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, .

tawandal.jackson.

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.

• 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

Headquartered at 217

E. Redwood St., Baltimore, MD 21202. Statewide travel required.

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.

• 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

• 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.

• 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.