Peer Recovery Specialist I, Certified

Frederick County•Frederick, MD

About The Position

The main purpose of this position is to aid in the delivery of harm reduction services provided by the Behavioral Health Services Division at the Frederick County Health Department, which includes distributing syringes and other drug use equipment, collecting syringes using safe disposal containers, linking individuals to treatment and distributing safe sex supplies along with safe sex education and rapid HIV and Hepatitis C testing. This position will assist with delivering overdose response training, distributing naloxone, educating on overdose prevention, safer injection practices and the distribution of drug testing strips. This position will also assist with referring and connecting individuals to community resources and services, conducting peer support and conducting outreach to people who are unhoused and people who use drugs, as well as assist with leading harm reduction meetings for people who use drugs.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate.
Candidates for positions in this classification must possess a current certification as a Peer Recovery Specialist within 24 months from date of hire from the Maryland Addictions Professional Certification Board (MAPCB) located at 10807 Falls Rd., #1376, Brooklandville, MD 21022.
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.
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.
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.
Employees in this classification must complete any additional training that is deemed necessary and appropriate to maintain required certification.
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.