SHIELD Peer Support Counselor; Eastern Region

Adult Correction

Division

Human Resources

Job Classification Title

Human Services Program Consultant I (S)

Position Number

Grade

NC14

The NC Department of Adult Correction is one of the largest state agencies with more than 14,000 employees. It is responsible for safeguarding and preserving lives and property through prevention, protection, and preparation as well as the care, custody, and supervision of all adults sentenced for violating North Carolina laws. This department includes state prisons with custody, healthcare, and facility operations staff as well as probation/parole officers who supervised sentenced people in the community.

Other divisions include Administration, Health Services, Rehabilitation & Reentry, Special Operations and the Post-Release Supervision & Parole Commission. We have a mission that matters!

Please note: This position will be servicing the eastern portion of the state.

The S.H.I.E.L.D. Peer Support Counselor provides confidential, nonclinical emotional support to employees of the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction. Using occupational experience, empathy, and trained peer support practices, the counselor assists staff who are experiencing work‑related stress, critical incidents, personal challenges, grief, or other circumstances that may impact their overall wellness or ability to function effectively at work or at home.

The Peer Support Counselor builds trust through an understanding of the unique culture, responsibilities, and stressors associated with corrections and criminal justice environments. Core responsibilities include offering individual peer support, responding to critical incidents, providing follow‑up assistance, connecting employees to resources, conducting outreach and education, and supporting agency wellness initiatives. All services are delivered with careful attention to confidentiality and professional boundaries.

This position works collaboratively with S.H.I.E.L.D. Peer Support Unit staff, Clinical Services staff, agency partners, and leadership to promote employee well‑being. When an employee's needs go beyond the scope of peer support, the counselor helps facilitate access to appropriate clinical, crisis, agency, or community resources.

Salary Range: $52,592 - $92,036

The Knowledge

Skills and Abilities

/ Management Preferences are not required. Candidates now meet the minimum qualifications of a position if they meet the minimum education and experience listed on the vacancy announcement.

Applicants who possess the following skills are preferred:

• Knowledge of peer support principles and practices, including the role of confidential, nonclinical support within the workplace.
• Firsthand experience of culture, stressors, critical incidents, and challenges associated with corrections, community supervision, and all related public safety environments.
• Ability to establish trust and rapport with employees from diverse professional backgrounds while maintaining confidentiality and appropriate professional boundaries.
• Ability to travel throughout North Carolina and respond to critical incidents, outreach needs, training, and other program responsibilities as required.

This posting will close at 11:59 p.m. the night before the end date.

S.H.I.E.L.D. provides confidential, non emergent support services to North Carolina Department of Adult Correction employees. These services include a combination of coordinated behavioral health and peer support initiatives focused on wellness to support professional and personal efficacy. S.H.I.E.L.D. exists to improve the overall health, wellness, and performance of the correctional workforce.

Th…