***The following is the general description from this posting. For current posting information, benefits and further details, visit: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/orangecountync/jobs/4408409/peer-...
General Description
The Orange County Emergency Services Department has an opening for a Peer Support Specialist. The work involves the responsibility of serving as a member of the Post Overdose Response Team (PORT); a standard of care in providing field-based medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) and connecting individuals in need with the services that they require to ensure survival and well-being. This is accomplished by connecting individuals experiencing opioid use disorder (OUD) directly to short term and continued treatment from the avenues of EMS incidents, Hospital Emergency Departments, local inter-departmental referrals, and the public at large.
Work is performed under the general direction of the Community Paramedic Coordinator with leeway to exercise independent judgment within the framework of applicable rules, regulations, policies, and procedures in the performance of duties, both in terms of planning and accomplishing work, and in making decisions regarding customer needs and requests and conducting project assignments. Supervision over others is not required of this position. Position does related work as required.
Hiring range is based on the Orange County Step Plan. The Step Plan is based on years of experience, education and certifications.
* This is a safety sensitive position and participation in the Drug and Alcohol Program is required. Background Check is required.
Examples of Essential Functions
Examples of Essential Functions
The following are examples of typical work activities and responsibilities. The incumbent may be responsible for performing other related duties and responsibilities as required or assigned. A position may not include all the work examples given, nor does the list include all that may be assigned.
Participates in providing and coordinating PORT services to eligible opioid overdose and withdrawal patients encountered by OC-EMS; eligible gap MOUD coverage clients at time of release from the Orange County Detention Center; and eligible clients referred to the PORT program from other Orange County Departments, local Emergency Departments, organizations, and the community at large.
Responds independently and alongside PORT medical staff to individuals enrolled in PORT program or experiencing OUD.
Schedules ongoing MOUD administration appointments from PORT with individuals enrolled in program.
Navigates referred individuals enrolled in the PORT program to the most appropriate ongoing treatment provider for their specific situation.
Participates in reviewing daily EMS response data, along with external referral pathways and contact individuals as appropriate.
Contributes to Development, maintenance, and growth of the PORT program with other participating internal and community partners.
Participates in training for all OC-EMS staff to ensure all potential referrals are captured and educated on service.
Assists in supporting and expanding current harm reduction efforts with availability of service.
Adheres to PORT MOUD protocol for all eligible referrals.
Conducts follow-up with successfully enrolled PORT MAT participants for scheduling of daily MOUD administration and to determine ongoing needs and quality of interaction with EMS providers, community paramedics, etc.
Assists in collecting and reviewing program data.
Conducts daily surveillance to ensure all eligible patients are offered services within 24-72 Hours of applicable incident.
Determines proper ongoing treatment service based on client needs and available resources.
Assists in review of outcome data to ensure there are no existing gaps in program functions.
Utilizes ongoing feedback from individuals with lived experience and community partners.
to adjust program to community needs.
Conducts follow-up survey of program participants at proper intervals.
Uses computer applications or other automated systems such as spreadsheets, word processing, calendar, e-mail and case management software in performing work assignments.
Adheres to the department’s safety rules and regulations.
Full Performance of Knowledge, Skills, Abilities
FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Thorough knowledge of federal, state and local laws, codes and policies concerning the provision of field based MOUD protocol and care.
Thorough knowledge of County ordinances, department policies and procedures.
Thorough knowledge of confidentiality guidelines and the ability to apply these guidelines to client records and in collaboration with other agencies.
Through knowledge of public and private substance abuse facilities resources, and personnel.
Thorough knowledge of available public and private funding sources for health services and available community resources.
Good knowledge of social justice, health promotion and public health approaches and models of social support and health care.
Good knowledge of trauma-informed care.
Good knowledge of understanding opioid overdose and withdrawal experienced by individuals.
Good knowledge of community resources, and the ability to make appropriate referrals.
Good knowledge and understanding of the principles of advocacy and empowerment.
Skill in being customer-focused, adept at problem solving and working collaboratively with others.
Skill in gathering and documenting information.
Skill at prioritizing work activities and multi-tasking while under pressure.
Ability to communicate and demonstrate interpersonal skills and commitment to working within a collaborative, team approach.
Ability to demonstrate and utilize cultural competency, racial equity, inclusion, and diversity when working with internal and external partners and the public.
Ability to effectively problem solve and handle difficult situations and complex decision-making, and react calmly and quickly in emergency situations.
Ability to manage and meet multiple deadlines, while being flexible in a complex, changing environment with competing demands.
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, and deal with culturally diverse populations.
Ability and willingness to reach out to diverse communities and socio economic groups.
Ability to establish and maintain effective professional relationships with County staff, clients, outside agencies, community organizations, neighborhood associations, professional or student associations, and members of the general public.
Ability to organize, consolidate and evaluate information, maintain records, prepare reports, and complete assignments accurately and timely.
Ability to read and understand moderately complex written information.
Ability to work with people who may exhibit challenging or hostile behavior.
Ability to work outside of traditional business hours, and serve clients throughout Orange County.
Ability to effectively use computer applications such as spreadsheets, word processing, calendar, e-mail and case management software to maintain records, prepare reports, and conduct correspondence related to the work.
Ability to demonstrate sound judgment, integrity, resourcefulness, accuracy, thoroughness, and the physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position, while maintaining an ethical standard of care.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Possession of a High School Diploma or GED equivalent AND must possess a valid North Carolina Certified Peer Support Specialist (NCCPSS) certification.
Work experience using Microsoft Word, Excel, and Access.
Work experience in directly providing or coordinating programs in areas of social work, health services, counseling, or closely related work is preferred.
Experience serving as a partner on a Post Overdose Response Team (PORT) is preferred.
Lived experience with either Mental Health or substance use disorder struggles and/or treatment is preferred.
Bilingual ability is preferred.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Must be willing to work outside of traditional business hours which may include evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid driver’s license issued by the State of North Carolina for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.
All offers of employment are conditional upon successful clearance of a background check and pre-employment drug testing. Employment cannot commence until the employee has been cleared.
Physical Requirements and Possible Hazards
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND POSSIBLE HAZARDS
Ability to physically perform (with or without reasonable accommodation) basic life operational functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing and repetitive motions of the hands/wrists.
Ability to perform medium work exerting up to 30 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 15 pounds of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects.
Ability to endure emotional stress related to the nature of interactions with clients who may be under tremendous strain and exhibiting hostility, resistance, or violence.
Possess the visual acuity to operate a passenger vehicle when applicable, prepare and analyze data and figures, perform work on a computer terminal, and perform extensive reading.
Ability to work outdoors for extended periods in all variety of weather.
Orange County is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer