Peer Recovery Specialist Supv, Certified

Howard County•Howard, MD

22d

About The Position

This is a peer to peer support position. The candidate should be in recovery from alcohol and/or drugs for a minimum of 2 years. The Peer Recovery Specialist Supervisor (Certified) provides leadership, coordination, and support to Certified Peer Recovery Specialists delivering person-centered recovery support services across the Howard County Health Department and partnering locations. This position ensures high-quality Peer engagement by supervising day-to-day operations, mentoring Peer staff, and facilitating the planning, implementation, and evaluation of recovery support activities at community sites including the Howard County Detention Center, Johns Hopkins Medical Center, Howard County Library System, and other outreach locations. The Supervisor assesses recovery support needs, ensures appropriate referrals to internal and external resources, and oversees accurate and timely completion of all documentation, reports, and data required by the Health Department and the Behavioral Health Administration. This position directly supervises lower-level Peer Recovery Specialist, Certified staff and plays a key role in advancing the agency’s mission of promoting health, recovery, and well-being within the community.

Requirements

Education : Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate.
Experience : Two years of experience providing peer recovery support services.
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 on a year-for-year basis for the required experience.
Candidates for positions in this classification must possess a current certification as a Peer Recovery Specialist from the Maryland Addictions Professional Certification Board (MAPCB) located at 10807 Falls Rd., #1376, Brooklandville, MD 21022. A copy of your license or license number should be uploaded on your application.
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.
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.

Nice To Haves

Experience providing peer recovery support services in behavioral health, harm reduction, or community outreach settings.
Supervisory experience overseeing Peer Recovery Specialists or equivalent staff, including performance evaluations, training, and scheduling as a Registered Peer Supervisor (RPS) from MABPCB (Maryland Addiction and Behavioral-health Professionals Certification Board).
Experience with recovery-oriented systems of care, harm reduction principles, and community resources related to substance use disorder and mental health.
Experience in documenting and data entry for Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) and departmental reporting requirements.
Experience with communication and interpersonal skills for collaborating with internal teams, external partners, and individuals in recovery, including hospital, jail, and community settings.

Responsibilities

Supervision and Coordination of Peer Recovery Services
Works closely with Peer staff to ensure the delivery of high-quality recovery support services to individuals with substance use disorders, mental health disorders, and co-occurring conditions.
Provides direct supervision, coaching, and operational oversight to staff delivering Peer services at the Howard County Health Department, the Howard County Department of Corrections, Howard County General Hospital, Howard County Public School System, and other community outreach locations.
Plan, coordinate, and supervise the work and training activities of subordinate Peer Recovery Specialist staff.
Co-facilitate staff meetings with supervisory team members to interpret program policies, review staff progress, and support consistent implementation of Peer services across sites.
Review case documentation and encounter records to ensure compliance with agency, state, and program standards.
Provide guidance and coaching to Peer staff on engagement strategies with individuals experiencing substance use disorders, mental health disorders, or co-occurring conditions.
Advocate for client needs using appropriate lived-experience insights to support person-centered, recovery-oriented services.
Collaborate with clinical staff and interdisciplinary team members to provide input into client recovery plans, identify barriers, and support achievable recovery goals.
Discuss recovery goals, strategies, and service options with clients and families in a supportive, trauma-informed manner.
Respond to clients in crisis and support Peer staff in crisis response efforts.
Staff Supervision, Performance Management, and Workforce Development
Approve leave requests and timesheets in accordance with agency policies and operational needs.
Manage staff performance by providing ongoing guidance and direction, and by completing timely semi-annual performance evaluations (PEPs).
Facilitate staff development through coaching, training opportunities, and skill-building activities.
Address performance concerns promptly and appropriately, following all HR procedures and documentation requirements.
Participate in the hiring process for vacant positions and support onboarding of new employees.
Provide onsite program coverage when needed to maintain service continuity.
Coordinate and schedule Peer staff assignments with outside agencies and partnering programs.
Community Liaison and Representation
Serves as a liaison between individuals, families, community partners, and relevant County and regional resources to support coordinated access to recovery support services.
Builds and maintains collaborative relationships with outside agencies to enhance service pathways and reduce barriers for clients.
Represents the Health Department—specifically Behavioral Health, Recovery Support, Harm Reduction, and Peer services—at meetings, conferences, training, outreach events, and community engagements.
Other Duties as Assigned
Performs additional responsibilities that support program operations, agency preparedness, and continuous improvement efforts.
Maintain a broad understanding of Health Department services and make appropriate referrals to internal programs and resources.
Participate in required drills, exercises, and emergency response activities; remain current on program, bureau, and department policies and procedures.
Complete all mandatory training and maintain certifications in accordance with agency and state requirements.
Contribute to quality improvement initiatives within the program to enhance service delivery and operational effectiveness.