[Hiring] Peer Support Counselor @State of North Carolina

Role Description

Please note: This position will be servicing the eastern portion of the state.

The S.H.I.E.L.D. Peer Support Counselor provides confidential, nonclinical emotional support to employees of the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction. Using occupational experience, empathy, and trained peer support practices, the counselor assists staff who are experiencing work‑related stress, critical incidents, personal challenges, grief, or other circumstances that may impact their overall wellness or ability to function effectively at work or at home.

• Builds trust through an understanding of the unique culture, responsibilities, and stressors associated with corrections and criminal justice environments.
• Offers individual peer support.
• Responds to critical incidents.
• Provides follow‑up assistance.
• Connects employees to resources.
• Conducts outreach and education.
• Supports agency wellness initiatives.

All services are delivered with careful attention to confidentiality and professional boundaries. This position works collaboratively with S.H.I.E.L.D. Peer Support Unit staff, Clinical Services staff, agency partners, and leadership to promote employee well‑being. When an employee’s needs go beyond the scope of peer support, the counselor helps facilitate access to appropriate clinical, crisis, agency, or community resources.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of peer support principles and practices, including the role of confidential, nonclinical support within the workplace.
• Firsthand experience of culture, stressors, critical incidents, and challenges associated with corrections, community supervision, and all related public safety environments.
• Ability to establish trust and rapport with employees from diverse professional backgrounds while maintaining confidentiality and appropriate professional boundaries.
• Ability to travel throughout North Carolina and respond to critical incidents, outreach needs, training, and other program responsibilities as required.

Requirements

• Master's degree in a discipline related to the program area from an appropriately accredited institution and two years of related experience; or
• Bachelor's degree in a discipline related to the program area from an appropriately accredited institution and four years of related experience; or
• An equivalent combination of education and experience.

Benefits

• Excellent comprehensive benefits offered by the State of North Carolina.
• Participation in health insurance options.
• Standard and supplemental retirement plans.
• NCFlex program (numerous high-quality, low-cost benefits on a pre-tax basis).
• Paid vacation, sick, and community service leave.
• Paid parental leave available to eligible employees.

Company Description

The NC Department of Adult Correction is one of the largest state agencies with more than 14,000 employees. It is responsible for safeguarding and preserving lives and property through prevention, protection, and preparation as well as the care, custody, and supervision of all adults sentenced for violating North Carolina laws. This department includes state prisons with custody, healthcare, and facility operations staff as well as probation/parole officers who supervise sentenced people in the community.

• Divisions include Administration, Health Services, Rehabilitation & Reentry, Special Operations, and the Post-Release Supervision & Parole Commission.
• We have a mission that matters!