Substance Abuse Worker - Peer Support Specialist 118009770 and 118009771
Cumberland CountyPosition Overview
* This position is being reposted. Previous applicants are still being considered and do not need to reapply*
**Hiring rate will be determined based on qualifications and internal equity
The Cumberland County Department of Public Health (CCDPH) has received federal funding to implement an initiative to provide resources to support first responders and members of other key community sectors on training, administering, and distributing naloxone and other Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved overdose reversal medications or devices. The initiative supports a multi-disciplinary team to provide training to first responders, youth serving organizations, nurses, barbershops, public libraries, and faith-based organizations. The project also includes community-based distribution of naloxone to vulnerable populations.
The Substance Abuse Worker will implement trainings with fidelity to a model or health education program as it relates to overdose prevention with first responders, libraries, barbershops, faith-based agencies, schools, and youth serving programs. Support the public health educator in completing required fidelity documentation and obtain pre and posttests. Participate in outreach opportunities for community distribution of naloxone. Represent the Department of Public Health as requested on coalitions. Collaborate with CCDPH staff and external partners on community outreach efforts to reduce health disparities and advance health equity. Assisting clients by finding resources. Modeling effective coping and self-help techniques to individuals or groups of consumers. Providing advice to clients on empowerment skills and successful community living.
This position is time-limited grant funded for a four-year period. (Funds secured from September 30, 2024 – September 29, 2028)
Examples of Duties
- Duties for this position include, but are not limited to:
- Complete the North Carolina’s Certified Peer Support Specialist Program
- Collaborate with a Public Health Educator to implement naloxone trainings with fidelity to a model or health education program as it relates to overdose prevention with first responders, libraries, barbershops, faith-based agencies, schools, and youth serving programs.
- Support the multi-disciplinary team in conducting project evaluation activities
- Assist participants by finding resources, advising the consumer of processes, and encouraging follow through with proposed resolutions, locating social activities, or provide other assistance as needed.
- Model effective coping and self-help techniques to individuals or groups of patients
- Connect and refer training participants to appropriate treatment and recovery support services (employment, housing, jobs, health insurance, healthcare services, etc.).
- Assure services are being provided in a manner that considers health equity, cultural competency, and health literacy. Provide services in a trauma informed manner.
- Attend appropriate external stakeholder meetings, including Cumberland-Fayetteville Opioid Response Team (C-FORT), Crisis Collaborative Meetings and Jail Health Committee meetings.
- Participate in community engagement and outreach activities.
- Collaborate with first responders, youth serving organizations, nurses, barbershops, public libraries, C-FORT Resource Center, and faith-based organizations to support community distribution of naloxone, xylazine, and fentanyl test strips.
- Utilize NCCARE 360 to receive and send electronic referrals to partner agencies.
- Participate in community partnerships at the county level and identify linkages that can be helpful to CCDPH.
Employee is subject to be called upon anytime to help the agency respond to a public health emergency which may include, but is not limited to, outbreak investigations, staffing mass dispensing or immunization clinics, providing disaster relief, or other incidents (man-made or natural and intentional or non-intentional) as they arise, or any public health response requested by the Health Director. Minimum Qualifications
Graduation from high school and one year of experience in substance abuse in a supportive informational role; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Management Preferences:
- Self identifies as someone with lived experience
- Demonstrates knowledge of Cumberland County resources related to recovery
- Experience with the populations served or substance abuse professional
- Certified Peer Support Specialist
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Applicants who have obtained their education outside of the U.S. and its territories must have their academic degrees validated as equivalent to the degree conferred by a regionally accredited college or university in the U.S. The National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) is a referral resource for applicants who need to have their credentials certified as equivalent. For a list of organizations that perform this specialized service, please visit the NACES membership website at https://naces.org.
High School/College transcripts, relevant certifications/licensures and verification of equivalent degree, if applicable, may be submitted on-line via the attachment feature or mailed to Cumberland County Department of Public Health Human Resources, 1235 Ramsey Street, Fayetteville, NC 28301. If selected for the position, a formal transcript will be required within 30 days of hire.