Peer Recovery Specialist Workforce Program
PRS Workforce
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PRS Workforce 〰️
George Mason University’s Peer Recovery Specialist Workforce Program is now accepting applications for Fall 2025 Cohort!
🌟 Become a Peer Recovery Specialist
Have you lived through addiction or mental health challenges and come out the other side with a passion to help others?
The PRS Workforce Program is designed for individuals just like you—those with lived experience who are ready to turn their recovery into a career.
Whether you’ve supported your own recovery or walked alongside a loved one, your experience has value. Our program offers training, mentorship, and a paid internship to prepare you to become a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) in Virginia.
📅 Next Application Cycle Opens: June 5, 2025
💬 Why Apply?
Transform your lived experience into professional purpose
Learn from experienced peers and mentors
Earn a stipend while gaining hands-on experience
Join a supportive community working to break the cycle of addiction and mental health stigma
Your story could be the light that helps someone else find their way.
Peer Recovery
Workforce Development
The Peer Recovery Specialist Workforce Program is an important initiative by Empowered Communities aimed at training individuals in peer counseling and recovery support. The program provides interns with an opportunity to gain practical experience and skills necessary to help people struggling with substance abuse and behavioral health disorders.
The program is open to individuals with a strong desire to assist people who have experienced behavioral health or substance abuse issues. Applicants must meet the following requirements:
Must be at least 18 years of age or older
Must have completed high school education or equivalent.
Must be able to commit to the full duration of the internship program
No prior experience is necessary, though priority will be given to candidates with lived experience in recovery.
If you wish to apply to become a Peer Recovery Specialist intern OR a potential Guest Speaker or Preceptor Site, please contact PRS Internship Coordinator Cicely Spencer at cspence8@gmu.edu and Workforce Development Manager Sarah Moore at smoore49@gmu.edu.
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Interns who complete the program will have valuable skills and experience that can help them in their future careers. They will also have:
Access to industry connections and networking opportunities
A better understanding of the behavioral health system
A supportive and inclusive community of peers and mentors
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To apply for the PRSIP program, interested candidates should submit:
A completed application form.
A Resume or CV
A personal statement outlining the applicant's motivation to participate in the program
Empowered Communities is an equal-opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds and with all levels of experience to apply.
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Please email Cicely Spencer (PRS Internship Coordinator) and Sarah Moore (Workforce Development Manager) at cspenc8@gmu.edu and smoore49@gmu.edu to begin the process.
Please include the organization you are affiliated with, and if you are interested in becoming a guest speaker or preceptor site. The PRS Internship Coordinator and Workforce Development manager will set up an initial meeting with you to do an overview of guest speaker / preceptor site responsibilities and will answer any questions you have.
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Interns will undergo a comprehensive training program that includes classroom instruction, experiential learning, and on-the-job training. Training covers the following areas:
Recovery coaching and peer support.
Crisis intervention and relapse prevention.
Communication and mentoring skills.
Ethics and professional standards.
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Links to the modules and associated lesson plans are located under the 'Empowered Communities Peer Recovery Specialist Internship Modules' section on this page.
Preceptor Site Opportunities
Mentor the Future of Peer Recovery!
Are you a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) who believes in the power of lived experience?
The PRS Workforce Program at George Mason University is looking for dedicated peer professionals to serve as Preceptors—mentors who guide trainees through hands-on internship experiences at their organizations.
What You’ll Do:
Mentor a PRS trainee placed at your organization during their field experience.
Support the trainee over a 20-week placement, averaging 20 hours per week.
Model professional peer support practices and recovery-oriented care.
Provide regular supervision, feedback, and skill development.
Collaborate with peers, supervisors, and GMU program staff across Virginia.
What We Provide:
Free Preceptor Training (with a certificate of completion!) covering best practices in mentorship, communication, ethics, and professional development.
Ongoing support from our Lead Preceptor and program staff.
Professional development and networking opportunities.
The rewarding experience of shaping the next generation of recovery leaders.
Preceptor Eligibility:
Current Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS)
Passionate about peer support and willing to mentor
One year of CPRS experience preferred (flexible for the right mentor)
Placement Details:
Trainee Placement: At your organization, under your mentorship.
Schedule: 20 weeks, approximately 20 hours per week.
Flexible mentoring schedules encouraged.
Virtual and in-person placements available statewide.
Next cohort begins Fall 2025.
Ready to Make a Difference?
Email us at PRSinfo@gmu.edu
Help build the future of peer recovery—become a PRS Preceptor today!
Why Should My Organization Become a Preceptor Site? Watch the video below to learn more!
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Sarah Moore, MHA (she/her)
Workforce Development Manager -
Cicely A. Spencer (she/her)
RPRS, FSP, CPRS-T
Peer Recovery Internship Coordinator
