Peer Support Jobs Where Passion & Purpose Come Together.
Find rewarding work in any of the peer support jobs we offer at Strength In Peers. Strengthen your own recovery, support the recovery efforts of our participants, and learn valuable skills with frequent training and educational opportunities. We are an equal opportunity employer proud to offer our employees:
- Competitive wages
- Healthcare coverage
- Retirement plan
- Holidays and other paid time off
- Flexible schedules
- Short-term disability
- Flexible medical and dependent spending accounts
Program Coordinator/Case Manager – Mom 2 Mom
Full Time; Non-Exempt; Pay rate: $19-$20/hour
Position Summary
The Program Coordinator/Case Manager supports the planning, coordination, and delivery of peer-led programs, outreach activities, and participant services within the Mom 2 Mom Program. This role blends direct participant support with program coordination, case management, community partnership building, and data tracking to help ensure services are effective, responsive, and aligned with organizational goals. The Program Coordinator/Case Manager will provide outreach, education, and one-on-one support to women who are pregnant, nursing, or of childbearing age and experiencing substance use challenge. This position plays an important role in connecting individuals to resources, supporting participant progress, and maintaining program quality and compliance.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities for Program Coordinator
- Coordinate and implement program activities, outreach events, and educational initiatives.
- Conduct outreach to engage individuals who may not otherwise access services, including at-risk and marginalized populations.
- Facilitate or co-facilitate peer support groups, workshops, and educational sessions.
- Track program activities, service delivery, participant progress, and outcomes to support reporting and evaluation.
- Build and maintain collaborative relationships with community partners, referral sources, and service providers.
- Support day-to-day program operations, including scheduling, supply management, and coordination with staff.
- Model recovery-oriented, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive practices in all interactions.
- Maintain clear and professional boundaries to support a safe, ethical, and participant-centered environment.
- Coordinate with peers at least biweekly to support participant needs and continuity of care.
- Participate in supervision, staff meetings, case staffing, training, professional development, and quality improvement activities.
- Provide comprehensive harm reduction services, education and support to participants, based on individual needs and program guidelines.
- Provide HIV/HEPC and Syphilis Testing, education and support to Program Participants.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities for Case Manager
- Provide services to women who are pregnant, nursing, or of childbearing age experiencing substance use or related challenges based on the framework, ethics, and guidelines of the Peer Recovery Specialist profession
- Offer education, distribute pregnancy tests, and provide peer support during testing and follow-up.
- Link participants to prenatal care, family planning, and medical services for communicable disease testing.
- Assist women in accessing detox, substance use counseling, medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD), and mental health treatment.
- Provide one-on-one peer support to participants, including referrals, follow-up, and advocacy in a variety of settings including but not limited to Homes, Jails, and other public meeting locations.
- Conduct intakes, screenings, and individualized service planning based on participant needs, strengths, and goals.
- Assess participant barriers and identify appropriate resources related to healthcare, housing, employment, childcare, benefits, and other essential services.
- Provide ongoing case management, care coordination, and follow-up to support participant engagement and progress.
- Assist participants with applications, referrals, appointment scheduling, and connections to community resources.
- Maintain accurate participant records, documentation, and data entry in required systems.
- Enter timely and accurate notes in the EMR in accordance with program, organizational, and Medicaid requirements.
- Provide transportation when needed to participants to approved locations that align with their Recovery Goals.
Core Competencies
- Strong organizational, time management, and coordination skills
- Ability to balance direct service responsibilities with administrative and documentation requirements
- Commitment to a recovery-oriented and participant-centered approach
- Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
- Openness to constructive feedback and ability to apply it to improve performance
- Ability to collaborate effectively across programs, teams, and community partnerships
- Proficiency with databases, spreadsheets, electronic records, and standard office technology
Required Qualifications
- High school diploma or GED required
- Relevant experience in peer support, community outreach, program coordination, case management, or a related field
- Valid driver’s license and ability to travel locally
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience coordinating programs, projects, or community-based services
- Knowledge of HIV, Hepatitis C, harm reduction, recovery support services, or related public health initiatives
- Certified Peer Recovery Specialist preferred
Work Environment and Physical Demands
This position includes a combination of office-based and community-based work and requires local travel for outreach, participant support, and partner engagement. The role may occasionally require evening or weekend hours based on program needs. Physical demands may include lifting up to 25 pounds and extended periods of standing, walking, or moving between community locations.
To Apply:
Send cover letter and resume to [email protected]. Applications will be accepted until positions are filled. Only applications that provide both cover letter and resume will be considered. Please, no phone calls.
Peer Recovery Specialist – New Market, VA
Full Time; Non-Exempt; Pay rate: $17-$18/hour
Position Summary
The Peer Recovery Specialist provides recovery‑oriented, person‑centered peer support to individuals with substance use, mental health, and co‑occurring challenges. Drawing on lived experience, this role engages participants through outreach, one‑on‑one support, and group activities to help individuals identify goals, build skills, and navigate community resources.
The Peer Recovery Specialist emphasizes hope, self‑determination, and connection while meeting participants where they are. Additional responsibilities related to re-entry services may apply depending on program assignment.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities
- Provide one‑on‑one and group peer support using recovery‑oriented and trauma‑informed approaches.
- Facilitate peer-led groups, workshops, and educational sessions as assigned.
- Conduct outreach and engagement in a variety of community settings, including offices, homes, shelters, jails, public spaces, and outdoor locations.
- Support participants in identifying personal goals and developing strategies related to recovery, stability, and wellness.
- Assist participants with navigating community services such as healthcare, housing, employment, benefits, and legal or social service systems.
- Support participants in completing applications, scheduling appointments, and following through on referrals.
- Model and share lived experience appropriately to inspire hope and normalize recovery.
- Collaborate with internal staff and external partners, with participant consent, to coordinate services and support continuity of care.
- Provide transportation and accompaniment to appointments when appropriate and approved.
- Complete required documentation, data entry, and reporting in a timely and accurate manner.
- Participate in supervision, team meetings, trainings, and professional development activities.
- Work collaboratively with the Program Coordinator to support scheduling, coordination of services, and continuity of participant care.
- Uphold ethical standards, confidentiality, and professional boundaries at all times.
Role Focus Areas
Peer Support Specialists may be assigned additional responsibilities based on program needs. One such focus area includes re-entry services for justice-involved individuals.
Peer Recovery Specialist – Re-Entry Focus
In addition to the core responsibilities listed above, the Re-Entry Peer Support Specialist:
- Provides peer support and group facilitation to individuals who are incarcerated and recently released.
- Conducts peer engagement and group activities within correctional settings, as approved.
- Supports pre-release and post-release coordination, including re-entry planning, referrals, and follow-up.
- Assists justice-involved participants with navigating barriers related to housing, employment, benefits, transportation, and community reintegration.
- Works collaboratively with correctional facilities, re-entry partners, and community providers to support continuity of care.
Core Competencies
- Strong recovery orientation and belief in multiple pathways to recovery
- Ability to build trusting relationships with individuals experiencing significant barriers
- Effective communication, active listening, and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work independently while remaining accountable to a team
- Basic computer and data entry skills
Required Qualifications
- High school diploma or GED
- Lived experience with substance use, mental health, and/or trauma‑related challenges
- Certification as a Virginia Peer Recovery Specialist, or ability to obtain within required timeframe
- Valid driver’s license and ability to travel locally
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience providing peer support, outreach, or navigation services
- Knowledge of local community resources
- Spanish language skills
Work Environment and Physical Demands
This position involves frequent community‑based work, including travel and outdoor activities. The role may require lifting up to 50 pounds, extended periods of standing or walking, and a flexible schedule that may include evenings or weekends.
To Apply:
Send cover letter and resume to [email protected]. Applications will be accepted until positions are filled. Only applications that provide both cover letter and resume will be considered. Please, no phone calls.
Peer Recovery Specialist – Mom 2 Mom
Full Time; Non-Exempt; Pay rate: $17-$18/hour
Position Summary
The Peer Recovery Specialist is an individual with lived experience overcoming substance use, mental health, and/or trauma-related challenges who provides peer support and navigation services to women of reproductive age, especially those who are pregnant or nursing. The Peer Specialist will provide education, pregnancy tests, harm reduction services, and linkage to prenatal care, treatment, and supportive resources. The goal of this program is to promote maternal health, reduce substance use-related risks, and support women in keeping their babies safely with them whenever possible.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities
- Provide services to women who are pregnant, nursing, or of childbearing age experiencing substance use or related challenges based on the framework, ethics, and guidelines of the Peer Recovery Specialist profession.
- Conduct community outreach and engage women through CHR sites, partner agencies, and street-based outreach.
- Conduct outreach and engagement in a variety of community settings, including offices, homes, shelters, jails, public spaces, and outdoor locations.
- Offer education, distribute pregnancy tests, and provide peer support during testing and follow-up.
- Link participants to prenatal care, family planning, and medical services for communicable disease testing.
- Assist women in accessing detox, substance use counseling, medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD), and mental health treatment.
- Collaborate closely with a case manager, peers, and community partners to ensure coordinated, participant-centered care.
- Support participants in identifying personal goals and developing strategies related to recovery, stability, and wellness.
- Assist participants with navigating community services such as healthcare, housing, employment, benefits, childcare and legal or social service systems.
- Support participants in completing applications, scheduling appointments, and following through on referrals.
- Model and share lived experience appropriately to inspire hope and normalize recovery.
- Maintain clear and professional boundaries to support a safe, ethical, and participant-centered environment.
- Collaborate with internal staff and external partners, with participant consent, to coordinate services and support continuity of care.
- Facilitate peer led groups, workshops, or educational sessions as assigned.
- Provide transportation and accompaniment to appointments when appropriate.
- Complete required documentation, data entry, and reporting in a timely and accurate manner.
- Participate in supervision, team meetings, trainings, and professional development activities.
- Uphold ethical standards, confidentiality, and professional boundaries at all times.
- Ability to provide program orientation to other Strength in Peers Programs to participants when necessary.
- Support participants in developing, reviewing, and updating person-centered recovery or wellness plans in collaboration with the participant and Case Manager.
- Promote self-advocacy, informed choice, and participant voice in service planning and decision making.
- Assist participants with building natural support, community connections, and recovery capital, including family, peers, faith, employment, educational, and recreational supports when desired by the participant.
- Encourage development of daily living, coping, problem solving, and relapse prevention skills that support long term recovery and wellness.
- Provide accurate information about recovery resources, mutual aid options, harm reduction supports, and community programs consistent with participant goals and organizational policies.
- Track participant progress toward goals and communicate relevant updates to supervisors and team members in accordance with program requirements and participant consent.
- Maintain awareness of safety considerations in community-based settings and follow agency protocols for field work, transportation, and incident reporting.
- Support a welcoming, stigma free, and culturally responsive environment for participants from diverse backgrounds and life experiences.
- Assist with community events, recovery outreach activities, and program engagement efforts to increase awareness of services and strengthen community partnerships.
Core Competencies
- Strong recovery orientation and belief in multiple pathways to recovery
- Ability to build trusting relationships with individuals experiencing significant barriers.
- Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
- Openness to constructive feedback and ability to apply it to improve performance.
- Ability to work independently while remaining accountable to a team.
- Basic computer and data entry skills
- Strong understanding of person centered, trauma informed, and non-coercive support practices
- Ability to use lived experience strategically, ethically, and appropriately in support of participant goals.
- Skill in motivational support, active listening, and strength-based coaching
- Ability to support self-advocacy, shared decision making, and participant empowerment.
- Knowledge of boundaries, ethics, and confidentiality in peer support services
- Ability to recognize signs of crisis and respond calmly, safely, and appropriately within scope.
- Strong organizational, time management, and follow through skills.
- Knowledge of local recovery, behavioral health, housing, employment, and social service resources
- Ability to facilitate groups, workshops, and recovery focused activities.
- Cultural humility and ability to work respectfully with people from diverse backgrounds, identities, and life experiences.
- Ability to manage conflict professionally and use problem solving and de-escalation skills in challenging situations.
- Ability to maintain hope, resilience, and professionalism in fast paced or community-based settings.
- Attention to detail and ability to complete accurate, timely documentation and reporting.
Required Qualifications
- High school diploma or GED
- Lived experience with substance use, mental health, and/or trauma-related challenges
- Certification as a Virginia Peer Recovery Specialist, or ability to obtain within required timeframe
- Valid driver’s license and ability to travel locally
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience providing peer support, outreach, or navigation services
- Knowledge of local community resources
- Spanish language skills
Work Environment and Physical Demands
This position involves frequent community-based work, including travel and outdoor activities. The role may require lifting up to 25 pounds, extended periods of standing or walking, and a flexible schedule that may include evenings or weekends.
To Apply:
Send cover letter and resume to [email protected]. Applications will be accepted until positions are filled. Only applications that provide both cover letter and resume will be considered. Please, no phone calls.
Peer Recovery Specialist – Maternal Health Hub
Full time, non-exempt, 40 hours/week; Pay Rate: $17-$18/hour
Position Summary
The Peer Recovery Specialist is an individual in active recovery from mental health, substance use, and/or trauma-related challenges who uses lived experience to help others overcome similar difficulties. This position works directly with women who are pregnant, nursing, or have recently had a baby and are experiencing mental health, substance use, and trauma-related challenges. The role provides direct community outreach, maternal health and recovery education, peer recovery support, and linkages to medical care and other community services. The position works out of the organization’s Rocktown Health office in downtown Harrisonburg and conducts home visits with participants throughout surrounding areas.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities
- Provide direct services to women who are pregnant, nursing, or have recently had a baby and are experiencing mental health, substance use, and/or trauma-related challenges, consistent with the practice guidelines and ethical responsibilities of the Peer Recovery Specialist profession.
- Conduct direct community outreach to engage women in jails, on the street, at events, and at other agencies throughout the region.
- Provide maternal health and recovery education, including prenatal wellness, substance use risks during pregnancy and postpartum, and available treatment and support options.
- Help participants connect to and navigate medical care, including health insurance benefits, prenatal care, pediatric care, family planning, and mental and behavioral health treatment.
- Help participants identify and connect to community resources aligned with their goals, including housing, childcare, employment, education, public benefits, and social supports.
- Collaborate closely with a case manager, peer recovery specialists, and community partners to ensure coordinated, participant-centered care.
- Maintain regular contact with participants and document services provided, interactions, and outcomes in the organization’s electronic health record system.
- Transport and accompany participants to appointments and community resources when appropriate.
- Represent Strength In Peers professionally in community events, meetings, and collaborative efforts.
Core Competencies
- Belief that anyone can recover and thrive, with support for all recovery pathways including harm reduction
- Ability to treat all people with dignity and connect with others in ways that inspire trust, hope, and healing
- Strong written, interpersonal, and small-group communication skills
- Ability to provide participant-centered, trauma-informed, and recovery-oriented support
- Ability to navigate medical care, behavioral health services, and community resources with participants
- Comfort with community outreach, home visiting, and relationship-building across diverse settings
- Ability to collaborate effectively with case managers, peer specialists, and community partners
- General computer skills, including data entry, email, internet navigation, and electronic record documentation
- Professionalism, sound judgment, and ability to maintain confidentiality and ethical boundaries
- Flexibility to work occasional early mornings, evenings, and weekends as needed
Required Qualifications
- Identify as a person in active recovery from substance use, mental health, and/or trauma-related challenges
- High school diploma or equivalent required
- Peer Recovery Specialist Certification required or ability to obtain certification within six months of employment
- Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and acceptable driving record required
- Background check required
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working with pregnant or postpartum women
- Experience in peer recovery support, outreach, or service navigation
- Knowledge of maternal health, behavioral health, and community resources in the Harrisonburg region
Work Environment and Physical Demands
- This position is based out of the organization’s Rocktown Health office in downtown Harrisonburg and includes regular community-based work and home visits throughout surrounding areas.
- The role requires reliable local travel and flexibility in scheduling, including occasional early mornings, evenings, and weekends.
To Apply:
Send cover letter and resume to [email protected]. Applications will be accepted until positions are filled. Only applications that provide both cover letter and resume will be considered. Please, no phone calls.
Respite Care Specialist
Part-Time 16-30 hours/week; evening & weekend shifts; Pay rate $13-14/hour
Strength In Peers, a peer-run, nonprofit Recovery Community Organization, seeks a qualified individual to fill its Respite Care Specialist position based at the organization’s Respite Home, which is privately located on the Sentara RMH campus in Harrisonburg, Virginia. The Respite Home provides a safe, secure environment where individuals experiencing homelessness can recuperate following hospitalization.
Position Summary:
The Respite Care Specialist (RCS, or “Specialist”) provides essential support to guests staying at Strength In Peers’ 8-bedroom respite house temporarily, post-hospitalization. Key responsibilities include enforcing program policies, monitoring participants for safety, providing direct peer support and connecting guests to relevant community resources. The RCS supports each guest’s unique needs by helping them follow their medical instructions including medication management and dietary specifications, helping them use the computer to navigate housing applications and employment opportunities, and supporting the person’s wellness goals and recovery objectives. Additionally, the Specialist supports the general health and safety of the home by ensuring cleanliness, assigning chores as applicable, tracking supply needs and coordinating with other staff and volunteers. The RCS is responsible for following HIPAA guidelines, entering data, and supporting the administrative tasks of the organization. Strength In Peers will provide training that supports this role.
General Job Duties:
- Provide support to guests through empathetic, active listening and the incorporation of Peer Recovery Specialists skills.
- Assist guests in their development of recovery and housing goals.
- Enter data and use data systems to document work, assess participant’s need, and to collaborate with team members.
- Monitor guests’ self-administration of medication and adherence to dietary conditions
- Enforce program policies and procedures
- Support guests in carrying out their Activities for Daily Living (ADLs) within the Peer Recovery Specialist scope of practice.
- Provide referrals to appropriate community providers.
- Advocate for the guest’s stipulated goals and objectives and connect them to appropriate resources.
- Maintain a working relationship with community providers, and other agency programs.
- Coordinate and assist with guest transportation needs for health and social services appointments.
- Attend staff meetings and relevant training as requested.
- Debrief with staff and provide updates and relevant reports to in-coming shift worker(s).
- Maintain and monitor house cleanliness including laundering bedding and towels and ensuring surfaces throughout the home are sanitized and disinfected.
- Maintains ethical and professional standards by maintaining boundaries, ensuring confidentiality, and adhering to the privacy rights of each guest.
- Monitor the safety of guests.
- Assist with administrative tasks of the organization as needed.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Believe that anyone can recover and thrive; support all recovery pathways.
- Able to connect with others and inspire confidence and hope.
- Resourceful, proactive, and comfortable working with diverse populations.
- Able to communicate effectively in writing and interpersonally in one-on-one and small group settings.
- Able to work with limited supervision and considerable self-direction.
- Strong computer skills, including data entry, word processing, email, and internet navigation.
- Able to pass criminal background check.
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Driver’s license and acceptable driving record required.
To Apply:
Send cover letter and resume to [email protected]. Applications will be accepted until positions are filled. Only applications that provide both cover letter and resume will be considered. Please no phone calls.
Lion’s PRIDE Intern
Strength In Peers’ Lion’s PRIDE (Peer Recovery Internship for Development & Empowerment) program is a structured, hands-on learning experience for individuals who want to become a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist in Virginia. Interns complete 500 hours of supervised professional experience required to qualify for the certification exam. Through mentorship, real-world practice, and professional development, interns learn to engage peers with empathy, connect them to community resources, and model hope and resilience through lived experience.
Interns will rotate through Strength In Peers’ peer-led recovery services, community resource centers, homeless medical respite house, jail-based support groups, and mobile harm reduction program to experience a variety of professional settings. Interns will also develop an Individualized Learning Plan (ILP) where they will select trainings and experiences that align with their professional interests and goals, such as working in crisis services, supporting youth and families, or working with justice-involved populations.
At Strength In Peers, recovery grows in community—our “pride.” This program builds confidence, competence, and compassion on the path to becoming a CPRS and working in the helping professions.
Program Benefits:
- $6,000 stipend over the 6-month program period, disbursed biweekly.
- Mileage reimbursement for travel to field sites from Strength In Peers’ office locations.
- Free program supplies (yours to keep upon program completion).
- Fully funded trainings aligned with your Individualized Learning Plan (no out-of-pocket costs).
- 500 hours of hands-on field experience with individual and group supervision led by Certified PRS Supervisors.
- CPRS exam preparation and application support (including paid application fee).
- Career coaching, resume guidance, job search help, goal-setting, and networking opportunities during program duration.
- Alumni support with quarterly check-ins for 12 months after graduation.
Program Requirements:
- Lived/living experience in recovery from substance use, mental health, and/or trauma-related challenges, with at least one year sustained recovery.
- Interest in pursuing a career that applies peer recovery principles.
- Available to begin June 22, 2026, and commit to a 6-month program term (June-December 2026), for a minimum of 20 hours/week (Monday-Thursday, 9am-2pm).
- Ability to travel to Strength In Peers sites and partner locations and participate in assigned activities.
- Basic computer skills (email, word processing, data entry).
- You will need to complete a phone and/or in-person interview before being accepted into the Lion’s PRIDE program. Participation in an interview does not guarantee acceptance into the program.
Minimum Qualifications:
- High school diploma or GED received prior to program start date of 6/22/2026. GED program registration support is available from program staff upon request.
- Completion of 72-hour DBHDS Peer Recovery Specialist training prior to program start date of 6/22/2026. Scholarships and registration support are available for those who have not yet enrolled in 72-hour PRS training.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Personal vehicle for transportation to and from Strength In Peers offices and partner field sites.
- Personal, educational, and/or volunteer experience with peer support and/or behavioral health.
IF YOU DO NOT MEET THE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS, YOU CAN STILL APPLY. GED application support and 72-hour PRS training referral are available upon request. Scholarships are available for 72-hour PRS training if you have not yet registered for a class. Please reach out to Holly Hanks Wanta, Program Coordinator, at [email protected] or 540-282-7404 with any questions or to begin the process.
To Apply:
