Peer Recovery Specialist Internship Program (PRSIP)

PRS Internship

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PRS Internship 〰️

Peer Recovery
Workforce Development

PRSIP 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 PRSIP 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.

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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

Why Should My Organization Become a Preceptor Site? Watch the video below to learn more!

  • Sarah Moore, MHA (she/her)


    Workforce Development Manager

  • Cicely A. Spencer (she/her)

    RPRS, FSP, CPRS-T
    Peer Recovery Internship Coordinator