PEER RECOVERY SPECIALIST I, CERTIFIED FULL-TIME CONTRACTUAL

Main Purpose of Job

This full-time contractual position supports the Rural Advancement for Maryland Peers (RAMP) initiative through a collaborative partnership between the St. Mary's County Health Department (SMCHD), Division of Behavioral Health, and the St. Mary's County Department of Social Services (DSS), Casework Services Team, with the primary work location at the Department of Social Services.

The Peer Recovery Specialist I, Certified will provide peer recovery support services to individuals and families experiencing substance use disorders, mental health disorders, and/or co-occurring disorders who are seeking to begin and maintain a path to recovery.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate.
• Experience: None.

Licenses, Registrations and Certifications

• Candidates for positions in this classification must possess a current certification as a Peer Recovery Specialist within 24 months from date of hire from the Maryland Addictions Professional Certification Board (MAPCB), located at 10807 Falls Rd., #1376, Brooklandville, MD 21022.
• Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator's license valid in the State of Maryland.

Special Requirements

• Employees in this classification who fail to obtain the required certification by the end of 24 months of continuous employment with the hiring department shall be subject to disciplinary action including demotion, suspension and dismissal.
• Applicants for this classification must be in a state of recovery for 2 years from a substance use, mental health or co-occurring disorder before they can be qualified to be hired as a Peer Recovery Specialist, Certified.
• Employees in this classification must complete any additional training that is deemed necessary and appropriate to maintain required certification.
• Employees in this classification are subject to substance abuse testing, in accordance with Code of Maryland Regulation 17.04.09, Testing for Illegal Use of Drugs.

Benefits

Contractual employees who work for an agency covered under the State Employee and Retiree Health and Welfare Benefits Program, have a current employment contract and work 30 or more hours a week (or on average 130 hours per month) may be eligible for subsidized health benefits coverage for themselves and their dependents. As a contractual employee, you will be responsible for paying 25% of the premiums for your medical and prescription coverage, including any eligible dependents you have enrolled. The State of Maryland will subsidize the remaining 75% of the cost for these benefits.

You can also elect to enroll in dental coverage, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, and life insurance, but will be responsible to pay the full premium for these benefits.

Leave may be granted to a contractual employee at a rate of one hour for every 30 hours worked, not to exceed 40 hours per calendar year.