Internships

The Lion's PRIDE (Peer Recovery Internship for Development & Empowerment) program provides hands-on learning and supervised field experience for participants seeking to accumulate the 500 hours required for Virginia Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) credentialing.

Two women sitting across from each other at a table on a porch

The Lion’s PRIDE (Peer Recovery Internship for Development & Empowerment)

The Lion’s PRIDE program is a structured, hands-on internship 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.

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 also will 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 strengthening their computer skills.

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 six months, disbursed biweekly
  • Mileage reimbursement for travel to partner field sites from Strength In Peers offices
  • 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, résumé guidance, and alumni support with quarterly coaching for 12 months post-graduation

Minimum Qualifications

  • High school diploma or GED
  • Lived/living experience in recovery from substance use, mental health, and/or trauma-related challenges, with at least one year of sustained recovery
  • Interest in pursuing a career that applies peer recovery principles
  • Available to commit to a six-month term (20 hours/week, Monday–Thursday, 9 a.m.– 2 p.m.)
  • Ability to travel to Strength In Peers sites and partner locations for training and activities
  • Basic computer skills (email, word processing, data entry); training provided as needed

Preferred Qualifications

  • Completion or enrollment in the 72-hour DBHDS Peer Recovery Specialist training prior to the program start date
  • Access to a personal vehicle for transportation to Strength In Peers offices and partner field sites
  • Personal, educational, or volunteer experience in peer support and/or behavioral health

Ready to Make a Difference?

Apply Here

Questions?

Contact Holly Hanks Wanta
Program Coordinator
540-282-7404
Holly@StrengthInPeers.org