Housing Support Peer Recovery Specialist (Grant Funded)

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Arlington County requires all applicants to thoroughly complete each section of the application, including prior job responsibilities, duties, and supplemental questions. While you may attach a resume, it will not replace a completed application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

The Department of Human Services (DHS) is seeking a Housing Support Peer Recovery Specialist for the Housing Assistance Bureau, which will serve under the direction of the Housing Assistance Bureau's (HAB) Permanent Supportive Housing Assistant Manager. The Specialist will support the Permanent Supportive Housing Program (PSH), which is an evidence-based practice and effective housing strategy for persons with disabilities. Permanent supportive housing refers to integrated, permanent housing (typically rental apartments) associated with flexible community-based services, which are available to tenants when needed but are not mandated as a condition of occupancy. This position works closely with community landlords to resolve any tenancy issues that may arise. The primary function of this position is to help individuals maintain housing.

Specific duties include:

• Sharing lived experience with recovery to connect with clients and educate about the recovery process and tenancy rights;

• Serving as a role model, mentor and motivator to clients to help obtain and maintain stable housing;

• Coordinating and conducting a range of recovery-based groups and skill -building classes aimed at maintaining housing;

• Supporting client attainment of identified goals in their PSH Housing Plan and facilitates appropriate communication with housing specialists and clinical staff;

• Assisting with client engagement of services such as providing outreach and linkage to service provider that are individualized and appropriate for clients' needs;

• Accompanying and transporting client to appointments to assist in the successful attainment of services, documentation for housing or benefits, and resources;

• Participating in the collaboration and consultation with various service providers, clients and supportive collateral at regular intervals as appropriate to support client housing and treatment plans;

• Advocating and modeling effective communication skills to successfully negotiate service needs;

• Documenting case activities and reflecting progress toward attainment of client housing and recovery goals; and

• Participating in workshops, seminars and conferences.

The successful candidate will possess:

• Strong interpersonal communication skills to resolve complaints, persuade others, speak in public and develop trusting positive relationships with tenants, landlords and service providers;

• Working knowledge of behavior healthcare systems and the complexity of the supportive housing needs for individuals with serious mental illness;

• Problem solving skills involving thinking creatively and solving housing problems that may not be addressed through traditional service delivery system;

• Excellent time management skills and ability to prioritize competing tasks; and/or

• Substantial computer skills that include the ability to create engaging presentations.

The Department of Human Services is committed to delivering client services in an effective, equitable, respectful, and trauma-informed manner. Our staff is dedicated to ensuring our clients are approached, engaged, and cared for in ways that demonstrate competency, sensitivity and awareness of factors which impact the client experience including but not limited to, cultural identity, gender, racial, and ethnic diversity, religious/spiritual ascription, physical capability, cognitive and literacy levels, sexual orientation, and linguistic needs. People with lived experience and expertise of homelessness or other affordable housing or housing subsidy programs are encouraged to apply.

Minimum:

• Completion of the requirements for graduation from High school or GED program.
• Completion of Virginia DBHDS 72-hour Peer Recovery Specialist training within ninety days of hire date.
• One year of mental health or substance use recovery.

Substitution: Completion of coursework in Social Work, Sociology, Psychology, Special Education, Mental Health, or Counseling from an accredited college or university can substitute for the experience requirement.

Licenses/Certifications: Certification as a Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) and Registration as a Peer Recovery Specialist (RPRS) in Virginia within six months of hire (may be extended to one year for part-time positions).

Desirable: Preference will be given to candidates with one or more of the following:

• Previous experience in a peer support role is highly valued

• Experience working in a human services setting

• Experience serving diverse communities.

• Lived experience of homelessness and/or housing instability

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

The applicant must possess, or obtain by the time of appointment, a valid driver license. The applicant must authorize Arlington County to obtain, or applicant must provide a copy of official driving record. Any offer of employment may be contingent upon a favorable review of the applicant's driving record.

A pre-hire background check will be required, which may include the following: criminal record, driving record, education, professional licensure, and credit history. You may be required to sign a release authorizing the County to obtain your background information.

Completion of a State of Virginia Central Registry Check. Candidates selected for interview maybe required to take a brief computer test.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Work hours: Standard hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. However, this role goes beyond the typical 9-to-5. It demands a commitment to serve our clients whenever needed, which may include evening and weekend work on a regular basis. Some telework options with some scheduling flexibility to accommodate these extended hours may be available, contingent upon supervisor approval and workload.

This is a grant-funded position and contingent upon funding availability.

The official title of this position is Peer Recovery Specialist.

Your responses to the supplemental questionnaire are considered part of the selection process and required for this position. Please do not give "see resume" as a response. Incomplete applications may not be considered.

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