Part-Time Peer Support Line Specialist #P0328-P0330 (Office of Trauma & Resilience Policy)

Title: Part-Time Peer Support Line Specialist #P0328-P0330 (Office of Trauma & Resilience Policy)

State Role Title: Prog Admin Specialist II

Hiring Range: $28.73 - $30.00/hr.

Pay Band: 5

Agency: Department of Social Services

Location: Remote

Agency Website: www.dss.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

At the Virginia Department of Social Services, we put people at the center of everything we do. We believe that every Virginian can live a life of dignity and that all voices, ideas and experiences contribute greatly to our pursuit of excellence. Inspired by continuous improvement, we commit ourselves to listening, learning and cultivating environments of trust, respect and positive engagement. Together, we are mission-driven, eager to achieve, and passionate about bringing the best of who we are to those we serve.

We design and deliver high-quality human services that help Virginians achieve safety, independence and overall well-being. We are a $2 billion agency – one of the largest in the Commonwealth of Virginia – partnering with 120 local departments of social services and 31 community action agencies, along with faith-based and non-profit organizations, to promote the well-being of children, adults, and families statewide. We proudly serve alongside 1,650 (state) and 12,200 (local) human services professionals throughout the Social Services System, who ensure that thousands of Virginia’s most vulnerable citizens have easy access to the services and benefits available to them.

This is an hourly/wage position and is not entitled to the Commonwealth of Virginia’s state benefits package. This position is limited to no more than 1500 hours in a 12-month period and averages no more than 29 hours a week.

The Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS), Office of Trauma and Resilience Policy is currently seeking a part-time Peer Support Line Specialist. This position reports to the Workforce Resilience Program Supervisor and provides confidential, trauma-informed emotional support to Virginia local social services workers experiencing stress, burnout, or exposure to traumatic events, as part of the Workforce Resilience Program. The Peer Support Line Specialist draws on previous child welfare or social services lived experience, empathy, and resilience skills to support local social services workers who contact the Peer Support Line, DSS Peer Connect. DSS Peer Connect is not a crisis hotline, but rather, the focus is on peer connection, grounding, and resource navigation.

The Peer Support Line Specialist will be open Monday through Friday between the hours of 7:00am and 7:00pm. Therefore, shifts are only available during this time.

Minimum Qualifications

• Experience in a frontline, consultant, and/or supervisory position working directly in, or in close partnership with, family services programs within a local department of social services (e.g., child welfare, foster care, CPS, family engagement, or related service areas).
• Knowledge of child welfare practice and workforce stressors.
• Knowledge of and experience applying trauma-informed approaches, policies, or practices in a human services environment.
• Skill in empathetic listening and peer support communication.
• Ability to apply outstanding customer service and high level of professionalism with internal and external partners.
• Demonstrated ability to remain calm and grounded during emotionally charged conversations.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and follow protocols.
• Cultural humility and sensitivity to diverse backgrounds.

Additional Considerations

• Experience providing peer support, coaching, or stress mitigation strategies to individuals experiencing vicarious trauma, stress, and/or burnout.

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

Selected candidate(s) must successfully pass a fingerprint-based criminal history background check. A record of criminal history does not automatically bar an applicant from consideration. Employment verification will be conducted to include current/previous supervisory employment reference checks.

VDSS will record information from each new employee’s Form I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification) into the Federal E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.

Selected candidate may be required to assist the agency or state government generally in the event of an emergency declaration by the Governor.

To be considered for this position, you must submit a Commonwealth of Virginia application or resume through the on-line “Virginia Jobs” (PageUp) employment site no later than 11:55 p.m. on the closing date listed. Each application is reviewed for documentation that shows the applicant meets the minimum and additional considerations as stated in the job announcement. The decision to interview an applicant is based on the information provided. Multiple positions may be filled from this recruitment within 90 days of the closing date.

The Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages diversity within its workforce.

VDSS does not provide sponsorship.

VDSS is an official certified state agency that values the service and experience of our Veterans. As such, Veterans are encouraged to apply and receive preference in the hiring process. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps and other national service alumni also are encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodations are available to applicants, if requested, during the application and/or interview process.

If you have been affected by Policy 1.30 Layoff as a state employee and possess a valid Interagency Placement Screening Form (Yellow Form) or a Preferential Hiring Card (Blue Card), you must submit this document through the “Virginia Jobs” (PageUp) employment site when you apply.

Contact Information

Name: VDSS - Division of Human Resources

Phone: dssrecruitment@dss.virginia.gov

Email: dssrecruitment@dss.virginia.gov

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.