Peer Support Specialist - JRDC, ORCC An entry-level position that consists of a network of people with lived experience related to drug use. Provide recovery support services in partnership with community providers to offer consumers direct recovery community support. Provide wrap-around support to strengthen protective factors for individuals and families while addressing administrative barriers such as criminal histories, access to financial services, transportation, child care, safety net programs, and job readiness; encouraging lasting recovery for all who choose to participate. Provide peer support to incarcerated individuals at Jennifer Road Detention Center (JRDC) or Ordnance Road Correctional Center (ORCC) on buprenorphine treatment.

Facilitate follow-up care and assist in coordinating continuity of care upon release. Document all interactions and follow-up activities in Welligent and maintain accurate records in Google Sheets. Collaborate with the Nurse Coordinator, detention medical vendors, and other peer support team members. Conduct outreach and make contact attempts to ensure successful transitions to community-based treatment and services. Provide emotional support, share recovery experiences and promote self-advocacy. Attend mandatory peer meetings and participate in continuous training and development opportunities. Assist with Harm Reduction Vending machine inventory and stocking. Responsible for facilitating care and streamlining handoffs with other parties in the county health care system, ensuring that participants receive the appropriate continuing care.

As a non-clinical, peer-based position, engage, educate and support individuals to make life changes that maximize harm reduction efforts, minimize adverse consequences, decrease associated risky behaviors, and emphasize health, social and economic outcomes. Provide targeted individual and group-level education and outreach for all services along the substance use continuum of care. The goal is to remove barriers and improve access to high-quality, client-centered, culturally competent care throughout Anne Arundel County, to decrease overdose risk and improve the fundamental overall health and wellness of people who use drugs.

Activities are educational and coaching in nature. A key element that enhances and distinguishes this role is highlighting lived experience of previous drug use to connect with, validate, inspire and support harm reduction participants. Offer harm reduction services, including syringe services, overdose prevention education, naloxone distribution, linkage or direct provision of physical and mental health care, substance use disorder treatment, and a variety of social services. This role is pivotal in improving the overall health and well-being of individuals involved in substance use recovery by offering a holistic, person-centered approach. It combines education, support, practical assistance and lived experience to help reduce harm and promote long-term recovery success.

Outreach activities in various community settings throughout the year may include exposure to varying weather conditions and environmental factors. Requires flexibility and the ability to work outdoors in all seasons, including exposure to extreme temperatures, precipitation and other weather-related conditions. Will need to exercise caution and adapt to different physical environments to ensure personal safety and effectiveness in outreach efforts.

Minimum Qualifications
Education:

High School Diploma or Equivalency (GED)

Experience:

At least two years of sustained recovery from a substance use disorder. Familiarity with treatment and community resources that support recovery from addictive diseases and co-occurring behavioral health disorders. Knowledge of harm reduction, social services and health resources. Experience working with marginalized communities. No current criminal justice system involvement. Behavioral Health Services will consider the length of time since the last conviction and the type of crime.