1. You must be at least 18 years of age. This requirement applies to both Residential Sponsor and Residential Specialist applicants.
2. You must have obtained a High School Diploma or G.E.D. This requirement applies to both Residential Sponsor and Residential Specialist applicants.
3. You and all adults (age 18 & over) who reside full- or part-time in your home must meet Criminal Background Check requirements. Blue Ridge Residential Services (BRRS) will conduct checks with the FBI, Virginia State Police, Department of Social Services / Child Protective Services Central Registry, and with the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles. Certain crimes prohibit the convicted offender from certification with any agency licensed by DBHDS (Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services). Before you apply, please research the list of "Barrier Crimes" to determine whether or not you qualify for certification. If there is another adult residing full- or part-time in your home who has an offense from this list on their record, your application would be rejected for certification as a Sponsor because of that individual's record. The list of "Barrier Crimes" which would prohibit you from becoming a sponsor or residential specialist may be accessed by clicking here. Further information about each of the crimes listed may be obtained by entering the section number on the "Code of Virginia" website. Click here for "Code of Virginia" If you are unsure of the exact name of the offense as it was recorded in the disposition of your charge, please contact the court where your case was processed and collect that information. You will need the exact name of the offense in order to research the "Barrier Crimes" and "Code of Virginia" links to determine your eligibility.
4. Both Sponsor and Residential Specialist applicants, as well as members of sponsor households, must have a Tuberculosis (PPD) test (or screening) done in order to be certified. Results must be dated within six months of certification unless continuous employment with another DBHDS-licensed agency is established, in which case an older TB test result is acceptable. The family members of Residential Specialist applicants are not required to have the test.
5. A copy of the Declarations Page(s) of Home (or Renter's) and Automobile Insurance policies will be required as part of your development. Sponsor candidates must submit documentation related to both types of insurance; Residential Specialist candidates must only submit documentation related to Auto Insurance.
6. Start-Up costs e.g. purchase of a computer and other office electronics; desk; chairs; filing cabinets; etc. are provided by the Sponsor candidate. Residential Specialist candidates are not required to incur these start-up costs.
7. Training costs (including materials) are covered by Blue Ridge Residential Services when provided by BRRS Training Department staff with the exception of American Red Cross CPR and First Aid training which is accessible by Sponsors and Residential Specialists online and from the local Red Cross office. If the Sponsor discontinues services to work for another service provider agency within the first year of providing services to an individual supported under BRRS, that Sponsor will be charged a fee of $3,000.00 to offset BRRS’ training and development costs invested in that Sponsor.

For further information about these minimum requirements please contact Blue Ridge Residential Services.

If you meet all of the preceding minimum requirements, which are prerequisite to our acceptance of your Application, please proceed to the Associate Application Page.