Job Description

Department: College of Public Health

Classification: Research Staff 12-month

Job Category:  Research Staff

Job Type: Full-Time

Work Schedule:  Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk)

Location:  Fairfax

Workplace Type: On Site Required

Salary:  Salary commensurate with education and experience

Restricted:  Yes

Criminal Background Check:  Yes

About the Department:

The Empowered Communities Peer Recovery Specialist (PRS) Program at George Mason University is designed to expand and enhance the capabilities of Peer Recovery Specialists (PRS) through a structured educational curriculum. This program includes two levels of training-pre-service internship and in-service fellowship-catered to developing skilled PRS professionals capable of supporting individuals with mental health and substance use challenges. By integrating comprehensive academic coursework with practical experiential learning, the program aims to equip trainees with the necessary skills to effectively serve in diverse healthcare settings.

About the Position:

The PRS Workforce Coordinator and Trainer is responsible for delivering the certification training for peer recovery specialists, facilitating didactic lessons and collaborating with guest speakers, supporting recruitment and selection of PRS interns, coordinating orientation and training sessions, developing and maintaining trainee schedules, monitoring trainee progress and performance, providing trainee ongoing support and supervision, conducting regular check-ins and evaluations, handling trainee-related administrative tasks, and resolving issues or conflicts involving trainees.  This position is fully funded by grant funds.

Responsibilities:

Curriculum and Instruction:   Develops and Delivers Certification Training for 21-33 Peer Recovery Specialists.

• Curriculum Development:  Creates and updates comprehensive, evidence-based training programs in collaboration with the Workforce Development Manager. Ensures alignment with PRS certification standards and adapts to the needs of diverse trainee backgrounds.
• Training Delivery:  Conducts dynamic training sessions that blend theoretical knowledge with practical application, focused on core peer support skills and recovery principles.
• Trainee Assessment:  Designs and administers evaluations to assess trainee progress and readiness for certification. Provides constructive feedback to promote trainee development.

Coordinates Orientation and Training Sessions for Trainees:

• Orientation Planning:  Leads comprehensive orientation for new trainees, introducing them to program goals, organizational policies, and the peer recovery role.
• Training Session Management:  Organizes and facilitates regular training sessions on key topics required for effective peer recovery practice.

Coordinates Trainee Recruitment:

• Recruitment:  Supports recruitment and selection processes for PRS trainees. Designs and implements recruitment plan for PRS Trainee cohorts in collaboration with Workforce Development Manager.
• Manages recruitment function for potential Peer Recovery Specialist Trainees, including letter of interest and resume review, 1:1 interviews, and collaborating with Workforce Development Manager to coordinate hiring next steps.

Facilitates Administrative and Conflict Resolution for Trainees:

• Administrative:  Handles trainee-related administrative tasks, resolves issues or conflicts involving interns, and ensures effective communication between interns, staff, and external partners; completes all other assignments as requested by supervisor.
• Conflict Resolution:  Addresses any interpersonal or professional conflicts that may arise between trainees and mentors, peers, or program staff. Facilitates productive conversations and ensures a respectful and supportive learning environment for all participants.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Certified Peer Recovery Specialist-Trainer (CPRS-T);
• Demonstrated experience in peer support curriculum design and training delivery;
• Knowledge of Peer Recovery Support to effectively develop and deliver training modules;
• Skill in educational delivery and facilitation to engage diverse learners effectively in both classroom settings and hands-on training environments;
• Ability to coordinate and manage comprehensive educational programs, including scheduling, logistics, and resource allocation to ensure smooth operation and adherence to timelines;
• Ability in conflict resolution and interpersonal communication to manage interactions and relationships among interns, staff, and external partners; and
• High level of adaptability to respond to changing program needs and unforeseen challenges along with leadership qualities to inspire and guide trainees and collaborating organizations.

Instructions to Applicants: 

For full consideration, applicants must apply for the  PRS Workforce Coordinator and Trainer (Req#10002135) at Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information, and provide a cover letter and resume.

Posting Open Date: January 16, 2025

For Full Consideration, Apply by: January 28, 2025

Open Until Filled:   Yes

About George Mason University

George Mason University is a public, comprehensive, research university established by the Commonwealth of Virginia located in Northern Virginia, outside of Washington, D.C. Mason was initially founded as a branch of the University of Virginia in 1949, and became an independent institution in 1972. George Mason University is an innovative and inclusive academic community committed to creating a more just, free, and prosperous world.

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