Introduction
This
recruitment is limited to current OPD employees only.
As a State agency, the Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. MOPD is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, physical or mental disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status or genetic information.
All applicants must be able to communicate with clients and visitors and possess the ability to complete tasks in a fast-paced work environment. 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 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 MOPD is seeking a certified peer
recovery specialist to serve as an essential team member in the MOPD’s
Decarceration Initiative on a grant to support successful reentry and
reintegration of incarcerated clients who have served lengthy sentences. The
Peer Recovery Specialist will assist in connecting individuals to appropriate
reentry supports, developing reentry plans, and supporting clients as they seek
release from incarceration and after release from incarceration. This is
an 18-month grant-funded contractual position.
GRADE
I
Level Grade 9 $20.87-$22.60 per hour
II
Level Grade 10 $22.19-$24.02 per hour
III
Level Grade 11$23.60-$25.54 per hour
LOCATION OF POSITION
Headquartered at 217 E. Redwood St.,
Baltimore, MD 21202. Statewide travel required.
Main Purpose of Job
The Peer Recovery
Specialist will be a key member of multidisciplinary defense teams, developing
release plans and providing peer support services to individuals returning home
from incarceration, and assisting with key data collection to meet grant obligations. This is a grant-funded position; it is
expected to run for approximately 18 months from the start date with possible
continuance dependent upon funding availability.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities include:
●
Collaborate
with clients and legal teams to develop and implement individualized
reentry
plans for each project participant.
●
Assist
in connecting reentering individuals to reentry service providers in the
community
●
Assist
in identifying and evaluating community organizations that can assist the
individuals we serve
●
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.
Peer Recovery Specialist III:
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.
Notes: 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 any CINA/TPR case or criminal justice case.
●
A
minimum of 2 years home from incarceration
●
As
this is a peer-to-peer position, individuals must be familiar with the criminal
legal system and the prison system.
●
Background
understanding of or lived experiences with incarceration, substance use
disorder, mental health issues, and/or poverty-related social hurdles.
●
Familiarity
with community resources.
●
Ability
to maintain effective peer relationships with clients.
●
Basic
computer and telecommunications skills.
●
Ability
to work as part of an advocacy team with attorneys, social workers, and
core/support staff.
LIMITATIONS ON SELECTION
This
recruitment is limited to current OPD employees only.
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
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
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.
