Howard County
Conveniently located in the heart of central Maryland between Baltimore and Washington, Howard County offers the charm of a historic past mixed with the excitement of a cosmopolitan community.
Howard County Government
Howard County Government is a leader in innovation, sustainability, and consistently ranked as one of the best places to live and work in the country. In 2023, Howard County Government received a record-breaking 51 Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo) – the most in the state of Maryland. NACo is the leading organization representing county-level government operations. These awards recognize innovative and transformative programs that provide new services for county residents, improve existing programs, upgrade working conditions, and enhance citizen participation and public policymaking.
What are we looking for?
We are looking for outstanding individuals to join our team and contribute to excellence in Howard County operations.
What you'll like most about working at Howard County Government:

• We are committed to workplace excellence in every area of County government.
• We have a highly talented, diverse, and inclusive workplace. Your input will not only be heard, but it will be encouraged!
• We offer competitive compensation and great benefits including medical, retirement, and wellness programs.
• As a member of the Howard County Government team, you'll be helping drive our culture and directly impact what makes us an amazing place to work.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.
Work and cooperates with co-workers and supervisors at all levels.
Learns and performs all essential job functions accurately.
Advocate for inmates/clients by speaking on personal experiences regarding substance use or co-occurring experiences.
Support inmates/clients throughout their recovery process and encourages them to take empowering actions to regain control over their lives and recovery.
Meet with clinical staff and other facility staff to support inmates/clients by providing input into developing a recovery and transition plan, determining the steps to reduce barriers to recovery and reach their recovery goals.
Prepare reports and records to document individual accomplishments, growth and recovery progress.
May be asked to provide testimony in court proceedings.
May be asked to transport clients to treatment facilities using a county vehicle.
Perform data collection and reporting.
Conduct follow-up screenings and interventions for inmates who screen positive for substance use disorders.
Assist with co-facilitation of treatment and self-help groups.
Performs other related duties.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
This job has not supervisory responsibilities.

MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

Associates degree and one (1) year related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
PREFERRED EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Applicants for this classification must be in a state of recovery for two years from a substance use or co-occurring disorder before they can be qualified to be hired as a Peer Recovery Specialist.
Employees in this classification must complete any additional training that is deemed necessary and appropriate to obtain and maintain required certification.
Employees in this classification are subject to substance use testing.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; and use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception.
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions.
LANGUAGE SKILLS, MATHEMATICAL SKILLS AND REASONING ABILITY:
Ability to read and interpret documents such as federal regulations, operating and maintenance instructions and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of an organization.
Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, proportions and percentages.
Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.
Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several variables in standardized situations.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES AND REGISTRATIONS

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).
A valid Driver’s license.
Working knowledge of basic computer applications such as Microsoft word, excel, outlook and use of the internet.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

TO APPLY: You must complete an employment application online to be considered for this recruitment. Resumes cannot be substituted for completion of the job application work history. No paper applications will be accepted.

Selected candidates may be subject to drug screening, background screening, and reference checks.

At time of application, please submit a copy of any college degree, coursework, licenses, or certifications that you have referenced on your application. Applicants who have education obtained outside of the U.S. may need to provide proof of the equivalent U.S. education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service, such as the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (http://www.naces.org) or World Education Services: International Credential Evaluation (https://www.wes.org/).

Howard County Government is not sponsoring employees in application of the H-1B Visa or providing an extension of an existing H-1B Visa. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.

Howard County is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, and we are committed to a workplace that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. The County prohibits discrimination on the basis race, color, religion, age, sex, ancestry, creed, national origin, disability status, genetics, marital status, military service, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Applicants requiring accommodations during the hiring process should contact the Office of Human Resources directly at ebridges@howardcountymd.gov. Requests for accommodations should not be attached to the application.