Job Description

Peer Support Specialist

York County Detention Center is hiring a full-time (40 hours weekly), non-exempt Peer Support Specialist. The Peer Support Specialist will use his or her lived experience in recovery from a substance use disorder and successful reintegration into society to support inmates at the York County Detention Center as part of the Recovery and Re-Entry Program. This position is funded by the South Carolina Opioid Recovery Fund (SCORF) and is focused on fostering trust, promoting recovery, and encouraging participation in substance abuse treatment and reentry services. The Peer Support Specialist serves as a mentor, advocate, and resource navigator, helping individuals build motivation for change and prepare for successful reentry into the community. This is a grant-funded position and continuation of this position is contingent upon the availability of grant funds; the loss of, reduction of, or exhaustion of funding for this position would result in the elimination of the position.

Projected Salary Range/Pay Grade 111: $20.60 - $24.72 per hour. Salary is determined based on qualifications.

Our Total Compensation Package:

• Competitive market-rate pay, and negotiable based on qualifications
• Comprehensive State Medical Insurance, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Long-term disability
• Deferred Compensation 401K Plans
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Parental Leave
• Bereavement Leave
• Public Loan Forgiveness Program (Student Loan Forgiveness Program)
• 11 Paid Holidays + 3 Optional Holidays
• Longevity Pay
• SC State Retirement Plan Pension
• Paid Vacation and Sick Time
• Sick Bank
• Critical Care and Cancer Insurance
• Wellness Screenings
• Employee Assistance Programs
• Professional Development / Trainings / Conferences
• Uniforms allowance

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Establishes supportive, non-judgmental relationships with inmates experiencing substance use challenges.
• Provides peer-led support groups, recovery circles, and one-on-one sessions to encourage engagement in recovery pathways.
• Encourages participation in in-facility substance abuse programming, including clinical treatment, educational sessions, and recovery workshops.
• Assists inmates in identifying personal goals related to recovery, sobriety, housing, employment, and relationships.
• Offers guidance on navigating early recovery challenges, including coping with stress, triggers, and relapse prevention.
• Assists inmates in creating personalized reentry plans focused on continuing recovery post-release.
• Connects inmates with community-based services, such as outpatient treatment, peer recovery groups, sober housing, and vocational resources.
• Coordinates warm hand-offs to outside peer support programs and Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) providers.
• Participates in multidisciplinary team meetings and shares insights on peer engagement and recovery progress.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma. Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, or related field preferred.
• Lived experience with substance use disorder and demonstrated recovery for at least two (2) years.
• Certification as a Peer Support Specialist or Recovery Coach (or eligible to obtain within six months of hire)
• Experience working/volunteering within correctional facility preferred.

Certifications and Licenses:

• Valid state driver's license preferred.
• May require additional professional or technical certifications as deemed necessary by management.

Applicants with equivalent experience and/or education may be considered.

Physical Demands: Physical demands refer to the requirements for physical exertion and coordination of limb and body movement.

• Performs sedentary work that involves walking or standing some of the time and involves exerting up to 10 pounds of force on a regular and recurring basis or sustained keyboard operations.

Unavoidable Hazards (Work Environment): Unavoidable hazards refer to the job conditions that may lead to injury or health hazards even though precautions have been taken.

• Involves routine and frequent exposure to:
• Bright/dim light; Dusts and pollen.
• Extreme heat and/or cold; Wet or humid conditions.
• Extreme noise levels, Animals/wildlife.
• Vibration; Fumes and/or noxious odors.
• Traffic; Moving machinery.
• Electrical shock; Heights.
• Radiation; Disease/pathogens.

Americans with Disabilities Act Compliance: York County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires the County to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.

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