DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: This position within the Sheriff’s Department works with the High-Risk Mitigation Team (HRMT) to identify and provide peer support and engagement services for persistent high-risk opioid/substance users. Through sharing personal experiences, the incumbent will serve as a mentor, advocate and motivator to recovering individuals in order to help prevent relapse and promote long-term recovery. The work is carried out under the general supervision of the Opioid Use Disorder Systems Specialist with some leeway allowed in the conduct of the work. Supervision is not normally a function of this class. Does related work as required.
FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:  Working knowledge of the role of Peer Services in the recovery process; working knowledge of the various agencies providing intervention and therapeutic services to opioid/substance abusers; ability to work cooperatively and effectively with professional colleagues and other professional groups; ability to establish a rapport with substance abuse clients, educators, mental health professionals, criminal justice officials and the general public; ability to serve as a positive role model and motivate clients; ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions; ability to maintain confidentiality; good judgement in dealing with people; tact.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
A.    Graduation from an accredited college or university with an Associate’s Degree in Human Services, Substance Use Counseling, Sociology or Psychology; OR
B.     Graduation from high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma and possession of a Certified Recovery Peer Advocate-Provisional certification (CRPA-P) and two (2) years of full-time or its part-time equivalent work experience in substance abuse, human services, case management or community-based prevention work in a recognized agency adhering to acceptable standards.
Special Requirement: Current Credentialed Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor Certification and/or certification as a Certified Recovery Peer Advocate, as recognized by the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (NYS OASAS).  The incumbent must maintain said certification throughout employment.

Special Requirement for appointment to Ulster County positions: In accordance with Ulster County Legislative Local Law Number 14 of 2007 or by other State and Federal Statutes, candidates for employment to all Ulster County positions must obtain clearance for appointment from the Department of Criminal Justice System or other mandated Federal and State regulatory authority based upon fingerprinting and a criminal history background check.
If this is an Ulster County position it will require a criminal background check and a candidate will be required to complete and sign a Criminal Background Investigation Release Form. Upon a conditional employment offer, a candidate will be required to be fingerprinted accordingly.
ULSTER COUNTY IS AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, gender, creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, marital status, veteran status, disabled veteran status, or status as a member of any other protected group or activity.