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Peer Support Specialist, START Family Mentor

Aahealth • Glen Burnie, MD, United States • $200k - $250k / year • 1m ago

Peer Support Specialist, START Family Mentor

$20.00 per hour

Posted Date: 09/04/2024

Closing Date: Continuous

Bureau: Behavioral Health Services | Recovery Community Support Services

Full-Time County Contractual

Position open to all qualified candidates.

Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Benefits: Participation in the County’s group health plan including prescription, dental, and optical, paid holidays and sick leave. Optional deferred compensation program at employee's own expense.

Job Description

Nature of Work:

Functions as a non-clinical, peer-based individual who engages, educates, and supports an individual to make life changes necessary to recover from disabling mental illness and/or substance use disorder conditions. Works closely with the Maryland Department of Health, Behavioral Health Administration Local Addiction Authority, the Maryland Department of Human Services (DHS), Local Department of Social Services (LDSS) child welfare staff, and community substance misuse providers as a member of the Sobriety Treatment and Recovery Team (START).

Activities are educational and coaching in nature. A key element that enhances and distinguishes this candidate appropriately highlights their personal experience in recovery. Works as part of a team to assist pregnant women and women with children that struggle with Opioid Use Disorder to achieve their recovery goals.

Takes the lead on recovery coaching for the parent and other family members, as well as making contact with substance use disorder treatment providers. Provides specialized engagement of parents to build parenting capacity, ensure access to and retention of treatment, enhance sobriety goals, and participation in ongoing recovery supports. Works with the entire family as a coach and guide to child safety, adult recovery, and family well-being. Family mentors are paired with a Child Protective Services (CPS) worker, sharing a caseload of 12 to 15 families. This special pairing allows for intensive case management and efforts to engage parents and caregivers. Serves as a bridge between families, child welfare, and treatment agencies, reducing the parent’s sense of being alone, and providing hope and a role model for recovery.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: High School Diploma or Equivalency (GED)

Experience: Preference will be given to applicants with an associate of arts degree from an accredited college or university, especially in the human services field. At least two years of sustained recovery from a substance use disorder. Personal experience with the Child Welfare System that sensitizes them to the needs of families and children. If an individual had a previous child welfare case, the individual’s case must be closed for at least a year to be considered. Familiarity with treatment and community resources that support recovery from addictive diseases and co-occurring behavioral health disorders.

License or Certification: Required to obtain a Certified Peer Support Specialist Certification within 18 months from date of hire from the Maryland Addictions Professional Certification Board (MABPCB). Employees in this classification must complete any additional training that is deemed necessary and appropriate to maintain required certification.

Notes: 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 Maryland and have access to a personal vehicle.

Desired or Preferred Qualifications: Able to multitask in a fast-paced environment. Excellent time management, organizational, written and oral communication skills. Able to work independently and on a team. Have an understanding of Anne Arundel County resources. Be proficient with Microsoft Office, Excel, and electronic medical records. Able to maintain effective peer recovery relationships with participants and other members of the team.