Peer Recovery Specialist III, Certified

State of Maryland · Maryland, United States · 3 wk ago

OTHRFull-time

About the Role

This position is an advanced level of work in the Maryland Department of Health (MDH), providing peer recovery support services to clients with substance use, mental health, and/or co-occurring disorders to begin and maintain a path to recovery. The role is held by an individual with lived experience in recovery from mental health and/or substance use conditions who is trained to help others find the path to recovery that is most appropriate for them.

This position leverages personal recovery experience and training to inspire hope, manage stigma, and reduce the stress often associated with change. The support provided is critical to helping individuals access and navigate complex systems of care, offering personalized, non-clinical support to help clients adopt positive health behaviors. This includes skills such as motivational interviewing, education, recovery planning, advocacy, coaching, and care navigation.

The role involves screening, raising awareness of personal relationships to substance use, and developing a plan based on facilitating connection to helpful resources. The position may also accompany clients as they implement certain aspects of their recovery plan and plays a critical role in overdose prevention by providing education and training on the use of Narcan (Naloxone) to clients, families, and community organizations.

The position increases awareness of overdose risks, recognizes signs of overdose, and equips individuals with the skills and confidence to respond effectively in emergency situations. It is integral to ensuring access to recovery in settings such as crisis intervention, risk management, recovery support, hospitals, schools, courts, detention centers, transitional housing, and behavioral health treatment, among others.

The duration of the peer-client relationship can vary. It may be brief, focusing on resolving an acute crisis and linking the client with necessary care, or sustained over time to help the client achieve stability in recovery.

Responsibilities

Provide peer recovery support services to clients with substance use, mental health, and/or co-occurring disorders.
Leverage personal recovery experience to inspire hope, manage stigma, and reduce stress associated with change.
Utilize skills such as motivational interviewing, education, recovery planning, advocacy, coaching, and care navigation to support clients.
Screen clients and raise awareness of their personal relationships to substance use.
Develop recovery plans and facilitate connections to helpful resources.
Accompany clients as they implement aspects of their recovery plan.
Provide education and training on the use of Narcan (Naloxone) to clients, families, and community organizations.
Increase awareness of overdose risks and recognize signs of overdose.
Equip individuals with skills and confidence to respond effectively in emergency overdose situations.
Work in various settings, including crisis intervention, hospitals, schools, courts, detention centers, and transitional housing.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate.
One year of experience providing peer recovery support services.
Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a non-commissioned officer in Peer Specialist classifications or Peer Specialist and specialty codes in the health-related field of work for the required experience.
Must be in a state of recovery for 2 years from a substance use, mental health, or co-occurring disorder to qualify for hire.
Must obtain certification as a Peer Recovery Specialist within 12 months from the date of hire from the Maryland Addictions Professional Certification Board (MAPCB).
Employees who fail to obtain the required certification by the end of 24 months of continuous employment may be subject to disciplinary action, including demotion, suspension, and dismissal.
Must complete any additional training deemed necessary to maintain certification.
Subject to substance abuse testing in accordance with Code of Maryland Regulation 17.04.09.

If assigned duties requiring the operation of a motor vehicle, employees must possess a motor vehicle operator's license valid in the State of Maryland.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience assisting families to navigate complex family services, with a focus on pregnant and parenting women and their children.
Experience providing case management and support services to individuals with substance use disorder.
Familiarity with behavioral health treatment and other supportive resources available within Cecil County.
Experience maintaining professionalism and composure in demanding and complex situations.
Experience incorporating cultural sensitivity and ethical decision-making.
Experience adapting to changing environments while applying strong organizational skills.

Benefits