Peer Support Specialist I- Office of the Municipal Public Defender

City and County of Denver • Denver, CO

9d • $24 - $36 • Onsite

About The Position

The Office of the Municipal Public Defender (OMPD) is seeking a Peer Support Specialist I to provide peer support and resource navigation to individuals represented by the OMPD. This role supports OMPD’s holistic defense by working under the direction of attorneys to provide peer support, resource navigation, and mitigation for OMPD clients. The Peer Support Specialist will build person-centered relationships with clients using a trauma-informed peer support model, demonstrating SAMHSA’s Core Competencies for Peer Workers and the National Practice Standards for Peer Supporters. Collaboration with OMPD staff across divisions is essential to provide holistic, client-centered representation. The role involves using shared lived experiences to inspire hope and connect clients with recovery, mental health, and community supports. Engagement with clients includes goal setting, identifying services and resources, developing timelines, and monitoring success. The position requires regular presence in court, the OMPD office, and the Denver Detention Center to provide timely peer support. Responsibilities also include visiting clients in Denver jails, creating reentry plans, and supporting connections to community resources upon release. Active participation in connecting clients to services, such as making phone calls, attending appointments, and coordinating services across multiple systems, is expected. All required documentation must be completed and entered into OMPD’s case management system accurately and within timelines.

Requirements

• Graduation from high school or the possession of a GED, HiSET or TASC Certificate.
• One (1) year of experience providing peer support as a volunteer or professional.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications and data entry experience.

Nice To Haves

• Possession of a peer support related certification (e.g., Colorado Peer & Family Specialist designation or a National Designation from NAADAC (NCPRSS) or Mental Health America – (CPRS)).
• Peer support specialist training completed or in-progress.
• Lived experience of mental health, substance use, trauma, and/or co-occurring conditions.
• Knowledge and experience with the Denver Criminal Justice system, court processes, public defense – including the role of the defense council.
• Understanding of Denver metro resources, services, and community supports.
• Experience providing peer support services in a criminal justice or social services setting.
• Skills in addressing the needs of people experiencing homelessness, individuals living with mental health and substance misuse conditions and other vulnerable populations.
• Knowledge of Denver metro resources, social services, and behavioral health treatment and supports.
• Bilingual Spanish proficiency.
• Demonstrated commitment to justice, equity, diversity, accessibility, and inclusion.

Responsibilities

• Support OMPD’s holistic defense by working under the direction of attorneys to provide peer support, resource navigation, and mitigation for OMPD clients.
• Build person-centered relationships with clients using a trauma informed peer support model.
• Demonstrate SAMHSA’s Core Competencies for Peer Workers in work with clients: recovery oriented, person-centered, voluntary, and relationship focused; and the National Practice Standards for Peer Supporters in work with clients.
• Collaborate with OMPD staff across divisions, including administrative staff, paralegals, attorneys, and Client Support Team staff, to provide holistic, client centered representation.
• Use shared lived experiences to inspire hope and to provide linkages to a variety of recovery, mental health, community supports, and services for individuals OMPD represents.
• Engage clients with goal setting methods to identify services, resources, develop timelines, and partners with clients to succeed in self-determined goals, and monitor success.
• Support the defense team by being present regularly at court, including the first appearance court, OMPD’s office, and the Denver Detention Center (jail), to provide timely peer support.
• Visit clients in Denver jails and partners with clients to create reentry plans and supports connections to community resources upon release.
• Actively participate in connecting clients to services by supporting clients to make phone calls, attending court and other appointments with clients, and coordinating services with clients across multiple systems.
• Complete and enter all required documentation into OMPD’s case management system. Accurately document progress, client interactions, and meets timelines.
• Other duties as needed and assigned.

Benefits

• A guaranteed life-long monthly pension, once vested after 5 years of service
• 457B Retirement Plan
• 132 hours of PTO earned within first year
• 11 Paid Holidays per year, plus 1 personal holiday, and 8 hours of Denver Good Deeds volunteer time
• Education Refund Program (ERP)
• Care Bank – 8 weeks of Paid Family Leave (after the probation period is passed)
• Free RTD Eco Pass
• Competitive medical, dental and vision plans effective within 1 month of start date
• Bilingual stipend may be available to eligible candidates once hired

What This Job Offers

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