Peer Recovery Specialist

Olmsted County has earned the 2023 Best Places to Work - Southeast Minnesota designation.

Minimum Qualifications of Education and Experience

Expected starting salary is $25.65 to $34.25. Full salary range is $25.65 to $42.85.

Associate’s degree from an accredited college in criminal justice, law enforcement, social work, or related field.
OR
Combination of education and experience equivalent to two (2) years of experience in a similar position as listed in the work functions.

Regular and reliable attendance is a necessary component of job/position. Individuals required to use County vehicles and equipment must have a valid driver’s license and be free of any major traffic violations for the last three (3) years.

Required Special Qualifications:
Completion of a Peer Recovery Specialist certification course is required upon employment.

Nature of Work

Under supervision, assists clients with gaining access to services and community resources to overcome barriers to substance use recovery. Contacts clients, builds peer relationships, and maintains client records. Develops outreach materials and conducts community outreach activities. Work schedule includes weekend and evening hours.

Examples of Work

• Conducts outreach and provides resources to clients using a variety of methods to build peer recovery relationships. Maintains accurate and up-to-date records on all client contacts.
• Collaborates with clients to identify barriers to recovery and makes recommendations to overcome them.
• Assists clients with gaining access to community resources, including but not limited to harm reduction services, housing assistance, medical services, employment goals, and other services.
• Completes the intake process with individuals, schedules assessments, and makes recommendations and referrals.
• Develops outreach materials, assists with presentations, and conducts community outreach activities.
• Maintains and distributes inventory for law enforcement and first responders.
• Initiates contact with potential clients to provide service-related options and referrals.
• Performs related work as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

• Knowledge of Peer Recovery best practices and ethics guidelines.
• Knowledge of Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment and Treatment Eligibility Guidelines.
• Knowledge of community resources.
• Knowledge of the procedures for receiving, storing, distributing, and using Naloxone kits.
• Knowledge of the criminal justice system.
• Knowledge of chemical dependency symptoms, including but not limited to overdose.
• Skill in the use of computers and technology.
• Skill in effective de-escalation techniques.
• Skill in effective verbal and written communication, including presenting.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to keep accurate and up to date client records.
• Ability to plan and organize work.
• Ability to understand and follow instructions.
• Ability to solve problems and resolve conflict.

Persons with disabilities: the above is a general listing of job duties. Essential and non-essential functions may vary by individual position. Reasonable accommodations may be available for both essential and non-essential job duties.