JOB SUMMARY

The incumbent of this position serves as a Peer Counselor for the Department of Behavioral Health/Clinical Services Administration. Responsible for relying on personal lived experiences (incarceration, and mental health and/or substance use recovery) and knowledge to engage individuals participating in DC Superior Court’s Mental Health Community Court and other criminal justice diversion programs. Purpose is to help participants navigate the court system, to support their progress in diversion programs, and to promote long-term recovery and utilization of behavioral health services. Works closely with DBH personnel, legal and judicial partners committed to supporting individuals involved in the legal system. Coordinates intake appointments, completes forms/requisitions/records, shares participants’ progress in court hearings, and conducts community-based outreach as needed. Attends team meetings for the purpose of obtaining and sharing information concerning changes and developments in behavioral health practices and procedures.

This position IS in the collective bargaining unit represented by SED and you may be required to pay an agency service fee through an automatic payroll deduction.

Area of Consideration: Open to the Public

First Screening Date: November 20, 2022; And Every Two Weeks Thereafter

Duration of Appointment: Permanent

Tour of Duty: 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday – Friday

Work Site: Department of Corrections/DC Jail

1901 D Street, SE

Washington, DC 20003

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENT:

This position requires one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level. Specialized experience is experience which has equipped the candidate with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position to be filled.

LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION

Certified Peer Support Specialist

EDUCATION

High School Diploma or Equivalency (GED)

WORK EXPERIENCE

Experience with providing community outreach and engagement to program participants through outreach, engagement and education.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed in consumer residences, community based facilities or specialized service centers throughout the District of Columbia metropolitan area. Some degree of hazard may be present in working with emotionally disturbed consumers and their families and caretakers.

Position Designation: This position is deemed as “Safety Sensitive” pursuant to Section 410 of Chapter 4 of the D.C. Personnel Regulations, in addition to the general suitability screening, individuals applying for or occupying safety sensitive positions are subject to the following checks and tests:

THIS POSITION ALSO REQUIRES A PRE-EMPLOYMENT PHYSICAL

RESIDENCY PREFERENCE

A person applying for a position in the Career Service, Educational Service, Management Supervisory Service, a line attorney position in the Legal Service (series 905), or an attorney position in the Excepted Service (series 905) who is a bona fide District resident AT THE TIME OF APPLICATION for the position may be awarded a 10-point residency preference over non-District applicants, unless the person declines the preference points. If selected, the person shall be required to present proof of bona fide District residency and maintain such residency for 7 consecutive years from the effective date of the appointment. Failure to maintain bona fide District residency for the 7-year period will result in forfeiture of employment.

COVID-19 Vaccination

The Government of the District of Columbia values the safety of our employees, our residents, and our visitors. In support of these values, if you are selected for this job you must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, which includes all eligible booster shots, except when vaccination is not medically advised or violates your sincerely held religious beliefs in violation of EEO laws. If you are invited to join our team you must submit proof that you are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to your initial HR representative, or you must request an exemption from your representative. New employees must either provide proof of vaccination or be granted a medical or religious exemption before working with the Government of the District of Columbia

EEO Statement: The District of Columbia Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, physical handicap, or political affiliation.