Recovery Peer Support Specialist (Community Services Aide, Grade 18) - TERM

Posting number: 2026-00424

Department: Department of Health and Human Services

Division: HHS 60 Behavioral Health and Crisis Services Division

Job classification: Community Services Aide III

Posting type: Internal/External Applicants

Categories: Public Health, Community and Social Services

WHO WE ARE

Please note: The salary range above represents this position’s earning potential. The anticipated hiring range for this position will be $64,104 to $90,993, based on the candidate’s qualifications and experience. 

This position is a one-year term position; scheduled to end on July 1, 2027. Continued employment in this position is contingent upon renewal of term.  

WHO WE ARE

Montgomery County is located adjacent to Washington, D.C., and with over one million residents, is the most populous County in the State of Maryland. The County is also the most diverse County in the State and ranks among the top ten most diverse Counties in the nation. Montgomery County contains many major U.S. government offices, scientific research and learning centers, and business campuses.

The Department of Health and Human Services is responsible for delivery of the County’s public health and human services that meet the needs of our community’s most vulnerable children, adults and seniors. The Department provides services through more than 120 programs at more than 20 locations. With over 2,000 employees, the Department of Health and Human Services is the largest County Department.

As a Department, we believe health and wellness of the county can only be achieved by ensuring that every resident has fair opportunities to reach their fullest potential. This means access to quality housing, transportation, education, employment, health care, human services, safe neighborhoods, and healthy food. HHS provides critical services for residents who face a variety of obstacles in achieving their full potential. HHS plays an essential role in building a healthy and strong community.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

If you are interested in being a recovery peer support specialist working for the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services, we invite qualified candidates to apply for our Community Services Aide III position, in Behavioral Health and Crisis Services. 

This term position encompasses treatments for persons with substance use disorders, who are involved with the legal/Corrections systems and will provide direct services to inmates at the county correctional facility to facilitate their participation in the Jail Addiction Services (JAS) program. 

• Use life experience in addiction’s recovery and skills developed in trainings to develop positive relationships with clients to support their recovery.
• Provide community outreach related to substance abuse treatment and provide ongoing support to client/families via in-person meetings and telephone calls.
• Work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary treatment team that includes internal and external behavioral health professionals, medical staff, case managers, correctional staff, and community service provides.
• Maintain good working boundaries with clients and peers.
• Complete timely documentation in electronic health records such as Nextgen and access database.
• Support team and collaborate with treatment planning for recovery.
• Maintain confidentially and follow all required compliance measures with HIPPA and other privacy regulations.
• Provide ongoing support to those seeking recovery in the JAS program as well as those in the jail preparing/returning to join the JAS program.
• Participate in the family outreach which includes education of using NARCAN and distribution of the NARCAN kits to the families visiting the inmates.
• Conduct a recovery peer specialist group and follow up with clients upon release.

The selected candidate will be required to successfully complete a pre-employment medical exam, drug screening, and a background check through the Department of Correction and Rehabilitation.

Certifications: The selected candidate must be able to obtain certification as a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) through the Maryland Addictions Professional Certification Board (MAPCB), and must obtain Narcan training and CPR/First Aid certification.

Work Schedule: This position requires flexibility to work during weekend and evening hours. Outreach activities, recovery support services, and coordination with corrections staff may require work outside of standard business hours.

Driver’s License: This position requires possession of a valid driver's license to travel to County locations, correctional facilities, partner agencies, community sites, and training locations as required for the delivery of peer support services. 

Experience: Three (3) years of experience providing delivery of social, health and/or public assistance services.  

Education: Completion of high school or High School Certificate of completion recognized in the State of Maryland.  

Equivalency: An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted. 

Background Investigation: Must have the ability to pass the Department of Corrections Background Investigation allowing them to work within the correctional facility.

LICENSE REQUIREMENT: Possession and maintenance of a valid Class C (or equivalent) driver’s license from the applicant’s state of residence.

Medical Protocol: This position requires successful completion of a pre-employment medical evaluation, which includes a physical examination and drug screening.

The applications of those individuals meeting the minimum qualifications will be reviewed to determine the extent, relevancy of training, and experience in the following areas:

• Lived experience in recovery from addiction.
• Experience providing recovery peer support to individuals in recovery.
• Completion of peer support training.
• Training or certification in the use of Narcan (naloxone).
• Experience supporting individuals with substance use disorders who are involved with the legal or corrections system.
• Experience working within a jail, detention center, or secure facility setting.
• Experience documenting client interactions in electronic health record systems such as NextGen.
• Current Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) certification (MAPCB) – preferred.
• Current CPR/First Aid certification – preferred.