City of Virginia Beach

Peer Recovery Specialist

City of Virginia Beach

DHS Pembroke 6Full time$45k – $70kPosted Aug 5, 2026

Job description

Department : HUMAN SERVICES Compensation Grade : G20 Compensation Range & Starting Salary : Pay Range: $44,907.20 - $69,971.20 Starting salary may be negotiable based on qualifications. Job Exempt (If No, Position is eligible for overtime) : No Scheduled Weekly Hours : 40 About Us : Recognized as one of America’s Best-In-State Employers for 2024, the City of Virginia Beach is proud to offer a diverse and dynamic work environment.

Our workforce plays a crucial role in delivering exceptional government services to both our citizens and fellow City employees. Apply now to join an organization where you truly make a difference. Job Duties and Preferred Qualifications : A $3,000 hiring bonus is being offered for this position . Hiring bonuses shall only be for new hires of original employment or reemployment as defined in Human Resources Policy No.

5.0. $500 will be awarded in the first paycheck. $1,000 will be awarded upon completion of the six (6) month interim performance evaluation with an overall rating of “Meets Expectations”. $1,500 will be awarded upon completion of the employee’s one (1) year probationary period and a performance evaluation with an overall rating of “Meets Expectations”.

The City of Virginia Beach Department of Human Services is eagerly seeking to hire a qualified candidate for the EMS Peer position. The ideal candidate will have experience in crisis work and experience as a Peer Recovery Specialist working with individuals with substance use and mental health disorders in the community.

Duties: Responsible for provision of peer support services to adults with substance use disorders. Provide support through sharing personal life experience of recovery from a substance use disorder by giving resources, personal experiences, support, advocacy, education and coaching. Member of the EMS IMPACTS team and responds to overdose calls in the community with emergency medical staff.

Respond to individuals in the community who reach out to 911 for assistance for an overdose or other substance use related medical condition. Educate individuals about available community resources and advocates for services on behalf of individuals as needed. Link individuals to on going services and services within the community.

Accompany individuals to community support meetings as appropriate. Maintain accurate documentation consistent with agency guidelines, when appropriate. Collaborate with multiple city agencies and programs as part of a treatment team, community services providers, and significant others as necessary. Attend staff meetings, case meetings, and staff training activities as required.

Provide information on harm reduction strategies. Participate in monthly supervision with a staff member trained in peer specialist supervision. Assist individuals with developing skills and strategies to prevent relapse of substance addiction. The City offers a generous benefits package such as health, dental and life insurance, retirement, and savings plans.

Other key benefits include: Maternity/paternity and parental leave Holidays and Paid Leave Leave donation program Tuition Reimbursement Employee Assistant Program Professional Development Additional requirements:

  • DMV Transcript: Yes
  • CDL: No
  • Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse: No
  • CPS Check: Yes
  • Physical: No
  • Respirator: No
  • Psychological Screening: No
  • Polygraph: No
  • At Will: No Minimum Requirements : Minimum Qualifications: Requires any combination of education (above the high school level) and/or experience equivalent to one (1) year in fields utilizing the required knowledge, skills, and abilities OR eligibility for certification as a Peer Recovery Specialist with Virginia DBHDS. Must have a current and valid driver’s license. Special Requirements: All employees may be expected to work hours in excess of their normally scheduled hours in response to short-term department needs and/or City-wide emergencies. Must have completed the DBHDS 72-hour certification training and working towards registration with the board. Must be eligible to become a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) in Virginia. If not obtained prior to hire, the peer counselor will receive Peer Certification Recovery Services training. Skills : Community Resources, Drug Use Evaluation, Mental Health, Mental Illness Diagnosis Working Conditions : Per HR Policy 6.19, Americans with Disabilities, the City follows the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in all hiring and employment decisions. The City shall not discriminate on the basis of disability in its hiring and employment practices. The City shall make reasonable accommodations for the known physical or mental limitations of a qualified applicant or employee with a disability upon request unless the accommodation would cause an undue hardship on the operation of the City’s business. The Working Conditions Summary is intended to provide a general overview of the environmental conditions inherent in the job setting, as well as the physical, mental, and sensory requirements necessary to perform the essential functions of the position in the noted job profile. Please copy and paste the URL below into your web browser to view the Working Conditions Summary for this position. https://workingcondition-summary-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/P12939.pdf Official Job Descriptions: To browse official job descriptions, please access this link - https://virginiabeach.gov/careers/job-descriptions-pay-plans?search=&group=E VRS Contribution : All full-time employees are required to contribute 5% of annual salary toward their retirement account; in accordance with VRS retirement provisions. This will be handled through a pre-tax payroll deduction. Drug Free Workplace : The City of Virginia Beach maintains a drug free workplace. Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement: The City of Virginia Beach is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a diverse and inclusive work environment. We do not discriminate against any applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status as defined by applicable law.