PEER SUPPORT SPECIALIST - 40010877

Durham County Government employs approximately 1,900 employees that work towards providing needed services throughout the community. With a wide array of services, Durham County Government is at the heart of a rapidly growing and diverse area offering residents, employees and visitors exciting opportunities to live, work, grow and play. For more information about Durham County Government, visit www.dconc.gov.

 

 

DEPARTMENT:       

 

Emergency Medical Services

DATE POSTED:         

   

August 05, 2024

CLOSING DATE:           

 

Open Until Filled

HIRING RANGE:

 

$39,348 - $53,096

POSITION NUMBER:        

    

40010626

JOB TYPE:

Full-Time

 

*THIS IS A REPOST*

 

***THIS IS A PROVISIONAL, GRANTED FUNDED POSITION SUBJECT TO END SEPTEMBER 29, 2026. THIS POSITION IS SUBJECT TO RENEWAL (FR-CARA Grant).***

 

**THIS POSTING IS SUBJECT TO CLOSE WITHOUT PRIOR NOTIFICATION**

 

General Description:

The Peer Support Specialist will provide guidance and support to individuals struggling with substance abuse, psychological trauma and /or mental health issues. This position assists in implementing/creating a recovery environment and acts as an advocate for the needs and rights of the client. This position will assist Community Paramedics, Case Managers, Substance Use Disorder Counselors or Mental Health staff with getting the client connected to community resources to ensure continuity of care for their identified needs.
 

This position works under general supervision of the EMS Program Manager.

Duties and Responsibilities:

The functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this position. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the position as necessary

.
• Respond to dispatched overdose calls in Durham County while on duty and provide harm reduction resources real-time.

• Conduct client outreach and follow-up with the clients in the community.

• Meet with cleints regularly to provide one on one counsleig and support.

• Provide individualized harm reduction education and efforts to participants on overdose prevention, use of naloxone, Hepatitis C Virus, STI and HIV risk reduction and safer drug use.

• Arrange medical appointments, monitor client behavior, schedule pro-social activities, and provide client transportation.
• Conduct follow-up visits to individuals who have experienced an overdose.
• Train individuals on local overdose reversal protocol, offer harm reduction resources, and care options.
• Assist clients with self-determination and decision-making.
• Model recovery values, attitude, beliefs, and personal action to encourage wellness.
• Teach and promote self-advocacy and empower clients to use their legal rights.
• Provide linkage to community resources.
• Participate in team meetings and in-person training sessions on best p