EMS Peer Support Specialist

McDowell County•Emergency Services Headquarters, NC

21h•Hybrid

About The Position

McDowell County Emergency Services is accepting applications for the position of Peer Support Specialist. This position performs responsible paraprofessional and outreach work supporting individuals affected by substance use disorder, behavioral health challenges, homelessness, and barriers to healthcare access. The Peer Support Specialist works closely with Community Paramedicine personnel, healthcare providers, behavioral health agencies, shelters, and community organizations to provide outreach, recovery support, care coordination, and continuity of care services throughout McDowell County. The position assists with overdose follow up initiatives, recovery engagement, linkage to treatment and support services, harm reduction education, and community outreach activities designed to improve outcomes for individuals and families affected by substance use disorder. The Peer Support Specialist utilizes lived experience, training, and community partnerships to promote hope, recovery, and long-term engagement with healthcare and support systems. Selected applicants may be subject to an applicable probationary period in accordance with county personnel policy.

Requirements

Graduation from high school or GED equivalent.
Current North Carolina Certified Peer Support Specialist credential
Valid North Carolina driver's license with acceptable driving record.
Current American Heart Association (AHA) CPR certification or ability to obtain within ninety (90) days of hire.
Completion of FEMA ICS 100, ICS 200, ICS 700, and ICS 800 courses within ninety (90) days of hire.
Successful completion of required background check, drug screening, and any applicable county pre-employment requirements.
Ability to work flexible hours including occasional evenings, weekends, emergency activations, and community events.
Ability to maintain appropriate boundaries and confidentiality in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and ethical standards.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience in peer support, recovery services, behavioral health, human services, EMS, healthcare, or case management.
Experience working with individuals affected by substance use disorder or behavioral health conditions.
Experience with outreach, harm reduction, or community-based recovery initiatives.
Experience working within multidisciplinary healthcare or public safety environments.
EMT certification or willingness to pursue EMS-related education and training opportunities to support integration with Community Paramedicine and emergency services operations.

Responsibilities

Conduct outreach and follow up activities involving individuals experiencing substance use disorder, behavioral health challenges, homelessness, or barriers to healthcare access.
Assist with overdose follow up and recovery engagement initiatives.
Provide peer support services utilizing lived experience and recovery principles.
Assist individuals with linkage to treatment services, healthcare providers, transportation resources, housing programs, food assistance, and other community resources.
Participate in hotspot outreach, shelter outreach, Recovery Community Center outreach, and multidisciplinary community engagement initiatives.
Work closely with Community Paramedicine personnel and healthcare partners to promote continuity of care and long-term recovery.
Assist with harm reduction education and distribution efforts.
Maintain documentation and referral records in approved reporting systems.
Participate in agency-wide behavioral health, trauma informed care, stigma reduction, and recovery-focused initiatives.
Collaborate with healthcare providers, behavioral health organizations, public safety agencies, and community partners to improve outcomes for vulnerable populations.
Participate in meetings, outreach events, training opportunities, and multidisciplinary coordination activities.
Perform additional duties as assigned in support of Community Paramedicine and Emergency Services operations.