At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide peer support to individuals in recovery, helping them navigate challenges and achieve personal goals.
- Company: Mainspring Recovery, a compassionate organisation focused on empowering individuals through lived experience.
- Benefits: Competitive hourly pay, supportive team culture, and opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic environment with evening and weekend hours, fostering community connections.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives by sharing your journey and supporting their recovery.
- Qualifications: Must have lived experience with recovery and hold a Virginia CPRS credential or be eligible.
The predicted salary is between 21 - 23 £ per hour.
Mainspring Recovery is seeking a compassionate and motivated Peer Recovery Specialist (PRS) to provide strength-based, trauma-informed, and person-centered peer support to individuals navigating substance use recovery and mental health challenges. This role is vital in building trust and engagement within our recovery-oriented system of care.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide peer support services to clients in individual and group settings
- Serve as a role model, mentor, and advocate for clients
- Collaborate with clinical staff to integrate peer recovery supports into treatment plans
- Assist clients in identifying personal goals for recovery and developing strategies to achieve them
- Help clients navigate community resources, recovery meetings, housing, employment, and transportation
- Document services and progress notes in compliance with Medicaid and agency standards
- Support clients during transitions (e.g., admission, discharge, or crisis events)
- Participate in team meetings, training, and supervision
- Uphold the values of recovery, empowerment, and client autonomy
- Maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality in all interactions
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
- Active Virginia Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) credential (or eligible within 6 months)
- High school diploma or GED
- Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation
Experience
- Must have lived experience with recovery from substance use and/or co-occurring mental health disorders
- Experience working in a behavioral health or community-based setting
Knowledge / Skills
- Strong communication skills and empathy
- Ability to model recovery and resilience
- Bilingual in Spanish or another high-need language
- Familiarity with Medicaid documentation and community resources in Virginia
Working Conditions
- Work may occur in outpatient, residential, community, or virtual settings
- Wednesday-Sunday 12:30-9:00pm with evening/weekend hours required
- Exposure to individuals in crisis or early recovery stages
Why This Role Matters
The Peer Recovery Specialist (PRS) brings something to the treatment and recovery process that cannot be taught in a textbook: lived experience, hope, and authentic connection. Peer Recovery Specialists help individuals see that recovery is possible because they have walked a similar path themselves and can offer support from a place of understanding and credibility.
Impact: By building trust, reducing stigma, and meeting individuals where they are in their recovery journey, you'll help clients feel seen, heard, and understood. Your support can increase engagement in treatment, strengthen motivation, and encourage long-term recovery.
Growth & Development: The PRS role creates opportunities for growth for both the individuals being served and the peers themselves. As a peer, you continuously develop professional skills such as communication, advocacy, leadership, and problem solving while making a meaningful difference in their communities. You also contribute to a recovery-oriented system of care by helping our organization better understand client needs and identify opportunities to improve services.
Team Culture: Peer Recovery Specialists strengthen team culture by bringing a unique perspective that complements clinical and operational expertise. Your lived experience helps teams maintain a person-centered focus and fosters greater empathy and understanding across disciplines. PRSs often bridge gaps between clients and providers, promoting collaboration, trust, and engagement.
Pre-Employment Requirements
Mainspring conducts, as required, job-related background checks, drug testing, TB testing, verification of employment history, and/or reference checks prior to employment.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Mainspring is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.
Peer Recovery Specialist in Dumfries employer: Mainspring Recovery
Mainspring Recovery is an exceptional employer that values the unique contributions of Peer Recovery Specialists, offering a supportive work culture where lived experiences are celebrated and leveraged to foster authentic connections with clients. Located in Dumfries, VA, this full-time role provides competitive hourly pay and opportunities for professional growth through continuous skill development in communication, advocacy, and leadership. Join a dedicated team that prioritises empowerment, collaboration, and the transformative power of recovery, making a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals navigating their recovery journeys.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Peer Recovery Specialist in Dumfries
✨Connect Through Professional Networks
Join associations related to therapy and counselling, like the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). They often have job boards, events, and forums where you can meet potential employers and like-minded professionals. Being active in these spaces can give you a significant edge.
✨Show Up at Local Mental Health Events
Look for workshops, seminars, and conferences focused on mental health in your area. Not only can you learn valuable insights, but you can also network with professionals who might be aware of full-time opportunities, like the ones at Mainspring Recovery. Plus, showing your passion for the field in person can leave a lasting impression.
✨Utilise Online Platforms Tailored to Counselling
Websites like TherapyJobs or Indeed specifically cater to therapy professionals. Make sure to check these regularly for new listings, and consider setting up alerts to stay ahead of the game. Plus, applying directly through these platforms can sometimes give you better visibility.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you’re recently graduated or still in school, don't forget to tap into your university's career resources. They often have exclusive listings for full-time positions and can help you refine your interview skills. Plus, they might connect you with alumni who’re already working at places like Mainspring Recovery.
We think you need these skills to ace Peer Recovery Specialist in Dumfries
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Qualifications:Make sure to showcase any relevant qualifications you've completed, such as a degree in psychology or counselling certifications. This is super important in the therapy and counselling field, so don’t skip over these details in your CV.
Showcase Your Empathy Skills:In your cover letter, it's essential to demonstrate your empathy and communication skills, which are key in therapy. Share specific examples from your previous experiences where you've effectively helped someone through a tough time—this will make your application stand out.
Demonstrate Your Continued Learning:We love seeing candidates who are committed to ongoing professional development. Mention any workshops, seminars, or additional training you’ve attended recently. This not only boosts your CV but shows your passion for the field.
Personalise Your Application for Mainspring Recovery:Take some time to research Mainspring Recovery and reflect this understanding in your application. Explain why you’re interested in working with them specifically and how your values align with their approach—this personal touch can make all the difference!
How to prepare for a job interview at Mainspring Recovery
✨Show Your Empathy and Communication Skills
In therapy and counselling, it's all about how well you connect with others. Be ready to share examples of how you've demonstrated empathy, active listening, and non-verbal communication in past experiences. Your ability to create rapport with clients is key, so let that shine through!
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to face some scenario-based questions that assess your practical skills in dealing with clients. Think of various client situations or challenges you've encountered or could encounter. Practice how you would respond, ensuring you highlight your problem-solving abilities and therapeutic techniques.
✨Highlight Your Continuing Education
Being in a full-time role in therapy means you need to stay updated with the latest techniques and theories. Mention any professional development courses you've taken recently, or plans you have for ongoing education. This shows that you’re committed to growth in your field and eager to help your clients with the best approaches.
✨Finesse Your Personal Statement
In therapy, your personal statement is a chance to showcase who you are beyond your qualifications. Tailor it to not just highlight your credentials but also your passion for helping others. Share personal stories or insights that led you to this profession, reinforcing why you'd be a great fit for Mainspring Recovery's values and approach.
