Peer Recovery Specialist Workforce Program
PRS Workforce
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PRS Workforce 〰️
🌟 Become a Peer Recovery Specialist through our Level 1 Internship Program!
Have you lived through addiction or mental health challenges and come out the other side with a passion to help others?
The PRS Level 1 Internship 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 have been the care giver to youth who have lived experience , your journey has value. Our program offers training, mentorship, and a paid internship to prepare you to become a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) in Virginia.
📅 Applications for August 2026 Cohort are NOW OPEN! Apply by May 15th for consideration.
💬 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.
To be eligible, applicants must:
• Have lived experience with a mental health condition, substance use disorder, or family navigation of the behavioral health system,
• Are in ongoing and stable recovery (if applicable),
• Have reliable access to a laptop and stable WiFi / internet connection for virtual training,
• Have a High School Diploma or GED and submit transcripts prior to the start of the program,
• Are willing to complete a background check, and
• Consent to have your application information and verbal interview(s) recorded and shared to assist in finding you a preceptor site.
🌟 Are you a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist looking to advance your skillset? Apply to our Level 2 Fellowship Program!
Have you built a foundation as a Peer Recovery Specialist and feel ready to take the next step in deepening your impact? The Peer Recovery Specialist (PRS) Fellowship Program is designed for Certified Peer Recovery Specialists (CPRSs) who want to advance their skills, expand their leadership capacity, and strengthen recovery supports in their communities.
This fellowship offers advanced curriculum, mentorship, experiential hours, and a guided capstone project to help you translate learning into meaningful, community-based practice—all while continuing your current CPRS employment.
📅 Applications for the November 2026 Cohort are NOW OPEN!
Apply by September 18, 2026 for consideration.
Please note: interviews will take place in August 2026.
💬 Why Apply?
Advance your peer support skillset and professional impact
Learn from experienced mentors and subject-matter expert
Earn a stipend while completing advanced experiential hour
Design a community-based recovery intervention through your capstone project
Join a statewide network of peers committed to strengthening recovery systems
You’ve already turned lived experience into purpose—this fellowship helps you take it further.
To be eligible, applicants must:
• Be a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) in Virginia
• Be in ongoing and stable recovery (if applicable)
• Be currently employed or eligible to work as a CPRS (full- or part-time) to support completion of experiential hours
• Have reliable access to a laptop and stable WiFi/internet for virtual learning
• Be willing to complete required background checks
• Commit approximately 20 hours per week for the 12-month fellowship
• Consent to have application materials and interview information shared to support placement at a preceptor site
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.
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, please email PRSinfo@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.
Next cohort begins Summer 2026
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
PRS Training and Compliance Manager -
Dr. Ashley Wiest (she/her)
DNP, MSN, FNP-BC
Workforce Director
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Caitlyn Mundie (she/her)
CPRS
Senior Recovery and Peer Programs Coordinator
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Micah Price (he/him)
CPRS, Clinical Coordinator
