Certified Peer Support Specialist - Emergency Response

Burke; Morganton, Northern (NC, KY); Hybrid; USD 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Burke County seeks a Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS) to join the BEAR team. You will use lived experience with substance use and recovery to provide compassionate, non-judgmental support, connect individuals to treatment, and reduce stigma while aiding families affected by overdose.

Responsibilities include outreach within 24-72 hours after overdose, peer counseling, resource navigation, harm-reduction education, and coordination with EMS, law enforcement, and community partners.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required. An Associate degree in human services or related field preferred.
• Certification as North Carolina Certified Peer Support Specialist (NCCPSS) required upon hire.
• Lived experience with substance use and sustained recovery.

Responsibilities

• Partner with EMS, law enforcement, and community paramedics to provide immediate and follow-up support to individuals who experience non-fatal overdose.
• Conduct outreach within 24-72 hours of an overdose event to engage individuals and families in supportive services.
• Offer peer counseling, recovery planning, and resource navigation including linkage to MAT, detox, inpatient/outpatient treatment, housing, employment, and social services.
• Provide harm reduction education and distribute naloxone and other supplies.
• Assist with referrals, follow-ups, and coordination of care among community providers.
• Participate in community education and outreach events to promote awareness, reduce stigma, and support prevention efforts.
• Document all contacts, services provided, and referrals in accordance with HIPAA, County policies, and grant requirements.
• Attend team meetings, case reviews, supervision, and required training.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned

Skills

Proficient in English

Harm reduction knowledge

Flexible hours

Excellent communication

Independent worker

Team collaboration

Data/documentation

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate degree in human services (preferred)

Job description

Burke County seeks a Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS) to join the BEAR team. You will use lived experience with substance use and recovery to provide compassionate, non-judgmental support, connect individuals to treatment, and reduce stigma while aiding families affected by overdose.

Responsibilities include outreach within 24-72 hours after overdose, peer counseling, resource navigation, harm-reduction education, and coordination with EMS, law enforcement, and community partners.