[Hiring] Peer Support Specialist @City of Durham

Role Description

Work, Serve, Thrive. With the City of Durham. Advance in your career while making a real difference in the community you serve.

Hiring Range: $53,272-$64,766 Annually

Schedule: Monday-Friday 9am-5pm. Temporary with Benefits, 40 hours per week.

*** Temporary Position may become eligible for Full-time hire in July 2027.

In 2022, the Durham Community Safety Department (DCSD) launched four 911 crisis response programs—collectively known as HEART (Holistic Empathetic Assistance Response Teams). In 2025, DCSD has added a new division focused on Stabilization Services. This expansion represents an exciting new phase in DCSD’s development—and a thrilling opportunity to pair alternative response programs with stabilization services that can better support Neighbors.

The start date for this position will be November 16th, 2026.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

The Welcome Home Program supports individuals returning to Durham after incarceration as they navigate the transition back into the community. The team provides person-centered, wraparound support by:

• Connecting individuals to essential resources
• Addressing barriers to successful reentry
• Helping participants work toward goals related to housing, employment, healthcare, and overall stability

DCSD is currently hiring a Certified Peer Support Specialist for our Welcome Home Program. The Peer Support Specialist serves as a mentor, advocate, and resource connector for individuals returning to Durham after incarceration. This role provides individualized support during the critical first 120 days after release, helping participants navigate:

• Housing
• Employment
• Healthcare
• Identification
• Other essential resources

The Peer Support Specialist works closely with the Local Reentry Council and community partners to:

• Help participants build supportive networks
• Develop wellness and recovery plans
• Work toward long-term stability and successful reintegration

Qualifications

• Minimum of a high school diploma or GED
• 1 year of direct lived experience related to justice impacted, substance use, behavioral health, or the criminal justice system
• Peer Support Specialist Certification
• At least two years of experience in peer counseling or related work with diverse populations
• Prior professional experience in crisis response or intervention is preferred
• Strong understanding of behavioral health symptoms and crisis intervention strategies
• Ability to connect individuals to appropriate resources
• Demonstrated commitment to the department’s mission and values
• A commitment to equity, which could include having already attended racial equity training
• Ability to maintain confidentiality standards and ethical practices at all times
• Basic computer skills (digital literacy), including email, electronic records, Microsoft Office, and virtual meeting platforms
• Must have a valid driver’s license

Requirements

• Selected candidates must successfully complete PREA (Prison Rape Elimination Act) training within six (6) months of hire
• Must be able to travel to and from worksite and other locations within Durham
• Must be able to walk or stand for up to 75% of a shift
• A track record of demonstrating initiative and sound judgment when handling ambiguity

Benefits

• Temporary position with benefits
• Opportunity for full-time hire in July 2027

Additional Preferred Skills

• Experience engaging with individuals under high stress, including those impacted by mental illness, substance use, intellectual and developmental disabilities, justice involvement, or homelessness
• Knowledge of service delivery systems including counseling, treatment planning, documentation, utilization review, and NC clinical policies
• North Carolina Certified Peer Support Specialist certification or eligibility to obtain certification; WRAP certification is preferred
• Experience with reentry, peer support, behavioral health, recovery, homelessness services, or community-based programs
• Knowledge of Durham-area resources, including housing, employment, healthcare, treatment, benefits, and other supportive services
• Training or experience in motivational interviewing, trauma-informed care, crisis response, conflict resolution, or Mental Health First Aid
• Strong communication, relationship-building, advocacy, organization, and documentation skills
• Ability to remain calm under stress, maintain professional boundaries, accept feedback, and balance compassion with accountability
• Ability to work effectively with people from different backgrounds and life experiences
• Bilingual skills, particularly Spanish, are highly preferred