Peer Recovery Specialist, Certified Series (Peer Recovery Specialist, Certified

Introduction The Office of the Public Defender (OPD) is a statewide independent agency charged with providing superior legal representation to indigent defendants. The agency’s vision is of Justice, Fairness and Dignity for All. Employees are committed to the core values of maintaining a culture of excellence, providing client-centered representation and tenacious advocacy, and unity in achieving the agency’s mission. All applicants must be able to communicate with employees and vendors and possess the ability to complete tasks in a fast-paced work environment. Applicants must be able to multitask and travel to various courtrooms and office environments throughout the state. MOPD is further committed to providing equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs and activities. OPD’s Parental Defense Division represents parents and guardians when the Department of Social Services (DSS) has removed, or plans to remove, their children and place them in state custody. OPD is seeking three (3) Parent Advocates (parents with lived experience with the family policing/child welfare system) to serve as members of the legal defense team alongside lawyers and social workers. Main Purpose of Job The Parent Advocates are key members of the legal team. They provide peer support and advocacy to individuals who are involved in Child In Need of Assistance and Termination of Parental Rights cases. Primary Duties and Responsibilities include: Establish a relationship with the parents and guardians and provide support from the perspective of a parent with lived experience; Collaborate with defense team members including attorneys and social workers; Communicate with defense team members via text messages, emails, and phone calls; Advocate for parents and guardians, out of court, to advance their goals; Support parents in applying for public benefits, medical assistance, and other related services; Develop and provide resources to support parents and guardians with ongoing DSS cases; Establish and maintain community partnerships; Attend out-of-court meetings at which advocacy is necessary, such as Family Team Decision Meetings (FTDMs) and service plan meetings; Provide support to parents and guardians during court hearings; Assist with data collection and reporting, including entering data in electronic case files. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Peer Recovery Specialist I: Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate. Experience: None. Peer Recovery Specialist II: 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: 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. DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS 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 a CINA/TPR case. Clear understanding of navigating the child welfare/family policing system; experience in interacting with the local Department of Social Services’ child protective services and child welfare systems. Background understanding of or lived experiences with substance use disorder, mental health issues, domestic violence, and/or poverty-related social hurdles. Familiarity with community resources. Ability to maintain effective parent peer relationships with project participants and other members of the grant team. Basic computer and telecommunications skills. Ability to work as part of an advocacy team with attorneys, social workers, and core/support staff. LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS Current certification as a Peer Recovery Specialist within 12 months from date of hire from the Maryland Addictions Professional Certification Board (MAPCB). Possess a motor vehicle operator's license valid in the State of Maryland if assigned duties require the operation of a motor vehicle. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS Failure to obtain the required certification by the end of 24 months of continuous employment may lead to disciplinary action. Applicants must be in a state of recovery for 2 years from a substance use, mental health or co-occurring disorder before they can be qualified to be hired as a Peer Recovery Specialist, Certified. Employees must complete any additional training necessary to maintain the required certification. Employees are subject to substance abuse testing, in accordance with Code of Maryland Regulation 17.04.09, Testing for Illegal Use of Drugs. SELECTION PROCESS Provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. EXAMINATION PROCESS The examination will consist of a rating of your relevant lived experience, education, and training experience related to the requirements of the position. BENEFITS Contractual employees who work for an agency covered under the State Employee and Retiree Health and Welfare Benefits Program may be eligible for subsidized health benefits coverage. FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS Online applications preferred. Please fax all paper applications and questionnaires to (410) 333-2260.

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