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Peer Recovery Specialist III, Certified

Recruitment #24-000218-0009

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Introduction

 

GRADE

ASTD11

LOCATION OF POSITION

Howard County Health Department
8930 Stanford Blvd.
Columbia, MD 21045

POSITION DUTIES

This is a peer-to-peer support position. The candidate should be in recovery from alcohol and/or drugs for a minimum of 2 years.

The Harm Reduction Outreach Specialist (Peer Recovery Support Specialist III) is a person with lived experience in substance use, mental health/co-occurring disorders, or being unhoused who is committed to identifying, supporting, and assisting unsheltered individuals within Howard County. This position plays a pivotal role in bridging the gap between unsheltered constituents and the array of services available within the Health Department, and Homeless Services Agencies ensuring safety and well-being and progressive integration of these individuals into supportive services. This position works with both unsheltered individuals who use drugs, and those who do not and need assistance with other services. This position primarily makes contact with unsheltered individuals and families on the street, acts as a third-party verifier of homelessness, conducts a vulnerability assessment, provides essential resources to ensure their safety, and makes connections to Housing Case Management, and referrals to other services. Employees in this classification do not supervise other Harm Reduction Outreach Specialists but are expected to collaborate effectively with a wider team, including other Peer Recovery Specialists in the program, Housing Case Managers, local health department officials, health department community partners, and other stakeholders who are part of the Howard County Continuum of Care for Homeless Services. The nature of the job may require the Harm Reduction Outreach Specialist to work non-traditional hours, including evenings and weekends, to maximize outreach and engagement opportunities. The work environment varies, encompassing both office-based settings and on-the-ground fieldwork. This includes, but is not limited to, street canvassing, community-based programs, local health departments, shelters, and other relevant locations where unsheltered individuals might be found or served.

85% 
  • Identifies and engages unsheltered individuals through targeted street canvassing, outreach initiatives, and partnership with local community organizations to ensure full coverage of Howard County.
  • Serves as a primary point of contact within the coordinated entry system, functioning as a 
  • 3rd party verifier of homelessness status to streamline access to vital resources for unsheltered individuals.
  • Undergoes thorough assessments of vulnerability and safety for individuals identified as unsheltered, integrating findings with priority criteria to facilitate provision of essential services.
  • Delivers a range of harm reduction services tailored to the needs of the unsheltered. This could involve providing for basic needs/survival supplies, SSP supplies, naloxone, hygiene supplies etc. 
  • Facilitates seamless referrals to other relevant Health Department resources and programs, ensuring individuals are connected to the most appropriate level of care or service
  • Engages in regular collaborations with other Homeless Service System providers to align harm reduction efforts with housing-first strategies for continuity of care and a holistic approach to client support.
  • Uses Howard County’s designated Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) to 
  • document interactions, services provided, and progress of unsheltered individuals in a timely manner to ensure accurate reporting and data collection.
  • Remains updates on the latest best practices in harm reduction and street outreach, attending relevant training to enhance service delivery.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned to ensure the mission of harm reduction and support for Howard County's unsheltered population is continually upheld.

15% 
  • Complete and submit required forms, reports, and data entry required by the agency/Behavioral Health Administration/DCRS/HMIS to document individual accomplishments, growth, and recovery progress.
  • Remains updates on the latest best practices in harm reduction and street outreach, attending relevant training to enhance service delivery.
  • Remains updates on the latest best practices in harm reduction and street outreach, attending relevant training to enhance service delivery.
  • Maintain CPRS certification through necessary training and maintenance of professional development. 
  • Assists in other areas of work within the Harm Reduction and Peer Recovery Services Program as needed. 

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

Desired qualifications:
• Experience/Knowledge of Harm Reduction Principals and Practices
• Experience in conducting street outreach and/or in the homeless services system
• Experience navigating behavioral health, substance use, and benefits resources
• Experience with spreadsheets, data tracking, and reporting
• Experience communicating with the public and partners at resource fairs, tabling events, and community meetings

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. Therefore, it is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Please report all related education, experience, dates and hours of work. Clearly indicate your college degree and major on your application, if applicable. For education obtained outside the U.S., any job offer will be contingent on the candidate providing an evaluation for equivalency by a foreign credential evaluation service prior to starting employment (and may be requested prior to interview). 

Complete applications must be submitted by the closing date. Information submitted after this date will not be added. 

Incorrect application forms will not be accepted. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.

Candidates may remain on the certified eligible list for a period of at least one year. The resulting certified eligible list for this recruitment may be used for similar positions in this or other State agencies.

BENEFITS

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

Online applications are highly recommended. However, if you are unable to apply online, the paper application (and supplemental questionnaire) may be submitted to MDH, Recruitment and Selection Division, 201 W. Preston St., Room 114-B, Baltimore, MD 21201. Paper application materials must be received by 5 pm, close of business, on the closing date for the recruitment, no postmarks will be accepted.

If additional information is required, the preferred method is to upload.  If you are unable to upload, please fax the requested information to 410-333-5689. Only additional materials that are required will be accepted for this recruitment. All additional information must be received by the closing date and time.

For questions regarding this recruitment, please contact the MDH Recruitment and Selection Division at 410-767-1251.

If you are having difficulty with your user account or have general questions about the online application system, please contact the MD Department of Budget and Management, Recruitment and Examination Division at 410-767-4850 or Application.Help@maryland.gov. 

Appropriate accommodations for individuals with disabilities are available upon request by calling: 410-767-1251 or MD TTY Relay Service 1-800-735-2258.

We thank our Veterans for their service to our country.

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.




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