Main Purpose of Job
A Peer Recovery Specialist III (PRS III) is the full performance level of work providing peer recovery support services to clients with substance use disorders, mental health disorders and/or co-occurring disorders to begin and maintain a path to recovery. The PRS III assists in adopting healthy behaviors, and meeting recovery goals. This position requires strong interpersonal skills to make connections and build relationships with the targeted patient client base. The PRS III works collaboratively with other departments at KCHD as well as other community-based agencies with the purpose of making critical linkages to health information and services. This position communicates with, understands and reacts effectively to a diverse patient population base. PRS III will collaborate with their team to promote health and wellness and contribute to the goals of a patient’s care plan.
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 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
The desired candidate should possess the following:
1. Experience with overdose prevention teams
2. Experience in sharing relevant personal stories in groups of 10 or more
3. Experience encouraging and reinforcing individual action to help with recovery leading to lower relapse rates
4. Experience in facilitating development of basic and life skills associates with recovery
5. Experience engaging directly with people who use drugs to prevent overdose, reduce infection disease transmission and improve the physical, mental and social well-being of those served
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, 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, 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.