is not level. Must be able to observe client behavior/appearance, and converse with clients & coworkers. Ability to provide assistance with personal hygiene and personal care; participate in outings and recreational activities; and review and write collaborative clinical notes and ongoing record keeping. All duties performed with or without reasonable accommodations.
SELECTION PROCEDURE:
Panel Interview and may include a practical exercise.
Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or military status in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.
Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact 703-###-#### for assistance. TTY 703-###-####. EEO/AA/TTY.
#LI-AP1
Merit Positions
Fairfax County is proud to offer employees an attractive and comprehensive benefits program, including the following:
NOTE: Fairfax County Government is a qualifying employer under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. For more information about the PSLF program:
For additional details please visit the
Non-Merit Positions
01
What is the highest level of education that you have completed?
02
Do you have 4 months of experience in providing peer/recovery support services (PSS)? (In job duties please describe how you used your lived recovery experience to support others recovery journey.) PSS is a behavioral health model of care that provides community-based recovery services to individuals diagnosed with a mental illness or substance use disorder. PSS assist individuals in initiating and maintaining the process of recovery and resiliency to improve their health, wellness and self-care skills. PSS are provided by individuals who have lived experience with recovery from Mental Health or Substance Use Disorders and utilize this experience in provision of services. Peer Support Service is an individualized, recovery focused approach that promotes the development of wellness self-management, personal recovery, natural supports, coping skills, and self-advocacy skills and development of independent living skills for housing, employment and full community inclusion.
03
Do you currently possess a valid driver's license?
04
Check each of the following you currently possess.
05
How many years have you used your own lived experience and recovery journey to help individuals in their recovery from mental health and/or substance use challenges?
06
Check each of the following functions you have more than 2 years of experience performing. (Check all that apply)
Required Question
Location : FAIRFAX (HH12), VA
Job Type: FT Hourly W BN
Job Number: 24-01398
Department: Community Services Board
Opening Date: 06/01/2024
Closing Date: 6/21/2024 11:59 PM Eastern
Pay Grade: S15
Posting Type: Open to General Public
Job Announcement
This is an exciting entry level opportunity working on the Emergency Services & Crisis Care Team.
At the Merrifield Crisis Response Center (MCRC), we are committed to providing immediate support and resources to individuals experiencing behavioral health crises. Our team consists of dedicated professionals, including military veterans, who are passionate about helping others navigate their recovery journey.
This position is specifically designed for military veterans who are in recovery and motivated to support fellow veterans and individuals in crisis. As a PRS, you will play a vital role in providing trauma-informed peer support, recovery support services, and assistance to individuals with behavioral health challenges in crisis situations. Under the supervision of a Licensed Clinical Emergency Services Supervisor or designee, you will utilize your personal experience and professional training to promote opportunities for participants to move into recovery.
The population of Fairfax County is very diverse where 38.7% of residents speak a language other than English at home () and CSB recognizes that staff competence speaking a variety of languages is necessary to meet client needs. We encourage candidate's bilingual in English and a foreign language to apply. A foreign language skills stipend of up to $1,300/year (full-time) may be given for qualified bi-lingual employees.
Note: To learn more about careers that make a difference, watch our video ""
Illustrative Duties
(The illustrative duties listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list. A complete list of position duties and unique physical requirements can be found in the position job description.)
- Facilitates wellness and recovery groups and teaches recovery principles one on one;
- Assists individuals to fully participate in the communities where they live and work by orienting individuals to community resources, educating how to access, and advocating for increased opportunities for involvement;
- Coaches individuals in developing wellness and recovery plans, following through with those plans, and overcoming obstacles.
- Facilitates communication and understanding between recipients and providers of services so that providers make better informed recommendations and recipients make better informed choices;
- Explains services and procedures to individuals being served, and anyone they want to be involved for their support, so they know what to expect;
- Assists individuals to articulate their needs and concerns to providers;
- Provides a welcoming and supportive atmosphere for individuals receiving services;
- Serves as advocate and liaison between individuals, families, clinical professionals, physicians, and others involved in the individual's recovery;
- Assists other staff with supporting those being served and reviewing their progress and consults as necessary when individuals are in psychiatric crisis or appear to be at risk.
Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities
(The knowledge, skills and abilities listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list.)
- Ability to use one's lived personal experience of mental illness and/or substance use experience with accessing different levels of care;
- Ability to use one's lived experience to further healthy, positive interactions with service recipients at differing levels of engagement and stages of change
- Knowledge of the principles, process and components of wellness and recovery;
- Knowledge of ethics and boundaries as they relate to the peer specialist practice;
- Knowledge of human services available from public, private and volunteer organizations;
- Ability to establish rapport and maintain effective relationships and boundaries with individuals receiving services, staff, and the general public;
- Ability to retrieve, compose and save progress notes into the electronic health record;
- Ability to maintain confidentiality of clinical, medical, and other sensitive records;
- Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Employment Standards
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Graduation from high school or a GED issued by a state department of education; plus 4 months of experience in providing peer/recovery support services.
CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES REQUIRED:
- Driver's License (Required)
- MANDT (Required within 3 months)
- CPR/First Aid (Required within 12 months)
- Wellness of Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) Certification or equivalent - Required within 12 months of hire
- Whole Health Action Management Plan (WHAM) required within 12 months of hire.
- Registered Peer Recovery Specialist (RPRS) with the Virginia Department of Health Professions (DHP) within six months of employment.
NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
- The appointee to this position will be required to complete a criminal background check, a Child Protective Services Registry check, a driving record check, and sanction screening to the satisfaction of the employer. A TB screening upon hire and annually thereafter. Hepatitis B Vaccination required.
- This position is emergency/essential services personnel. (Required to report for duty during inclement weather and/or other emergencies.)
- Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Military veteran with lived experience in recovery.
- Current registration as a Virginia State Certified Peer Recovery Specialist
- Three or more years' experience working as a Peer Specialist within an acute care setting.
- Demonstrated commitment to supporting individuals in crisis and promoting recovery.
- Ability to provide trauma-informed peer support and maintain appropriate boundaries.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team.
- Experience with electronic health record documentation.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Ability to stand, stoop, bend, stretch, walk, climb, sit, kneel, crouch, reach, crawl, lift and handle materials with manual dexterity. Ability to lift up to 10 lbs; input, access, and retrieve information from a computer; be physically active for three hours at a time; and to walk, negotiate, or traverse property sites that may be undergoing construction or having terrain that is not level. Must be able to observe client behavior/appearance, and converse with clients & coworkers. Ability to provide assistance with personal hygiene and personal care; participate in outings and recreational activities; and review and write collaborative clinical notes and ongoing record keeping. All duties performed with or without reasonable accommodations.
SELECTION PROCEDURE:
Panel Interview and may include a practical exercise.
Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or military status in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.
Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact 703-###-#### for assistance. TTY 703-###-####. EEO/AA/TTY.
#LI-AP1
Merit Positions
Fairfax County is proud to offer employees an attractive and comprehensive benefits program, including the following:
- Medical/Vision/Dental Insurance Coverage
- Group Term Life Insurance
- Long Term Disability
- LiveWell Program
- Flexible Spending Programs
- Paid Leave (annual, sick, parental, volunteer activity, and more!)
- Paid Holidays
- Contributory Retirement Plan
- Deferred Compensation
- Employee Assistance Program
- Employees' Child Care Center
- Commuter Benefit Program
- Continuous Learning Opportunities
NOTE: Fairfax County Government is a qualifying employer under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. For more information about the PSLF program:
For additional details please visit the
Non-Merit Positions
- Non-Merit Benefit Eligible: scheduled to work a minimum 1,040 hours and no more than a maximum of 1,560 hours in a calendar year.
- Medical/Vision/Dental Insurance Coverage
- Flexible Spending Program
- Deferred Compensation
- Temporary: scheduled to work a maximum of 900 hours in a calendar year.
- No benefits
01
What is the highest level of education that you have completed?
- Less than 12th grade
- High school diploma or GED
- Some college
- Associate's degree
- Bachelor's degree
- Master's degree
- Doctorate degree
02
Do you have 4 months of experience in providing peer/recovery support services (PSS)? (In job duties please describe how you used your lived recovery experience to support others recovery journey.) PSS is a behavioral health model of care that provides community-based recovery services to individuals diagnosed with a mental illness or substance use disorder. PSS assist individuals in initiating and maintaining the process of recovery and resiliency to improve their health, wellness and self-care skills. PSS are provided by individuals who have lived experience with recovery from Mental Health or Substance Use Disorders and utilize this experience in provision of services. Peer Support Service is an individualized, recovery focused approach that promotes the development of wellness self-management, personal recovery, natural supports, coping skills, and self-advocacy skills and development of independent living skills for housing, employment and full community inclusion.
- Yes
- No
03
Do you currently possess a valid driver's license?
- Yes
- No
04
Check each of the following you currently possess.
- Virginia Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS)
- Other State Certified Peer Recovery Specialist
- National Peer Recovery Specialist Certification
- Virginia Registered Peer Recovery Specialist (RPRS)
- Certified WRAP Facilitator (current or lapsed)
- Certified Advanced Level WRAP Facilitator (current or lapsed)
- Certified Personal Medicine Coach (current or lapsed)
- Intentional Peer Support Training
- CCAR Recovery Coach Training
- DBHDS PRS Trainer
- None of the above
05
How many years have you used your own lived experience and recovery journey to help individuals in their recovery from mental health and/or substance use challenges?
- None
- Less than one year
- One to less than three years
- Three to less than five years
- Five or more years
06
Check each of the following functions you have more than 2 years of experience performing. (Check all that apply)
- Engaging with individuals experiencing substance use challenges
- Providing information and referrals to additional community-based recovery services.
- Sharing your own experience to help individuals in their recovery.
- Collecting and reporting data on individuals receiving community-based services.
- Working collaboratively with staff, health providers, medical staff, community supports, self-help providers and others to assure successful interventions with individuals and partners.
- Working in partnership with law enforcement in mental health and/or substance use program settings.
- None of the above
Required Question