Introduction
The Office of the Public Defender (OPD) is a statewide independent agency charged with providing superior legal representation to indigent defendants. The agencys 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 agencys mission.
All applicants must be able to communicate with employees and vendors and possess the ability to complete tasks in a fast-paced work 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 by modifying or adjusting the job application process or the job or work environment to make reasonable accommodations to the known applicant or employee to enable the applicant or employee be considered for the position they desire; to perform the essential functions of the position in question; or to enjoy equal benefits and privileges of employment as are enjoyed by other similarly situated employees without disabilities unless the accommodation imposes an undue hardship. Applicants must be able to operate a computer cell phone and other office equipment. Applicants must have access to a motor vehicle or be able to navigate public transportation. If a reasonable accommodation is needed please contact Tawanda Jackson Human Resources Supervisor
TheOffice of the Public Defender is seeking certified peer recovery specialists toserve as essential team members on a state grant to encourage community-basedtreatment for justice-involved individuals with substance use disorders. PeerRecovery Specialists assist in identifying and connecting individuals withappropriate recovery supports developing motivation for recovery andestablishing and maintaining recovering lifestyles. These are grant-fundedpositions that are currently funded through September 2026.
GRADE
LOCATION OF POSITION
200Washington Avenue Towson Maryland 21204
Main Purpose of Job
The Peer RecoverySpecialists are key members of the grant team. They provide peer recoverysupport services to individuals with a substance use disorder and assist withdata collection. This position is fundedby a grant from the Governors Office of Crime Prevention and Policy and isexpected to run through September 2026.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities include:
Collaboratewith lawyers and social workers to develop and implement individualized serviceplan for each project participant.
Helpparticipants navigate social service systems in the community
Assistin drug and alcohol treatment center placement for individuals in and out ofincarceration
Provideongoing peer support in and out of incarceration
Assistwith data collection and reporting
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Peer RecoverySpecialist I:
Education: Graduation from an accredited highschool or possession of a high school equivalency : None.
Peer Recovery Specialist II:
Education: Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a highschool equivalency certificate.
Experience: One year of experience providing peer recovery support services.
Note:Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military serviceexperience as a non-commissioned officer in Peer Specialistclassifications or Peer Specialist and specialty codes in the health-related field of work for the required experience.
DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
CCAR Certification Certified PeerRecovery Specialist and/or Certified Community Health Worker.
Aminimum of 2 years of uninterrupted time in recovery and/or 1 year since theclosing of a CINA/TPR case or criminal justice case.
Asthis is a peer-to-peer position individuals must possess a clear understandingof navigating the child welfare/family policing system; and have experience ininteracting with the local Department of Social Services child protectiveservices and child welfare systems.
Backgroundunderstanding of or lived experiences with substance use disorder mentalhealth issues domestic violence and/or poverty-related social hurdles.
Familiaritywith community resources.
Abilityto maintain effective parent peer relationships with project participants andother members of the grant team.
Basiccomputer and telecommunications skills.
Abilityto work as part of an advocacy team with attorneys social workers andcore/support staff.
LICENSES REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS
1. Candidates for positions in this classification must possess a currentcertification as a Peer Recovery Specialist within 12 months from date ofhire from the Maryland Addictions Professional Certification Board (MAPCB) located at 10807 Falls Rd. #1376 Brooklandville MD 21022.
2. Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require theoperation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties will be requiredto possess a motor vehicle operators license valid in the State of Maryland.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
in this classification who fail to obtain the required certification by the end of 24 months of continuous employment with the hiring department shall be subject to disciplinary action including demotion suspension and dismissal.
for this classification must be in a state of recovery for 2 years froma substance use mental health or co-occurring disorder before they can bequalified to be hired as a Peer Recovery Specialist Certified.
in this classification must complete any additional training that isdeemed necessary and appropriate maintain required certification.
4. Employees in this classification are subject to substance abuse testing in accordance with Code of Maryland Regulation 17.04.09 Testing for Illegal Useof Drugs.
SELECTION PROCESS
Pleasemake sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to showthat you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. All informationconcerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing not consider information submitted after this will be ranked as Best Qualified Better Qualified or Qualified andplaced on the employment (eligible) list for at least one year.
EXAMINATION PROCESS
Theexamination will consist of a rating of your education training and experiencerelated to the requirements of the position. You may be required to complete aqualifications supplement or the rating may be based on your it is important that you provide complete and accurate informationon your application. Report all experience and education that is related tothis position. Applicants selected for interview will be required to complete awriting sample onsite during the interview process.
BENEFITS
Contractual employees who work for an agency covered under the State Employee and Retiree Health and Welfare Benefits Program have a current employment contract and work 30 or more hours a week (or on average 130 hours per month) may be eligible for subsidized health benefits coverage for themselves and their dependents. As a contractual employee you will be responsible for paying 25% of the premiums for your medical and prescription coverage including any eligible dependents you have enrolled.
The State of Maryland will subsidize the remaining 75% of the cost for these benefits. You can also elect to enroll in dental coverage accidental death and dismemberment insurance and life insurance but will be responsible to pay the full premium for these benefits. Leave may be granted to a contractual employee at a rate of one hour for every 30 hours worked not to exceed 40 hours per calendar year.
FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS
Onlineapplications preferred. Please fax all paper applications andquestionnaires to .
Inquiriesregarding applications and submitting paper applications can be directed to:Office of the Public Defender Human Resources Division 6 Saint Paul StreetSuite 1304 Baltimore MD 21202; or by calling toll free:; TTY users call Maryland Relay Service .
Pleasebe sure to include your name identification number (Easy ID#) and jobannouncement number on any documentation to ensure timely processing. A papercopy of the MD State application form and questionnaire can be downloaded fromthe link below.
Asan equal opportunity employer Maryland is committed to recruiting retainingand promoting employees who are reflective of the States diversity. Peoplewith disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to our Veterans for their service to our country.