Peer Recovery Specialist III, Certified

ASTD11

MDH, Cecil County Health Department, Elkton, MD

This position is an advanced level of work in the Maryland Department of Health (MDH), providing peer recovery support services to clients with substance use, mental health, and/or co-occurring disorders to begin and maintain a path to recovery. This position is held by a person with lived experience in recovery from mental health and/or substance use conditions who is also trained to help others find the path to recovery that is most appropriate for them. This position will leverage personal recovery experience and training to inspire hope, manage stigma, and reduce the stress often associated with change. The support provided is critical to helping individuals access and navigate complex systems of care. This position will provide personalized, non-clinical support to help clients adopt positive health behaviors. This support utilizes various skills, including (but not limited to) motivational interviewing, education, recovery planning, advocacy, coaching, and care navigation. This position will also involve screening, raising awareness of personal relationships to substance use, and developing a plan based on facilitating connection to helpful resources. This position may accompany clients as they implement certain aspects of their recovery plan. This position will also play a critical role in overdose prevention by providing education and training on the use of Narcan (Naloxone) to clients, families, and community organizations. This position includes increasing awareness of overdose risks, recognizing the signs of overdose, and equipping individuals with the skills and confidence to respond effectively in emergency situations, and is integral to ensuring access to recovery in many settings. These settings include crisis intervention, risk management, recovery support, hospitals, schools, courts, detention centers, transitional housing, and behavioral health treatment, among others. The duration of the peer-client relationship can vary. It may be brief, focusing on resolving an acute crisis and successfully linking the client with the necessary care, or it may be sustained over time to help the client achieve stability in recovery.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS

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.