Certified Peer Support Specialist: PORT (Night Shift)

Certified Peer Support Specialist: PORT (Night Shift)

Department: Opioid Response

Hiring Range: $18.87 - $22.18 per hour

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

We are seeking a qualified candidates for Certified Peer Support Specialist roles to serve as a member of our Post-Overdose Response Team (PORT). This posting will remain open until all two spots have been filled, and we will begin reviewing applicants on November 3, 2025.

Working Schedule will be nightshift, 12 hour shifts, rotating 2 on - 2 off - 3 on - 2 off - 2 on - 3 off. Specific hours to be determined.

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES

The Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS) will serve as a vital member of the Post-Overdose Response Team (PORT). The CPSS will use their lived experience with substance use and recovery to provide compassionate, non-judgmental support to individuals and families affected by overdose. This role focuses on connecting individuals to treatment services and recovery resources while reducing stigma and preventing future overdose fatalities.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

To successfully perform this position, an individual must be able to perform the following:

• Co-respond with Community Paramedic as part of the PORT team.
• Partner with EMS, law enforcement, and community paramedics to provide immediate and follow-up support to individuals who experience non-fatal overdose.
• Conduct outreach within 24-72 hours of an overdose event to engage individuals and families in supportive services.
• Offer peer counseling, recovery planning, and resource navigation including linkage to MAT, detox, inpatient/outpatient treatment, housing, employment, and social services.
• Provide harm reduction education and distribute naloxone and other supplies.
• Assist with referrals, follow-ups, and coordination of care among community providers.
• Participate in community education and outreach events to promote awareness, reduce stigma, and support prevention efforts.
• Document all contacts, services provided, and referrals in accordance with HIPAA, County policies, and grant requirements.
• Attend team meetings, case reviews, supervision, and required training.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• High school diploma or GED required (Associate degree in human services or related field preferred).
• Certification as a North Carolina Certified Peer Support Specialist (NCCPSS) required upon hire.
• Lived experience with substance use and sustained recovery.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS (UPON HIRE, UNLESS OTHERWISE INDICATED):

• Valid North Carolina Driver's License

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS, WORKING CONDITIONS, AND OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURES:

• Standard vision requirements, with or without corrective lenses
• Occasionally lifts up to fifty (50) pounds
• Occasionally spends time walking, sitting, and engaging in repetitive motions
• Routinely spends time standing
• Regular exposure to inside and outside environmental conditions
• Frequently spends time speaking or hearing, and using hands and fingers to handle, type, feel, or text
• Must be able to express and exchange ideas through verbal communications
• Must be able to operate motor vehicles or other machinery
• Must be able to observe general surroundings and activities
• Must be able to prepare and analyze written or computer data

REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• Proficient in spoken and written English
• Knowledge of harm reduction principles, local treatment options, and community resources.
• Comfort with flexible work hours, including evenings and weekends as needed.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team.
• Ability to receive detailed instructions or information through verbal communication
• Ability to operate and use Burke County's systems, technologies, and machines
• Ability to select, evaluate, interpret, and analyze data from several sources
• Excellent analytical, decision-making, and problem-solving skills
• Excellent organizational skills

Application Process: Burke County paper applications can be obtained at the Human Resources office, located at 200 Avery Ave. Morganton, NC, Mon-Fri 8:00am-5:00pm; online applications are available at: www.burkenc.org Completed applications should provide a complete work history, including a detailed and thorough list of job duties. Incomplete applications will not be processed.

Burke County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, or disability in employment or the provision of services.

Pay: $18.87 - $22.18 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Bereavement leave
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $19 - $22