Senior Peer Support Specialist - Emergency Services & Crisis Care (Human Service Worker I)

Works at the Merrifield Crisis Response Center as part of the Post Response Team (PRT). In this role, you will provide follow-up support to individuals assessed by Emergency Services, Co-Responder teams, or the Mobile Crisis Unit. Using lived experience in recovery, you will help individuals connect with essential community resources, such as mental health and substance use treatment, housing support, and more, promoting long-term recovery and stability.

You will mentor and guide less experienced peers, building rapport with individuals and ensuring they access necessary services to reduce crisis recurrence. The position requires certification as a Peer Recovery Specialist, at least 2 years of experience in peer support or related fields, and a strong understanding of community resources. If you are passionate about using your recovery experience to support others and help reduce reliance on emergency services, this is an exciting opportunity to make a lasting impact.

The population of Fairfax County is very diverse where 38.7% of residents speak a language other than English at home (Spanish, Asian/Pacific Islander, Indo-European, and others) 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.
 

To find out more about the benefits of working with Fairfax County Government, please visit the CSB Careers Page.

Note: To learn more about careers that make a difference, watch our video "CSB Celebrates 50th Anniversary of Providing Care."

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.)

 

• Learns, applies, explains and interprets federal, state, and local policies to clients, service providers, attorneys, the public, and other interested parties;
• Performs client needs assessments in order to make appropriate referrals and connections to other services;
• Works with clients to assist with gathering the information required to establish eligibility;
• Compiles and maintains data and documents and may prepare written narratives to support eligibility determinations;
• Authorizes public assistance (e.g., medical aid, financial assistance, food stamps),  based on client circumstances and public assistance program requirements;
• Uses automated technology to document, obtain and verify information to generate reports and authorize benefits and services for clients;
• Assists clients in obtaining the resources necessary to meet emergency needs;
• Assists clients in obtaining services and coordinates these with other service providers as needed;
• Coordinates and manages clients' participation in a variety of services;
• Participates in case staffings with other county staff or community organizations to assess and address needs of clients;
• Prepares appeal documents and may represent the agency in administrative appeals filed by clients;
• Assists with operation of an employment resource center.

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.)
 

• Knowledge of basic human behavior and social problems;
• Ability to read, interpret and apply program policies and procedures;
• Ability to understand and apply federal, state and local laws governing public assistance and welfare reform;
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing;
• Ability to make mathematical computations;
• Ability to schedule, organize and manage workload sufficiently to meet deadlines;
• Ability to use automated technology to establish and maintain case records;
• Ability to handle multiple deadlines, computer systems, high volume of client contact,
• high caseloads, and competing priorities;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, co-workers
• and other human service providers;
• Ability to work effectively with people under stress and those from various socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds;
• Ability to maintain professional ethics related to confidentiality of client information;
• Ability to provide excellent customer service;
• Ability to work in a team environment;
• Ability to maintain flexibility.

Employment Standards

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 
Any combination of education, experience, and training equivalent to the following:(Click on the aforementioned link to learn how Fairfax County interprets equivalencies for "Any combination, experience, and training equivalent to")
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor's degree.

CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES REQUIRED: 

• National or Virginia Peer Support Certification
• Valid Driver's License

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.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Current registration as a Virginia State Certified Peer Recovery Specialist
• Five 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 read data on computer monitor(s), operate keyboard driven equipment, and lift up to 15lbs. Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Ability to transport clients in a county vehicle. 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 703-324-4900 for assistance. TTY 703-222-7314. DHREmployment@fairfaxcounty.gov. EEO/AA/TTY.