Young Adult Peer Support Specialist

Nature of Work:

Responsible for providing peer support to youth in recovery, ensuring compliance with the Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) guidelines, and documenting all interactions in Welligent. Key duties include conducting outreach at events such as school wellness fairs and community partnerships, engaging with youth, assessing their needs, and utilizing motivational interviewing to support recovery. Must complete end-of-shift reports, maintain timely progress notes and manage GPRA consent forms for eligible participants. Required to complete demographic data and submit monthly spreadsheets, attend scheduled meetings and participate in ongoing training. Communication with stakeholders, including schools, counselors, and community providers, is vital, as is ensuring that all relevant materials are distributed and program services are promoted. Regularly follow up with participants, create age-appropriate lesson plans for youth meetings, and attend community outreach events, maintaining a detailed schedule of all activities.

Facilitate care and streamline handoffs with other parties in the county health care system to ensure participants receive appropriate continuing care. As non-clinical and peer-based, engage, educate and support individuals to make life changes that maximize harm reduction efforts, minimize adverse consequences, decrease associated risky behaviors, and emphasize health, social and economic outcomes. Provide targeted individual and group-level education and outreach for all services along the substance use continuum of care. The goal is to remove barriers and improve access to high-quality, client-centered, culturally competent care throughout Anne Arundel County, to decrease overdose risk and improve the fundamental overall health and wellness of people who use drugs (PWUD).

Activities are educational and coaching in nature. A key element that enhances and distinguishes this peer is that they appropriately highlight their own lived experience of previous drug use to connect with, validate, inspire and support harm reduction participants. Peers offer harm reduction services, including syringe services, overdose prevention education, naloxone distribution, linkage or direct provision of physical and mental health care, substance use disorder (SUD) treatment, and a variety of social services. This role is pivotal in improving the overall health and well-being of individuals involved in substance use recovery by offering a holistic, person-centered approach. It combines education, support, practical assistance, and lived experience to help reduce harm and promote long-term recovery success.

Involves conducting outreach activities in various community settings throughout the year, which may expose the incumbent to varying weather conditions and environmental factors. Requires flexibility and the ability to work outdoors in all seasons, including exposure to extreme temperatures, precipitation and other weather-related conditions. Will need to exercise caution and adapt to different physical environments to ensure personal safety and effectiveness in outreach efforts.

Education:

High School Diploma or Equivalency (GED).

Experience:

At least two years of sustained recovery from a substance use disorder. Familiarity with treatment and community resources that support recovery from addictive diseases and co-occurring behavioral health disorders. Knowledge of harm reduction, social services and health resources. Experience working with marginalized communities. No current criminal justice system involvement. Behavioral Health Services will consider the length of time since the last conviction and the type of crime.

License or Certification:

Required to obtain a Certified Peer Support Specialist Certification within 18 months from the date of hire from the Maryland Addiction and Behavioral Health Professional Certification Board (MABPCB). Must complete any additional training that is deemed necessary and appropriate to maintain required certification.

Notes:

May be assigned duties that require operating a motor vehicle. Required to possess a motor vehicle operator's license valid in Maryland and have access to a personal vehicle. Work may involve exposure to uncomfortable or unpleasant surroundings when doing work in the community. Will be working with individuals who may not be feeling well. There is the potential for emotionally volatile situations to occur, including unpleasant hygiene.

Desired or Preferred Qualifications:

Able to multitask in a fast-paced environment. Excellent time management, organizational, written and oral communication skills. Able to work independently and on a team. Have an understanding of Anne Arundel County resources. Be proficient with Microsoft Office, Excel and electronic medical records. Ability to maintain effective peer recovery relationships with participants and other members of the team.

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications can apply.
Send a completed county application or resume to:

Human Resources
3 Harry S. Truman Parkway
Annapolis, MD 21401

Fax to 410-222-4392 or email hdrecruiter@aacounty.org.