Peer Recovery Specialist SERIES, Certified

State of Maryland • Baltimore City, MD

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (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. 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.

Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate.
• None (for Peer Recovery Specialist I)
• One year of experience providing peer recovery support services (for Peer Recovery Specialist II and III).
• 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.
• Must be able to communicate with clients and visitors.
• Must possess the ability to complete tasks in a fast-paced work environment.
• Must be able to operate a computer and other office equipment.
• Must have access to a motor vehicle or be able to navigate public transportation.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• 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
• Familiarity 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.

Responsibilities

• 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

Benefits

• Subsidized health benefits coverage for themselves and their dependents (75% paid by the State).
• Option to enroll in dental coverage (full premium paid by employee).
• Option to enroll in accidental death and dismemberment insurance (full premium paid by employee).
• Option to enroll in life insurance (full premium paid by employee).
• Leave may be granted at a rate of one hour for every 30 hours worked, not to exceed 40 hours per calendar year.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED