Peer Support Specialist

Salary: $52,039.45 Annually
Location : Conway, SC
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 202500428
Division: Public Safety
Department: Detention Center
Opening Date: 10/07/2026
Closing Date: 11/6/2026 11:59 PM Eastern


General Job Description


Performs responsible administrative program, record keeping and clerical duties related to inmates of the County Detention Center. The Certified Peer Support Specialist provides a range of mental health, addiction, recovery, and case management support services for individuals and groups before, during, and after incarceration, as appropriate to the specific expectations of the position. Reports to and works under the direct guidance of the Treatment Director. May provide practical training and guidance to justice-involved individuals and/or Peer Support staff, as required.

Duties for this Position

• Provides emotional support to individuals facing mental health, substance use, and emotional challenges as appropriate to the position; prepares treatment plans, discharge plans, and follow-up care programs.
• Collects data about participants through interviews, criminogenic assessments, case history, and/or observational techniques; evaluates data to identify causes of problems and to determine proper goals and/or referral to other specialists.
• Complete and maintain accurate records or reports regarding the clients' histories and progress, services provided, or other required information.
• Using their own experience of recovery to help others
• Encouraging self-advocacy among individuals to help them achieve their goals
• Documenting individual progress and maintaining confidentiality of all personal information.
• Educating individuals, families, and the community about mental health and substance use.

• Implement strategies that address primary and co-occurring disorders.
• Recognize the participant's age as a relevant factor and apply appropriate decision-making skills in the assessment, treatment, and care provided for the youthful offenders, and adult sentenced inmates.
• Develop an understanding of the Therapeutic Community Model of treatment and utilize best practices within that model.
• Provides casework management of a specialized caseload, as appropriate to the requirements of the individual position.
• Provide and/or arrange skills development groups as appropriate for participants in both pre-trial and sentenced programs.
• Interact with justice-involved individuals who may be in a crisis condition and those with serious disturbance problems.
• Consult with other legal and treatment agencies and individuals in relation to participant records, rights, and responsibilities.
• Consult with therapists and related professionals and Peer Support staff, as appropriate, in the performance of casework; refer clients to appropriate service agencies as required.
• Participates in the review of clinical issues and program policies and procedures.
• Participating in ongoing training and professional development opportunities.
• Interacts with other agencies, professionals, and referral sources and presents a positive image of him/herself, the facility, and the program.
• Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned by the Treatment Director or the JRLDC Programs & Services Director.
• Must be willing to work evenings, nights, and weekends as needed for various program activities and facility requirements.

Position Minimum Requirements

Knowledge of:

• HCSO JRL Detention Center policies and procedures
• County policies and procedures
• Federal, state, and local laws regarding program services in the detention center.
• Relevant laws, rules, regulations and standards pertaining to confinement in a detention center and as applied to inmate rights.
• Department rules, standards and regulations.
• Human behavior and various social, economic, religious and cultural backgrounds.
• Principles and practices of leadership, supervision and training.

Ability to:

• Ability to apply peer support methods and techniques.
• Knowledge of criminal justice-involved populations.
• Knowledge of community resources.
• Knowledge of crisis intervention/motivational interviewing techniques.
• Knowledge of case management.
• Knowledge and understanding of peer support principles, programs, and methodology.
• Interviewing skills.
• Ability to evaluate progress and to make individual modifications.
• Ability to maintain emotional stability to cope with human suffering, emergencies, and other stresses.
• Knowledge of legal and ethical issues related to patient rights.
• Ability to develop and present educational programs and/or workshops.

Additional Information

Minimum:

• High School Diploma or Equivalent
• Certification as a Peer Support Specialist from an accredited organization
• At least one year's experience as a peer support specialist
• Lived experience with mental health conditions, substance abuse, or trauma
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Good knowledge of recovery resources such as the 12-step programs, recovery housing resources, and community support groups

Retirement:

• Participate in the South Carolina State Retirement System with strong employer contributions (SCRS or PORS).
• Take advantage of optional retirement saving through tax-favored 401(k)/457 accounts to further secure your future.

Health & Insurance:

• Employer-funded health and dental insurance, plus employer-funded Long-Term Disability (LTD) and Basic Life Insurance coverage.
• Vision coverage and additional insurance options available for employees and dependents.

Wellness:

• Prioritize your well-being with total access to our Wellness Center, free gym, wellness incentives, and employee-family counseling via EAP.

Paid Leave & Holidays:

• Benefit from generous paid leave accruals that grow over time, plus 13 paid holidays.