PEER RECOVERY SPECIALIST III, CERTIFIED (OVERDOSE PREVENTION & RESPONSE PROGRAM PRS)

State of Maryland; Westminster (MD); On-site; USD 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Maryland is hiring an Overdose Prevention & Response (OPR) Peer Recovery Specialist for the Carroll County Health Department in Westminster, MD. The role focuses on rapid intervention after overdose, medical stabilization, buprenorphine induction, and facilitating care linkages.

The position requires a high school diploma or GED and at least one year of peer recovery experience. Certification by MAPCB within 12 months is required, with additional requirements including recovery status

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate.
• One year of experience providing peer recovery support services.
• MAPCB certification within 12 months from date of hire.

Responsibilities

• Provide immediate, non-judgmental support to overdose survivors.
• Intervene rapidly after overdose to provide stabilization and buprenorphine induction, life-saving supplies, and care linkages.
• Follow up with individuals to support induction and warm handoffs.
• Embedded with the Department of Fire and EMS.

Skills

Bilingual in Spanish and English

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

GRADE

ASTD11

LOCATION OF POSITION

MDH, Carroll County Health Department Westminster, MD 21136

Main Purpose of Job

The main purpose of the Overdose Prevention & Response (OPR) Peer Recovery Specialist (PRS) is to reduce drug-related mortality and provide immediate, non-judgmental support to individuals who have survived an overdose. This multidisciplinary team will intervene rapidly following an overdose to provide immediate medical stabilization, including buprenorphine induction, provision of life‑saving supplies and facilitation of linkages to care. The team will follow up with individuals to support them during the buprenorphine induction phase, provide additional linkages and warm handoffs. The team will offer a non-judgmental, stigma‑free approach that does not emphasize abstinence from substances. This position will be embedded with the Department of Fire and EMS.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

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.

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

1. Bilingual in Spanish and English (written and spoken).
2. Experience working independently or as part of a group.
3. Experience maintaining routine and confidential files, logs and program data.
4. Experience demonstrating strong interpersonal and telephone communication skills.
5. Experience organizing and completing work according to assigned schedules.

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS

1. Candidates for positions in this classification must possess a current certification as a Peer Recovery Specialist within 12 months from date of hire from the Maryland Addictions Professional Certification Board (MAPCB) located at 10807 Falls Rd., #1376, Brooklandville, MD 21022.
2. 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

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Employees in this classification must complete any additional training that is deemed necessary and appropriate to maintain the required certification.
4. 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.

SELECTION PROCESS

Applicants who meet the minimum (and selective) qualifications will be included in further evaluation. The evaluation may be a rating of your application based on your education, training and experience as they relate to the requirements of the position.

BENEFITS

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS

As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruitment, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State's diversity.