Peer Recovery Specialist Paid Internship
Earn the 500 Experience Hours Required for CPRS Certification
Centers For Opportunity is hiring four Peer Recovery Specialist Interns who have completed their Peer Recovery Specialist training and are ready to gain hands-on experience in the field.
This paid, 50-week internship is designed to help emerging Peer Recovery Specialists complete the 500 hours of qualifying work experience required by the Virginia Certification Board while receiving professional supervision, certification support, and practical experience in a welcoming, recovery-centred environment.
Position at a Glance
- Four paid internship positions available
- Pay: $16 per hour
- Schedule: 10 hours per week
- Commitment: Two five-hour days each week
- Duration: 50 weeks
- Total experience: 500 hours
- Location: Choose from four Centers For Opportunity locations
Applicants may identify their preferred center, days, and availability. Final schedules will be arranged based on center hours and program needs.
Choose Your Preferred Location
Complete five-hour shifts are available on Saturday and Sunday. Other arrangements may be discussed based on program needs.
What You Will Do
As a Peer Recovery Specialist Intern, you will:
- Provide encouragement and peer support to people working toward recovery and greater stability.
- Use your lived experience appropriately to inspire hope and support wellness.
- Help participants identify personal goals, strengths, and recovery resources.
- Connect participants with community resources and supportive services.
- Participate in recovery-oriented activities, groups, and center programming.
- Maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality.
- Document services and participant interactions as required.
- Collaborate with staff and other Peer Recovery Specialists.
- Participate in required training, supervision, and team meetings.
Who Should Apply
We welcome applicants who:
- Have completed Peer Recovery Specialist training.
- Are working toward Certified Peer Recovery Specialist certification.
- Have relevant lived experience and are comfortable using it appropriately to support others.
- Communicate with compassion, respect, and professionalism.
- Can maintain confidentiality and healthy professional boundaries.
- Are dependable and able to commit to 10 hours each week for 50 weeks.
- Are willing to learn, participate in supervision, and work collaboratively.
You do not need to be CPRS certified before applying. This internship is intended to help qualified applicants gain the experience hours needed to pursue certification.
What Centers For Opportunity Provides
- $16 per hour for 500 hours of peer recovery work experience
- Professional supervision and support
- Hands-on experience in a recovery-centered environment
- Training and professional development opportunities
- Assistance completing and submitting your CPRS application
- Documentation of qualifying peer recovery work experience
- Support preparing for the CPRS examination
- Financial assistance with CPRS application and examination fees
- An opportunity to begin building a career in peer recovery
Begin Your CPRS Career With Us
Get paid while gaining meaningful experience, supporting others, and working toward your Certified Peer Recovery Specialist credential.
Apply online and upload your résumé using the application form below.
Questions? Applicants are also welcome to contact Michelle Hurrell directly at mhurrell@centersforopportunity.org.
Suggested Application Form
- Full name
- Email address
- Phone number
- Have you completed Peer Recovery Specialist training?
- Training provider and completion date
- Preferred CFO location or locations
- Available days
- Résumé upload
- Brief optional message
CPRS certification is awarded by the Virginia Certification Board. Applicants remain responsible for meeting all applicable education, training, experience, supervision, application, and examination requirements. Whether particular work experience qualifies is determined according to current Virginia Certification Board requirements.
