City of Durham
Peer Support Specialist
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City of Durham
Work. Serve. Thrive. With the City of Durham
Hiring Range $49,737 - $59,613
Hours Full-time with benefits, 40 hours per week, 12 hour shifts, 4 hours of administrative work time, and a 6 week rotational schedule. Shift hours will remain the same unless an employee discusses a change. Responders will work one out of every three weekends. They will also have a six to seven day break every six weeks (built into their schedule). More information on schedule will be given during the interview process.
About The Role DCSD is currently hiring Certified Peer Support Specialists for our Community Response Teams. DCSD recognizes lived experience as an important form of expertise that helps better position our teams to provide compassionate care.
The Community Response Team sends multi-person teams— that may include a Clinician (Team Lead), Peer Support Specialist, and/or an EMT. These teams respond to 911 calls involving behavioral health and quality of life related concerns. CRT responds in-person, without law enforcement and our data has shown a safety rating for over 99 percent of calls. Peer Support Specialists regularly engage with Neighbors by providing input on community resources, interventions, and support through the lens of their previous lived experience.
Key Responsibilities
Respond to 911 calls involving mental health, behavioral health, substance use, and related non-violent crises using trauma-informed, person-centered strategies. Collaborate with Community Responder Team members to assess needs, develop response plans, and provide culturally competent support. Ensure warm handoffs and follow-up based on peer preference and clinical guidance.
Maintain timely and accurate documentation in compliance with agency and regulatory standards. Foster strong communication and partnerships with staff, clients, and community agencies.
Engage in supervision, team meetings, and professional development, integrating lived experience and peer voices into planning and evaluation. Support strategic initiatives related to crisis response and team culture.
Commitment to personal wellness and self-disclosure. Uphold personal resilience and self-care practices to sustain wellness in a high-intensity first responder role. Maintain effective communication about needs and/or challenges.
Required Qualifications
High school diploma or GED
Completion of a mental health, peer support specialist, or equivalent certificate program
Two years of experience related to substance use, behavioral health, or the criminal justice system
Peer Support Specialist Certification
Two years of experience in peer counseling or related work with diverse populations
Must be able to travel within Durham
Walk or stand for up to 75% of a shift
Basic computer proficiency
Strong understanding of behavioral health symptoms and crisis intervention strategies, with the ability to connect individuals to appropriate resources.
Demonstrated commitment to the department’s mission and values.
Prior professional experience in crisis response or intervention is preferred.
Ability to speak multiple languages with a priority on the Spanish language.
Basic EMT certification as issued by the North Carolina Office of Emergency Medical Services.
Seniority Level Entry level
Employment Type Full-time
Industry Government Administration
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–
City of Durham
Work. Serve. Thrive. With the City of Durham
Hiring Range $49,737 - $59,613
Hours Full-time with benefits, 40 hours per week, 12 hour shifts, 4 hours of administrative work time, and a 6 week rotational schedule. Shift hours will remain the same unless an employee discusses a change. Responders will work one out of every three weekends. They will also have a six to seven day break every six weeks (built into their schedule). More information on schedule will be given during the interview process.
About The Role DCSD is currently hiring Certified Peer Support Specialists for our Community Response Teams. DCSD recognizes lived experience as an important form of expertise that helps better position our teams to provide compassionate care.
The Community Response Team sends multi-person teams— that may include a Clinician (Team Lead), Peer Support Specialist, and/or an EMT. These teams respond to 911 calls involving behavioral health and quality of life related concerns. CRT responds in-person, without law enforcement and our data has shown a safety rating for over 99 percent of calls. Peer Support Specialists regularly engage with Neighbors by providing input on community resources, interventions, and support through the lens of their previous lived experience.
Key Responsibilities
Respond to 911 calls involving mental health, behavioral health, substance use, and related non-violent crises using trauma-informed, person-centered strategies. Collaborate with Community Responder Team members to assess needs, develop response plans, and provide culturally competent support. Ensure warm handoffs and follow-up based on peer preference and clinical guidance.
Maintain timely and accurate documentation in compliance with agency and regulatory standards. Foster strong communication and partnerships with staff, clients, and community agencies.
Engage in supervision, team meetings, and professional development, integrating lived experience and peer voices into planning and evaluation. Support strategic initiatives related to crisis response and team culture.
Commitment to personal wellness and self-disclosure. Uphold personal resilience and self-care practices to sustain wellness in a high-intensity first responder role. Maintain effective communication about needs and/or challenges.
Required Qualifications
High school diploma or GED
Completion of a mental health, peer support specialist, or equivalent certificate program
Two years of experience related to substance use, behavioral health, or the criminal justice system
Peer Support Specialist Certification
Two years of experience in peer counseling or related work with diverse populations
Must be able to travel within Durham
Walk or stand for up to 75% of a shift
Basic computer proficiency
Strong understanding of behavioral health symptoms and crisis intervention strategies, with the ability to connect individuals to appropriate resources.
Demonstrated commitment to the department’s mission and values.
Prior professional experience in crisis response or intervention is preferred.
Ability to speak multiple languages with a priority on the Spanish language.
Basic EMT certification as issued by the North Carolina Office of Emergency Medical Services.
Seniority Level Entry level
Employment Type Full-time
Industry Government Administration
#J-18808-Ljbffr