Peer Recovery Coach — Criminal Justice

Job Description

Join our team in a career that centers on alternatives to incarceration, evidence‑based practices and community collaboration. We focus on community safety through positive behavior change and supporting individuals involved in the justice system. Our services address the underlying issues that lead to criminal behavior and provide the opportunity for change.

Peer Support Specialists with Criminal Justice Services do work that really matters. Peer Support Specialists will assist clients develop pro‑social skills by utilizing evidence‑based practices that have lasting behavior changes. We value teamwork, collaboration with community partners, accountability, a client‑focused approach, a safe and supportive environment, empowerment, and continued professional development opportunities. We hire the most knowledgeable and experienced employees in the industry.

At Salt Lake County, we do not just accept individual difference; we value and support it to create a culture of dignity and respect for our employees. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Supports program participants in recovery from mental health and/or substance use disorder. Serves as a role model, mentor, advocate and motivator to recover individuals to help prevent relapses and promote long‑term recovery.

High School diploma or GED required.

Must have a strong working knowledge of the drug and alcohol treatment system and a demonstrated commitment to the recovery community.

Must obtain knowledge/training to provide a trauma‑informed approach utilizing trauma‑specific interventions when responding to clients in crisis within one (1) year of hire date.

Must have a Certification as a Certified Peer Support Specialist/Peer Recovery Coach from an approved curriculum.

Must obtain and maintain security clearance through the Salt Lake County Jail.

Due to the nature of this position, the successful applicant must pass a required background check through fingerprinting and enrollment in the continuous RAP Back (Record of Arrest and Prosecution Back) program in accordance with current County Human Resources policy requirements.

• Provides a model for both people in recovery and staff by demonstrating that recovery is possible.
• Assists program participants to identify their personal interests, goals, strengths regarding recovery.
• Assists participants in identifying barriers & potential support to critical/essential needs.
• Supports agency and jail staff in planning for services for clients, through face‑to‑face meetings and facilitation of group discussions.
• Assists in connecting clients with community‑based support resources, behavioral health services, and other ancillary services.
• Provides recovery education to program participants and their family members/support persons for every phase of the recovery journey from pre‑recovery engagement, recovery initiation, recovery stabilization, and sustained recovery maintenance.
• Develops collaborative and supportive relationships with community groups and agencies in partnership with agency. Collects and distributes community‑based recovery group meeting literature and schedules as needed.
• Maintains documentation, logs, reports and records of client interactions and services provided in appropriate files and database(s).

• Basic structure of the criminal justice system
• Community resources for substance abuse treatment and recovery support, as well as knowledge in relation to factors which support long‑term substance abuse recovery
• State and Federal mandates
• The signs and effects of substance abuse on individuals as well as their children and family members

• Build rapport with clients and engage them in case management
• Adhere to Utah Peer Support Specialist Code of Ethics & CPSS Core Competencies.
• Maintain confidentiality and adheres to Utah Peer Support Specialist Code of Ethics & Core Peer Support Competencies (CPSS)
• Assist individuals in building a support system
• Establishing trusting relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures
• Maintain a calm demeanor…