Peer Recovery Specialist - Sebastian County Detention Center (Male Focus)

Job Title: Peer Recovery Specialist - Sebastian County Detention Center

Location: Sebastian County Detention Center, Fort Smith, AR

Department: Peer Support Recovery

Job Type: Full-Time

Pay: $15.00-$17.00/hour (based on certification level)

Job Summary

The Peer Recovery Specialist (PRS) will provide support and guidance to individuals participating in the P.A.C.T. (Peers Achieving Collaborative Treatment) program within the Sebastian County Detention Center. This program focuses on supporting individuals recovering from substance use disorders (SUD). Drawing from personal lived experience, the PRS will foster trust, provide empathetic support, and assist participants in navigating their recovery journey. Due to the specific needs of the program, this position is for a male Peer Recovery Specialist, who will work with male participants in the P.A.C.T. program. This role is integral to the success of the P.A.C.T. program, promoting recovery-oriented outcomes in collaboration with the Sheriff’s Office.

The Peer Recovery Specialist develops relationships with people suffering from substance use, trains citizens on substance abuse awareness, and supports law enforcement by providing alternatives to conventional criminal justice practices.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and promote ongoing community training opportunities

• Work with staff and other community professionals to implement and promote recovery-oriented training programs and opportunities

• Support others in recovery from a substance use disorder

• Serve as a role model, mentor, advocate, and motivator to recovering individuals in order to help prevent relapse and promote long-term recovery

• Demonstrate an ability to share personal recovery experiences and develop authentic peer-to-peer relationships

• Maintain project logs, reports, and records in appropriate files and database(s)

• Provide recovery education to service recipients for every phase of the recovery journey, from pre-recovery engagement, recovery initiation, recovery stabilization, and sustained recovery maintenance

• Provide a model for both people in recovery and staff by demonstrating that recovery is possible

• Assist recovering persons in identifying their personal interests, goals, strengths,and weaknesses regarding recovery

• Assist/coach recovering persons in developing their own plans for advancing their recovery

• Recovery Planning – facilitate (via personal coaching) the transition from a professionally directed service plan to a self-directed Recovery Plan. The goal should be to transition from professionally assisted recovery initiation to personally directed community-supported recovery maintenance

• Promote self-advocacy by assisting recovering persons to have their voices fully heard; their needs, goals, and objectives established as the focal point of rehabilitation and clinical services

• Actively identify and support linkages to community resources (communities of recovery, educational, vocational, social, cultural, spiritual resources, mutual self- help groups, professional services, etc.) that support the recovering person’s goals and interests. This will involve a collaborative effort, including the recovering person, agency staff, and other relevant stakeholders

• Support connections to community base and mutual self-help groups. Link individuals to appropriate professional resources when needed. Provide vision- driven hope and encouragement for opportunities at varying levels of involvement in community-based activities (e.g., work, school, relationships, physical activity, self-directed hobbies, etc.),

• Develop relationships with community groups/agencies in partnership with others in the agency

• As the position evolves and knowledge increases, visit community resources with recovering persons to assist them in becoming familiar with potential opportunities

• Identify barriers (internal and external) to full participation in community resources and develop strategies to overcome those barriers

• Maintain contact by phone and/or e-mail with recovering persons after they leave the program to ensure their ongoing success and to provide re-engagement support in partnership with others in the agency if needed. Long-term engagement support, and encouragement.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Principal Working Relationships:

• Co-workers and other county employees

• Families and support members of those affected by substance abuse

• Officers within the Sebastian County Sheriff’s Department and other law enforcement officers, the prosecuting attorney and deputy prosecuting attorneys

• Other Peer Recovery Specialist (PRS) and members of the mental health and recovery profession

• General public, business owners, judges, attorneys, health care workers, co-workers, suspects, victims, juveniles and their parents, and Persons convicted of or suspected of criminal acts.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

• Knowledge of the drug and alcohol treatment system and a demonstrated commitment to the recovery community

• Knowledge of the geography and streets of the county and cities

• Knowledge of the judicial process and criminal court procedures

• Knowledge of current community training opportunities

• Knowledge of recovery from a substance use disorder(s)

• Skill in maintaining project logs, reports, and records in appropriate files and database(s)

• Skill in operating a computer and standard office equipment

• Skill in observing and interpreting human behavior

• Skill in interpersonal relations

• Ability to understand and respect for each individual’s unique path to recovery.

• Ability to serve as a role model, mentor, advocate, and motivator

• Ability to assist recovering persons in identifying their personal interests, goals, strengths, and weaknesses regarding recovery

• Ability to coach recovering persons in developing their own plans for advancing their recovery

• Ability to perform work ethically, promptly, and with little to no supervision

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent required.

• Certification as a Peer Recovery Specialist in Arkansas preferred. Candidates must, at minimum, hold a Peer in Training (PIT) letter verifying completion of Core Peer Training in Arkansas.

Experience

• Candidates must have a minimum of two years in recovery from substance use disorder. Individuals with significantly longer recovery time are strongly preferred, as they bring additional lived experience and depth to this role.

• Applicants must have successfully completed at least 12 months of paid or voluntary work experience within the last three years.

• Experience working in a peer support role is required.

Additional Requirements

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and basic computer skills.

• Demonstrated ability to work independently with strong self-motivation and drive.

• Exhibits a high level of integrity and consistently demonstrates honesty in all interactions.

• Maintains a high level of professionalism in demeanor, communication, and conduct.

• Strong communication, interpersonal, and advocacy skills.

• Familiarity with substance use recovery resources and criminal justice systems.

• No prior assaultive charges, domestic violence, or battery on record.

• Must pass a background check conducted by the Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office.

• Must pass a drug screening.

• Valid driver’s license required.

• Must provide three letters of recommendation.

Working Conditions

• Location: The PRS will be employed by P.E.A.R.L. and work full-time in the Sebastian County Detention Center. Some on site duties at P.E.A.R.L.'s central location (Rogers AR)

• Schedule: Determined by the Sheriff’s Office.

• Travel: Some travel may be required for conferences, workshops, or outreach events.

Benefits

• Monthly Reimbursement for Medical/ Dental

• Employee Assistance Program

• Professional Development Opportunities

• Paid Time Off

& P.E.A.R.L. is a qualifying nonprofit for student loan forgivenes through PSLF.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their resume and a cover letter detailing relevant experience and qualifications through really.

Please note that employment for this Peer Recovery Specialist position is contingent upon approval by the Sebastian County Sheriff's Office, which retains the right to approve or deny candidates for this placement.

P.E.A.R.L. and the Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office are equal opportunity employers, and individuals with a criminal record are encouraged to apply.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $15.00 - $17.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• Employee assistance program
• Loan forgiveness
• Mileage reimbursement
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Evenings as needed
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: In person

Salary : $15 - $17