Peer Recovery Specialist SERIES, Certified (Internal MOPD Employees only)

Introduction This recruitment is limited to current OPD employees only. As a State agency, the Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. MOPD is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, physical or mental disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status or genetic information. All applicants must be able to communicate with clients and visitors and possess the ability to complete tasks in a fast-paced work environment. MOPD is further committed to providing equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs and activities by modifying or adjusting the job application process or the job or work environment to make reasonable accommodations to the known applicant or employee to enable the applicant or employee be considered for the position they desire; to perform the essential functions of the position in question; or to enjoy equal benefits and privileges of employment as are enjoyed by other similarly situated employees without disabilities, unless the accommodation imposes an undue hardship. Applicants must be able to operate a computer and other office equipment. Applicants must have access to a motor vehicle or be able to navigate public transportation. If a reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact Tawanda Jackson, Human Resources Supervisor, View phone number on click.appcast.io. View email address on click.appcast.io. The MOPD is seeking a certified peer recovery specialist to serve as an essential team member in the MOPD’s Decarceration Initiative on a grant to support successful reentry and reintegration of incarcerated clients who have served lengthy sentences. The Peer Recovery Specialist will assist in connecting individuals to appropriate reentry supports, developing reentry plans, and supporting clients as they seek release from incarceration and after release from incarceration. This is an 18-month grant-funded contractual position.

GRADE

I Level Grade 9 $20.87-$22.60 per hour II Level Grade 10 $22.19-$24.02 per hour III Level Grade 11$23.60-$25.54 per hour

LOCATION OF POSITION

Headquartered at 217 E. Redwood St., Baltimore, MD 21202. Statewide travel required. Main Purpose of Job The Peer Recovery Specialist will be a key member of multidisciplinary defense teams, developing release plans and providing peer support services to individuals returning home from incarceration, and assisting with key data collection to meet grant obligations. This is a grant-funded position; it is expected to run for approximately 18 months from the start date with possible continuance dependent upon funding availability. Primary Duties and Responsibilities Collaborate with clients and legal teams to develop and implement individualized reentry plans for each project participant. Assist in connecting reentering individuals to reentry service providers in the community Assist in identifying and evaluating community organizations that can assist the individuals we serve Provide ongoing peer support in and out of incarceration Assist with data collection and reporting

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Peer Recovery Specialist I: Education: Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate. Experience: None. Peer Recovery Specialist II: Education: Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate. Experience: One year of experience providing peer recovery support services. Peer Recovery Specialist III: Education: Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate. Experience: One year of experience providing peer recovery support services. Notes: Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a non-commissioned officer in Peer Specialist classifications or Peer Specialist and specialty codes in the health-related field of work for the required experience.

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

CCAR Certification, Certified Peer Recovery Specialist and/or Certified Community Health Worker. A minimum of 2 years of uninterrupted time in recovery and/or 1 year since the closing of any CINA/TPR case or criminal justice case. A minimum of 2 years home from incarceration As this is a peer-to-peer position, individuals must be familiar with the criminal legal system and the prison system. Background understanding of or lived experiences with incarceration, substance use disorder, mental health issues, and/or poverty-related social hurdles. Familiarity with community resources. Ability to maintain effective peer relationships with clients. Basic computer and telecommunications skills. Ability to work as part of an advocacy team with attorneys, social workers, and core/support staff.

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS

Candidates for positions in this classification must possess a current certification as a Peer Recovery Specialist within 12 months from date of hire from the Maryland Addictions Professional Certification Board (MAPCB) located at 10807 Falls Rd., #1376, Brooklandville, MD 21022. Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator's license valid in the State of Maryland.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Employees in this classification who fail to obtain the required certification by the end of 24 months of continuous employment with the hiring department shall be subject to disciplinary action including demotion, suspension and dismissal. Applicants for this classification must be in a state of recovery for 2 years from a substance use, mental health or co-occurring disorder before they can be qualified to be hired as a Peer Recovery Specialist, Certified. Employees in this classification must complete any additional training that is deemed necessary and appropriate to maintain the required certification. Employees in this classification are subject to substance abuse testing, in accordance with Code of Maryland Regulation 17.04.09, Testing for Illegal Use of Drugs.

BENEFITS

Contractual employees who work for an agency covered under the State Employee and Retiree Health and Welfare Benefits Program, have a current employment contract and work 30 or more hours a week (or on average 130 hours per month) may be eligible for subsidized health benefits coverage for themselves and their dependents. As a contractual employee, you will be responsible for paying 25% of the premiums for your medical and prescription coverage, including any eligible dependents you have enrolled. The State of Maryland will subsidize the remaining 75% of the cost for these benefits. You can also elect to enroll in dental coverage, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, and life insurance, but will be responsible to pay the full premium for these benefits. Leave may be granted to a contractual employee at a rate of one hour for every 30 hours worked, not to exceed 40 hours per calendar year. #J-18808-Ljbffr State of Maryland