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PEER RECOVERY SPECIALIST, CERTIFIED - SERIES

Peer Recovery Specialist I-III, Certified

Recruitment #24-000218-0010

Introduction

GRADE

Peer Recovery Specialist I - ASTD9 - $39,584.00-$62,705.00 Yearly
Peer Recovery Specialist II - ASTD10 - $42,056.00-$66,759.00 Yearly 
Peer Recovery Specialist III - ASTD11 - $44,704.00-$71,108.00 Yearly

LOCATION OF POSITION

MDH, Howard County Health Department, Columbia, MD

Main Purpose of Job

The Harm Reduction Outreach Specialist 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. 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 and should be a Certified PRS with MABPCB.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Peer Recovery Specialist I, Certified:
Education:  Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate.

Experience:  None.

Peer Recovery Specialist II, Certified:
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.

Peer Recovery Specialist III, Certified:
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 for all levels: 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.

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS

Peer Recovery Specialist I, Certified:
1. Candidates for positions in this classification must possess a current certification as a Peer Recovery Specialist within 24 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.

Peer Recovery Specialist II and III, Certified:
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.



Click on a link below to apply for this position:

Fill out the Supplemental Questionnaire and Application NOW using the Internet. Apply Online
View and print the Supplemental Questionnaire. This recruitment requires completion of a supplemental questionnaire. You may view and print the supplemental questionnaire here.
Apply via Paper Application. You may also download and complete the Paper Application here.

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