PEER RECOVERY SPECIALIST III, CERTIFIED **REPOST** OVERDOSE PREVENTION & RESPONSE PROGRAM PRS

State of Maryland; Maryland; On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Maryland is seeking a Peer Recovery Specialist as part of the Overdose Prevention & Response (OPR) team. The position focuses on reducing overdose mortality by providing immediate, non-judgmental support, facilitating buprenorphine induction, and connecting clients to care.

The PRS will operate within the MDH Carroll County Health Department and coordinate with the Department of Fire and EMS. The role requires a high school diploma, at least one year of peer recovery experience, and

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• At least 1 year of experience providing peer recovery support services.
• Military experience in Peer Specialist roles may substitute for the required experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide immediate, non-judgmental support after overdoses and assist with medical stabilization.
• Facilitate buprenorphine induction and provision of life-saving supplies.
• Link individuals to care and conduct warm handoffs; follow up during induction phase.
• Embed within the Department of Fire and EMS to coordinate rapid response.

Skills

Bilingual English/Spanish

Independent worker

Record keeping

Interpersonal communication

Time management

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

Education: Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate.

Experience: One year of experience providing peer recovery support services.

Note: 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

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

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS

• 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.
• 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 the 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.

People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.

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