Certified Peer Support Specialist (GEMS)

NC Certified Peer Support Specialist (NCCPSS) Position Overview Gaston County EMS is seeking a dedicated and compassionate NC Certified Peer Support Specialist (NCCPSS) to support individuals experiencing substance use disorder (SUD) through recovery-focused engagement, harm-reduction services, and warm connections to community resources. This position works closely with the Community Paramedic Program, including responding alongside Certified Community Paramedics to 911 calls involving suspected or confirmed overdoses, conducting post-overdose follow-ups, and working inside the Gaston County Jail to provide peer support to incarcerated individuals. The NCCPSS is a key member of a multidisciplinary team who uses lived experience, evidence-based recovery principles, and nonjudgmental support to help individuals navigate pathways to treatment, healing, and long-term stability. Key Responsibilities Emergency Response & Field Engagement Respond with Certified Community Paramedics to 911 calls involving opioid overdoses or other substance-related emergencies. Provide on-scene peer support, emotional stabilization, and harm-reduction education immediately following overdose reversal or high-risk events. Assist Community Paramedics in engaging individuals who may be hesitant or ambivalent about treatment options. Offer immediate linkage to detox, residential treatment, MAT providers, crisis services, or other appropriate resources. Post-Overdose Follow-Up Conduct follow-up outreach with individuals who experience an overdose and initially refuse services on scene. Attempt contact through home visits, phone calls, or coordination with EMS, law enforcement, and community partners to safely re-engage the individual. Provide ongoing harm-reduction education, motivational support, and information about available treatment options. Build rapport over time through persistent but compassionate engagement. Offer linkage to MAT, behavioral health services, treatment programs, crisis resources, or social supports during follow-up interactions. Jail-Based Peer Support Work inside the Gaston County Jail to provide peer support, recovery coaching, and motivational interviewing to incarcerated individuals. Support individuals who are initiating or continuing medication-assisted treatment (MAT) during incarceration. Assist individuals in developing recovery plans, preparing for re-entry, and connecting to needed resources upon release. Provide warm handoffs to Community Paramedics, treatment providers, recovery housing, and social-service partners to ensure continuity of care after release. Collaborate with jail medical staff, detention officers, and community partners to support recovery pathways in the detention setting. Recovery Support & Care Navigation Use lived experience to build rapport, trust, and hope with individuals seeking support. Provide recovery coaching, goal setting, and ongoing case support to individuals enrolled in EMS-based or community programs. Connect individuals with MAT providers, mental health resources, harm-reduction supplies, housing support, transportation assistance, and social services. Help individuals overcome barriers to accessing care, including stigma, transportation issues, or limited resources. Support individuals transitioning from jail, detox facilities, treatment programs, or crisis settings back into the community. Documentation & Coordination Complete timely and accurate documentation of all encounters per agency policy and grant requirements. Collaborate with Community Paramedics, healthcare partners, jail staff, hospitals, and community agencies to coordinate care. Participate in multi-agency case reviews, trainings, program meetings, and quality-improvement efforts. Contribute feedback and insight to support ongoing program development and service expansion. Education, Outreach & Harm Reduction Participate in harm-reduction initiatives including naloxone distribution, fentanyl/xylazine test strip education, and wound-care kit distribution. Assist with community trainings, outreach events, and education campaigns. May be required to assist with teaching educational classes focused on recovery, substance use education, harm reduction, and community awareness. Provide guidance to family members and support networks as they navigate addiction, recovery, and high-risk situations. Required Qualifications High school diploma or GED Current NC Certified Peer Support Specialist (NCCPSS) certification. Lived experience in recovery from substance use disorder with at least one year of sustained recovery. Valid NC/SC drivers license, ability to pass background screening and drug screen. Strong communication skills, empathy, professionalism, and ability to work with diverse populations. Ability to work in dynamic and sometimes high-stress environments including overdose scenes, community settings, and detention facilities. Willingness to complete agency-specific onboarding and safety training. Preferred Qualifications Experience in harm reduction, behavioral health, EMS, recovery programs, or corrections. Knowledge of medication-assisted treatment (MAT), trauma-informed care, and motivational interviewing. Familiarity with local treatment providers, support groups, and community resource networks. Work Environment Field-based position requiring work in the community, patients homes, recovery settings, and inside the Gaston County Jail. May involve exposure to emotionally challenging situations, with strong supervision and support provided by the Community Paramedic leadership team. Work hours may vary based on community need, 911 call volume, and jail-based responsibilities. Work Schedule Normal work schedule will primarily be Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m. Evening hours will be required for teaching education classes/late calls, and expanded evening coverage. Some weekend coverage will be required for community-sponsored events. Summary The NC Certified Peer Support Specialist plays a vital role in supporting individuals with substance use disorder throughout Gaston County. By responding to 911 overdose calls with Community Paramedics, conducting persistent post-overdose follow-up, providing in-jail peer support, and assisting with recovery and education initiatives, this position helps reduce overdose deaths, improve continuity of care, and strengthen recovery opportunities across the community.