Introduction
The Office of the Public Defender (OPD) is a statewide independent agency charged with providing superior legal representation to indigent defendants. The agency’s vision is of Justice, Fairness and Dignity for All. Employees are committed to the core values of maintaining a culture of excellence, providing client-centered representation and tenacious advocacy, and unity in achieving the agency’s mission.
All applicants must be able to communicate with employees and vendors and possess the ability to complete tasks in a fast-paced work environment. Applicants must be able to multitask, and travel to various courtrooms and office environments throughout the state. MOPD is further committed to providing equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs and activities by modifying or adjusting the job application process or the job or work environment to make reasonable accommodations to the known applicant or employee to enable the applicant or employee be considered for the position they desire; to perform the essential functions of the position in question; or to enjoy equal benefits and privileges of employment as are enjoyed by other similarly situated employees without disabilities, unless the accommodation imposes an undue hardship. Applicants must be able to operate a computer, cell phone and other office equipment. Applicants must have access to a motor vehicle or be able to navigate public transportation. If a reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact Tawanda Jackson, Human Resources Supervisor, 410-767-8503 tawandal.jackson@maryland.gov.
The
Office of the Public Defender is seeking certified peer recovery specialists to
serve as essential team members on a state grant to encourage community-based
treatment for justice-involved individuals with substance use disorders. Peer
Recovery Specialists assist in identifying and connecting individuals with
appropriate recovery supports, developing motivation for recovery, and
establishing and maintaining recovering lifestyles. These are grant-funded
positions that are currently funded through September 2026.
GRADE
LOCATION OF POSITION
200
Washington Avenue, Towson, Maryland 21204
Main Purpose of Job
The Peer Recovery
Specialists are key members of the grant team. They provide peer recovery
support services to individuals with a substance use disorder and assist with
data collection. This position is funded
by a grant from the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy and is
expected to run through September 2026.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities include:
●
Collaborate
with lawyers and social workers to develop and implement individualized service
plan for each project participant.
●
Help
participants navigate social service systems in the community
●
Assist
in drug and alcohol treatment center placement for individuals in and out of
incarceration
●
Provide
ongoing peer support in and out of incarceration
●
Assist
with data collection and reporting
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Peer Recovery
Specialist I:
Education: Graduation from an accredited high
school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate.
Experience: None.
Peer Recovery Specialist II:
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
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
●
CCAR Certification, Certified Peer
Recovery Specialist and/or Certified Community Health Worker.
●
A
minimum of 2 years of uninterrupted time in recovery and/or 1 year since the
closing of a CINA/TPR case or criminal justice case.
●
As
this is a peer-to-peer position, individuals must possess a clear understanding
of navigating the child welfare/family policing system; and have experience in
interacting with the local Department of Social Services’ child protective
services and child welfare systems.
●
Background
understanding of or lived experiences with substance use disorder, mental
health issues, domestic violence, and/or poverty-related social hurdles.
●
Familiarity
with community resources.
●
Ability
to maintain effective parent peer relationships with project participants and
other members of the grant team.
●
Basic
computer and telecommunications skills.
●
Ability
to work as part of an advocacy team with attorneys, social workers, and
core/support staff.
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 maintain 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
Please
make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show
that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. All information
concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. We
will not consider information submitted after this date. Successful
candidates will be ranked as Best Qualified, Better Qualified, or Qualified and
placed on the employment (eligible) list for at least one year.
EXAMINATION PROCESS
The
examination will consist of a rating of your education, training and experience
related to the requirements of the position. You may be required to complete a
qualifications supplement, or the rating may be based on your application.
Therefore, it is important that you provide complete and accurate information
on your application. Report all experience and education that is related to
this position. Applicants selected for interview will be required to complete a
writing sample onsite during the interview process.
BENEFITS
Contractual employees who work for an agency covered under the State Employee and Retiree Health and Welfare Benefits Program, have a current employment contract and work 30 or more hours a week (or on average 130 hours per month) may be eligible for subsidized health benefits coverage for themselves and their dependents. As a contractual employee, you will be responsible for paying 25% of the premiums for your medical and prescription coverage, including any eligible dependents you have enrolled.
The State of Maryland will subsidize the remaining 75% of the cost for these benefits. You can also elect to enroll in dental coverage, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, and life insurance, but will be responsible to pay the full premium for these benefits. Leave may be granted to a contractual employee at a rate of one hour for every 30 hours worked, not to exceed 40 hours per calendar year.
FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS
Online
applications preferred. Please fax all paper applications and
questionnaires to (410) 333-2260.
Inquiries
regarding applications and submitting paper applications can be directed to:
Office of the Public Defender, Human Resources Division, 6 Saint Paul Street,
Suite 1304, Baltimore, MD 21202; or by calling (410) 767-8500, toll free:
877-430-5187; TTY users call Maryland Relay Service 800-735-2258.
Please
be sure to include your name, identification number (Easy ID#) and job
announcement number on any documentation to ensure timely processing. A paper
copy of the MD State application form and questionnaire can be downloaded from
the link below.
As
an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining
and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity. People
with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. We
thank our Veterans for their service to our country.
