Peer Support Specialist – EMS MIH Division
Salary Grade 64 ($36,037 - $59,351)
Increment Merit Cycle (Yearly)
Work week – 40 hours, varying schedule, on-call status as needed
Position Summary Description:
The Peer Support Specialist responds to referrals to affect interventions for County residents with substance use disorder (SUD). The interventions are supportive, informational encounters that introduce treatment and recovery services, social support services, and connection to these services if the client desires.
Building relationships and rapport are the primary purposes of interaction with the referral. The intervention effort should be tailored and responsive to the needs of the referred person. It may include passive support through listening and reflecting or active support through connection to resources such as housing and transportation, development of Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) plans, and assistance with advocacy needs.
The Peer Support Specialist will serve as part of a Mobile Integrated Health Response Team (MIHRT) that may be called to respond to substance use events and mental crisis needs on site. MIHRT members will collaborate with non-governmental services, such as SUD and behavioral health treatment providers, hospital services, and Medical Ministries, as well as government services, such as Emergency Medical Services, Law Enforcement Agencies, Health and Nutrition Centers, the Department of Social Services, and support services provided by the Surry County Office of Substance Abuse Recovery (SCOSAR).
Representative Duties:
This section summarizes the primary essential functions of the Peer Support Specialist and may include other major and minor duties that are not mentioned below. Specific functions may change from time to time based on need.
- Performs all approved roles and responsibilities as a North Carolina Certified Peer Support Specialist (NCCPSS).
- Coordinate resources for and with EMS providers.
- Provides skilled, professional, and compassionate out-of-clinical settings care to all Surry County citizens.
- Give oral instructions to others.
- Interact tactfully and effectively with the public at large.
- Always maintain a heightened situational awareness.
- Work cooperatively with others and contribute to a successful team effort.
- Maintains physical endurance and agility.
- Demonstrate an awareness/appreciation of the cultural diversity of the whole community.
- Coordinate scheduling with Division personnel to ensure that appropriate personnel are available twenty-four (24) hours a day.
- Attend all required meetings as needed and requested through community groups, government agencies, and public safety organizations.
- Actively promote a learning environment by looking for new educational opportunities and creating a positive direction for change.
- Performs all job functions as directed.
- Serve as a trained navigator of community resources.
- Be keen on listening, understanding, and communicating effectively in a manner that everyone can understand.
- Completes all patient care reports (PCR) and client records through the appropriate software program.
- Accurately prepare statistical data for compliance review.
- Must operate a vehicle safely and smoothly, consistent with good driving practices.
- Remain available and open to the changing needs of the MIH Division.
Qualifications:
This section generally describes the knowledge and ability to function as a Peer Support Specialist but does not offer a complete overview. This is a joint position serving multiple departments and organizations across Surry County. Areas of knowledge include:
- North Carolina vehicular laws related to the operation of various vehicles.
- Safety principles and practices related to field response and work.
- Policies, procedures, and rules of the County of Surry.
- Have a working knowledge of EMS procedures and equipment.
- Have a working knowledge of the geography and roads within Surry County.
- Pertinent federal, state, and local laws.
- Working knowledge of the appropriate available resources that a client may need.
- Able to use correct English, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
Required Training and Education:
- Current credential as a North Carolina Certified Peer Support Specialist (NCCPSS) with one (1) year of experience.
- Must be a self-identified current or former recipient of substance use or behavioral health services.
- Must complete the Recovery Coach Professional (RCP) Credential within 12 months of employment.
- Must possess and maintain a current and valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.
- Maintain and keep all required position certifications up to date.
Preferred Training:
- Minimum of an associate’s degree in human services, Criminal Justice, or other related field.
- At least two years of experience working in the human services or social services field.
- Completion of Crisis Intervention Training (CIT).
Physical Requirements:
- Hearing, speaking, and visual acuity are required.
- Must possess the ability to operate an emergency vehicle in non-emergency traffic.
- Must be able to move around numerous physical locations, some within confined areas.
- Must be able to lift heavy objects, up to 200 pounds, with assistance and assume awkward positions in the emergency and non-emergency setting.
Applicants should request an application from Denise Gray and return the application with a resume attached to Denise Gray at 1218 State Street, Suite 500, Mount Airy, NC 27030. Applications may also be requested from the Surry County Human Resources Office at 114 W Atkins, Dobson, NC, 27017 (336-401-8221) or going online to the Surry County Human Resources posting page, printing the application and emailing back to SCjobs@co.surry.nc.us. Surry County is an EEO employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, or disability in employment or the provision of services. Surry County is a drug free workplace.