Peer Support Specialist - JRDC, ORCC

Anne Arundel County Department of Health; Glen Burnie (MD); On-site; USD 27,552 - 28,089; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Participation in the County’s group health plan

Paid holidays and sick leave

Optional deferred compensation program

Job summary

Anne Arundel County Department of Health is seeking a Detention Center/Re‑Entry Peer Support Specialist in Maryland. This entry-level position focuses on supporting incarcerated individuals during their recovery and re‑entry. The role involves providing person-centered services that promote long-term wellness through engagement and education, working collaboratively with healthcare providers.

The ideal candidate should have a High School Diploma or equivalent and be in recovery from substance use disorder. Responsibilities include coordinating care, facilitating support, and maintaining accurate participant records.

Qualifications

• At least two years of sustained recovery from a substance use disorder.
• Familiarity with treatment and community resources that support recovery.
• Knowledge of harm reduction and social services.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate follow-up services and re-entry planning before release.
• Offer emotional support and facilitate communication across the healthcare system.
• Develop individualized self-directed recovery plans.

Skills

Excellent time management

Organizational skills

Written and oral communication

Understanding of Anne Arundel County resources

Multitasking in fast-paced environment

Proficiency in Microsoft Office and electronic medical records

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalency (GED)

Job description

Salary: $20.00 per hour non-certified; $20.39 per hour certified

Posted Date: 05/07/2026

Closing Date: Continuous

Location: 711 Bestgate Road, Annapolis, MD 21401 and 122 North Langley Road, Suite A & B, Glen Burnie, MD 21060

Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Benefits: Participation in the County’s group health plan including prescription, dental and optical, paid holidays and sick leave. Optional deferred compensation program at employee’s own expense.

Position open to all qualified candidates. Full‑time County contractual.

Job Description

The Detention Center/Re‑Entry Peer Support Specialist is an entry‑level, non‑clinical position based within local detention centers.

Essential in supporting incarcerated individuals during their recovery and re‑entry by providing person‑centered, culturally competent services that minimize harm and promote long‑term wellness. It focuses on engagement, education and support. Peers use their lived experiences to inspire and validate participants, guiding them in making meaningful life changes that align with harm reduction principles.

Primary Responsibilities Include

• facilitating continuity of care by coordinating follow‑up services and re‑entry planning before release
• collaborating with the nurse coordinator, detention medical vendors and fellow peer team members to streamline care
• offering emotional support and facilitating communication and care coordination across the county health‑care system to ensure appropriate continuing care
• sharing lived recovery experiences and promoting self‑advocacy

Peers provide encouragement, engagement and peer mentoring. It involves developing individualized self‑directed recovery plans in partnership with participants and offering information and assistance for recovery housing, employment development, transportation and other essential services based on participant‑identified needs within the criminal justice setting.

Responsible for facilitating care and streamlining transitions with other parties in the county health‑care system to ensure participants receive appropriate continuing care. The goal is to remove barriers and improve access to high‑quality, client‑centered, culturally competent care throughout Anne Arundel County. This ultimately aims to decrease overdose risk and enhance the overall health and wellness of people who use drugs.

Also responsible for assisting with inventory management and restocking of Harm Reduction Vending Machines.

Deliver targeted education and outreach, both individually and in group settings, covering the full spectrum of services within the substance use continuum of care. Your supervisor will review and evaluate your performance to ensure the highest standards of excellence. Maintain accurate records in Welligent, a cloud‑based electronic health record system, documenting all participant interactions and ensuring compliance with required training. Responsibilities may include additional tasks assigned by a supervisor or management.

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalency (GED)

Minimum Qualifications

High School Diploma or Equivalency (GED)

Experience

At least two years of sustained recovery from a substance use disorder. Familiarity with treatment and community resources that support recovery from addictive diseases and co‑occurring behavioral health disorders. Knowledge of harm reduction, social services and health resources. Experience working with marginalized communities. No current criminal justice system involvement. Behavioral Health Services will consider the length of time since the last conviction and the type of crime.

License or Certification

Required to obtain a Certified Peer Support Specialist Certification within 18 months from date of hire from the Maryland Addictions and Behavioral Health Professionals Certification Board (MABPCB). Must complete any additional training that is deemed necessary and appropriate to maintain required certification.

Notes

May be assigned duties that require the operation of a motor vehicle. Required to possess a motor vehicle operator’s license valid in Maryland and have access to a personal vehicle. Work may involve exposure to uncomfortable or unpleasant surroundings when doing work in the community. Will be working with individuals who may not be feeling well. There is the potential for emotionally volatile situations to occur, including unpleasant hygiene.

Desired or Preferred Qualifications

Able to multitask in a fast‑paced environment. Excellent time management, organizational, written and oral communication skills. Able to work independently and on a team. Have an understanding of Anne Arundel County resources. Be proficient with Microsoft Office, Excel and electronic medical records. Ability to maintain effective peer recovery relationships with participants and other members of the team.

How To Apply

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications can apply.

Send a Completed County Application or Resume to Human Resources, 3 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Annapolis, MD 21401. Fax to 410‑222‑4392 or email [e-mail].

An Equal Opportunity Employer

Smoke‑Free Workplace

Additional job opportunities with Anne Arundel County, State of Maryland.

Reference #1859