Title: Health Educator
State Role Title: Education Support Spec II
Hiring Range: $19.00-$25.00
Pay Band: 3
Agency: Virginia Department of Health
Location: CENT VA-LYNCHBURG CITY-Cen-TW
Agency Website: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/
Recruitment Type: General Public - G
Job Duties
Consider joining the Virginia Department of Health as we foster healthy and resilient communities. This is your opportunity to serve the public in the Population Health Program as a Health Educator.
Central Virginia Health District is seeking to hire a Peer Recovery Specialist (PRS) to work with our Partnering 4 Recovery program to support participants with substance use disorders/mental health illness through their recovery journey. We are interested in self-motivated individuals who have a desire to make a positive impact in the community. The PRS will function as a role model to participants, exhibit competency in the use of coping skills, serve as an advocate, connect participants to needed resources and provide support. It will be essential that the PRS develop their own unique, friendly, welcoming, and respectful way of approaching participants that conveys an attitude of understanding and fosters hope. The PRS will be expected to travel to all localities in the district.
Part-time, wage position, up to 1500 hours per year (workday/times may vary to cover after hours and weekends when needed).
Minimum Qualifications
• Knowledge of common community health problems; public/private health care practices; community organizing, survey methods and use of data and health education principles
• Skills in program planning, implementations and evaluation; community assessment and organization; writing reports and program plans; public speaking; managing group dynamics and providing consultation with other professionals and the general public
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing; utilize excellent interpersonal skills; maintain good working relationships; work independently with minimal supervision; execute problem solving skills; make appropriate decisions and develop program goals and objectives; evaluate program outcomes, impacts and processes
Additional Considerations
• Completion of the 72-hour peer recovery specialist training with a desire to become a certified PRS
• Experience collaborating with community-based organizations.
Special Instructions
You will be provided with 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.
Employment is contingent upon satisfactory results of a state and federal criminal history background check and the Department of Social Service’s Child Abuse and Neglect Central Registry check, U.S. HHSIG Exclusion List check, employment reference check and E-Verify. Other financial, credit, driving, background checks or completion of Statement of Economic Interests may be required for certain positions. VDH accepts only on-line applications. Faxed, mailed, or e-mailed applications will not be considered. Applications are accepted until 11:55 p.m. on the job closing date. Applications and/or resumes should include relevant work history which indicates your qualifications for this position.
It is the policy of the Commonwealth and VDH that all aspects of human resource management be conducted without regard to race (or traits historically associated with race including hair texture, hair type, and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists); sex; color; national origin; religion; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; age; veteran status; political affiliation; disability; genetic information; and pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. VDH employees have a shared Code of Ethics, which can be found in the bottom banner of our website: www.vdh.virginia.gov
If you have been affected by DHRM Policy 1.30 layoff and possess a valid Interagency Placement Screening Form (Yellow Card) or a Preferential Hiring Form (Blue Card), you must submit the card before the closing date for this position. The Card may be submitted with the state application as an attachment.
As a V3 (Virginia Values Veterans) employer VDH Welcomes Veterans to apply!
Supplemental Questions: You may be required to respond to position-specific questions at the end of this application. This information will help us evaluate your credentials and qualifications for the job. Failure to respond to any questions may disqualify you from further consideration.
Contact Information
Name: Cortez Jackson
Phone: n/a
Email: cortez.jackson@Vdh.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.

The Commonwealth of Virginia is located in the South Atlantic region of the United States. It was the 10th state to be admitted to the Union on June 25, 1788. Home to approximately 8 million residents, Virginia is the 12th most populous state in the United States. The capital is Richmond, and its most populous city is Virginia Beach.
The narrative history of the Commonwealth of Virginia often begins with the founding of Jamestown in 1607, near what is now modern day Williamsburg, Virginia. Jamestown became the first permanent English settlement in the New World, and the Virginia General Assembly, established on July 30, 1619, is now recognized as the oldest legislative body in the western hemisphere. When Virginia became a royal colony in 1624, the robust tobacco trade that had been developing in Virginia helped establish the American colonies as a powerful economic force. During the American Revolution, Virginia witnessed the final surrender of British forces at Yorktown and later became known as the birthplace of many revolution-era figures and future American presidents, including George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. To date, 8 United States presidents have been born in Virginia, more than in any other state.
The modern government of Virginia is nearly identical in structure to the federal government, and is divided into 3 branches, these being the executive, legislative, and judiciary branches. The Virginia General Assembly is comprised of the 100-member House of Delegates and the 40-member Senate. A governor and lieutenant governor are elected every 4 years. Governors cannot be elected to or serve consecutive terms. Virginia’s judicial system consists of the Supreme Court of Virginia and the Court of Appeals of Virginia, the Circuit Courts, and the lower General District Courts and the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Courts. Virginia has 13 electoral votes in presidential elections, and possesses 11 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives.