Peer Support Specialist (Grant Funded)

Are you ready to turn your experience into a uniquely impactful role that can help others?

The Peer Support Specialist is a trained and experienced individual who provides support, guidance, and encouragement to others experiencing similar challenges, particularly in mental health, substance abuse, or other behavioral recovery-related areas. Working under the supervision of a Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist, the Peer Support Specialist will work as an important and impactful member of the Pamlico Countys Post Overdose Response Team to assist individuals with Substance Use and Co-Occurring Disorders move from dysfunctional, crisis -centered lives towards a recovery lifestyle of restoration and robust functioning in their homes, communities and workplace.

Job Overview

The Peer Support Specialist will work within a cohesive team and strategy to utilize their training, recovery and lived experience to provide clinically effective interventions, while fostering hope and recovery among individuals facing mental health challenges, substance use disorders and other related issues. This is a dynamic and active outreach role embedded within a Post Overdose Response Team. This crucial and highly impactful role involves interfacing with clients who have experienced a drug overdose event that has been stabilized by medical professionals and moves the effort towards an evidence-based intervention, via the Peer Support Specialists active engagement. This includes providing support through building a therapeutic alliance, sharing personal experiences, helping clients access resources, enrolling them into a service plan and promoting independence and self-advocacy.

Responsibilities

• Respond to overdose events post medical stabilization to provide a rapid response, moving the situation from a stabilized crisis to an immediate action plan.
• Provide case management, crisis management, individual, group support and resource allocation to individuals seeking recovery or support.
• Document stakeholder interactions and progress according to program standards.
• Work with the PORT Teams therapist to assist clients in setting and achieving personal goals.
• In conjunction with the therapist-Work with clients familycaregiverssignificant others to educate and empower them to therapeutically disengage from enabling patterns and to be a resource for the clients recovery.
• Attend community health, wellness and recovery-oriented events to represent the PORT Teams services.
• Facilitate support groups and workshops focused on recovery themes.
• Support and collaborate with first responders, healthcare providers, social workers, and community organizations to promote wellness, recovery and treatment accessibility, while educating the public and reducing stigma.
• When clinically appropriate, share personal experiences to inspire hope and encourage.
• Maintain timely documentation within an Electronic Medical Record and other data base tools as required.
• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to ethical guidelines.
• Participate in ongoing training, recertification and education to enhance skills and knowledge.
  
  

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or Equivalency. Prefer Associates Degree or additional 1 year of college with training in psychology or human services certificatediploma.
• Certification as a Peer Support Specialist. (On exception-may consider a candidate with relevant training and experience and require certification within 6 months of hiring date). [Become a Certified Peer Support Specialist | NC Peer Support Specialist Certification Program](https://pss.unc.edu/certification){rel="noopener" target="_blank"}
• Lived experience and demonstrated recovery (minimum 18 months) from mental health or substance use challenges.
• Demonstrated posture of professionalism in the workplace and when interfacing with internalexternal stakeholders.
• Strong communicati n and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, and serve as part of a team.
• Empathetic, non-judgmental, and supportive demeanor.
• Possess a working knowledge of community resources and support services.
• Experience working in a Healthcare officesetting with a basic TechnologyComputer literacy and office equipment proficiency to facilitate timely and through documentation and effective communication.
  
  

Preferred Experience

• Prior experience in a peer support role or related field.
• Familiarity with outreach models for mental health or addiction services.
• Training in trauma-informed care and recovery principles.
  
  

Work Environment

The role involves working in various community settings, including first-responder sites, post overdose events, hospitals, residential treatment programs and community centers, May require flexible hours, including evenings or weekends, to meet client needs.

• Salary and Benefits**:
  
  

$45,796.00

This position is eligible for Pamlico Countys employee benefit program. This includes healthdentalvision insurance, paid holidays, paid time off and retirement

This is a one year grant funded position. Recurring funding for this role is actively being pursued.

General Pamlico County Employment Questions, Contact

• **Amanda Carey** [amanda.carey@pamlicocounty.org]{rel="noopener" target="_blank"}
  
  

**Position-related Questions: contact :**

• **Jeff R. Brooks, DMin., LCAS** [jeffrey.brooks@pamlicocountync.org]{rel="noopener" target="_blank"}