Peer Support Specialist (Public Health Specialist) (Limited-Term Merit)

Full-time position available with the Health Department, Behavioral Health & Injury Prevention Division located at 2400 Troost Ave *Limited term merit will last 1 year with probability of an extension
Salary Range: $22.61-$34.48/hour
Normal Work Days/Hours: Tuesday-Thursday,12:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. and Friday-Saturday, 3:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m.
Application Deadline Date: April 07, 2026


Responsibilities

Position Summary

The Program's Peer Support Specialist offers guidance, education, and encouragement to individuals on the road to recovery. Among other things, the Peer Support Specialist will leverage their lived experience to help participants make informed decisions about care, craft and distribute educational materials, and build trusted relationships with community members and organizations. The Peer Support Specialist will also work collaboratively with clinical teams, social workers, and other support staff to aid participants. Employees in this position are expected to work both inside and outside the office and must maintain some availability in the afternoons and weekends.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Provides peer support to individuals seeking recovery by discussing treatment options, answering questions, and offering emotional support throughout their
  recovery.
• Provides one-on-one and group support to individuals experiencing mental health or substance abuse challenges, sharing personal recovery stories as appropriate.
• Assists individuals in developing personalized recovery plans, setting achievable goals, and identifying strategies to overcome obstacles.
• Connects clients with community resources, including housing assistance, employment services, educational programs, and healthcare providers.
• Follows up with program participants to support their recovery, providing guidance, emotional support, and connecting them to resources when appropriate.
• Distributes harm reduction resources (Narcan, fentanyl test strips, etc.) to Kansas City's most vulnerable populations.
• Aids in the post-overdose investigation process, providing crisis and de-escalation services as needed.
• Engages with healthcare providers, treatment organizations, and community partners to improve the quality of care for recent survivors of overdose and to expedite and enhance the post-overdose interview process.
• Builds trust-based relationships with participants, healthcare providers, and community partners to create a supportive environment for recent survivors of overdose and those in recovery.
• Collaborates with clinical staff, social workers, and case managers to integrate peer support into a comprehensive care plan.
• Advocates for clients' rights and preferences within the healthcare system and other support networks, ensuring their voices are heard.
• Crafts and distributes educational resources about substance abuse treatment, including brochures, pamphlets, and digital content to improve community awareness
• Facilitates skill-building workshops on topics such as coping mechanisms, stress management, self-advocacy, and healthy living.
• Crafts and delivers reports and presentations about the RenewKC Program.
• Documents client interactions and progress carefully, maintaining confidentiality and adhering to ethical guidelines.
• Performs related duties as required.

Qualifications

REQUIRES a high school diploma and 2 years of experience in private, public, or community healthcare, community sanitation, health inspections, health education, data analysis, or related healthcare fields; OR an accredited Associate's degree. Must pass a preemployment drug screen and post offer physical examination as prescribed by the City. Preference given to those candidates who possess substantial training, experience, and/or certification in peer support services.


Other Information

Military veterans encouraged to apply

Why You'll Love Working with Us - Core Employee Benefits (Benefits offered to all permanent employees unless otherwise specified)

Comprehensive Health Coverage
Affordable medical, dental, and vision plans with multiple options and low employee contributions.

Generous Paid Time Off
Enjoy vacation, sick leave, and 13 paid holidays-with accruals that grow the longer you're with us.

Secure Retirement Planning
City-funded pension plan plus an optional 457 savings plan to help you build long-term financial security.

Support for Life's Big Moments
Paid parental and bereavement leave to help you navigate major life events with peace of mind.

Tuition Assistance
Get reimbursed for eligible education expenses-invest in your future while you work.

Income Protection
Short- and long-term disability coverage options to safeguard your earnings.

Life Insurance Provided
City-paid life insurance with the option to add more coverage for extra peace of mind.

Community Volunteer Leave
Take up to 8 hours annually to give back to causes you care about.

Want the Full Picture?
Click here for a complete benefits summary.

URGENT!!! CRITICAL RECRUITMENT INFORMATION

Applications and/or resumes are evaluated on the information received by the application deadline. Please ensure that your application or resume clearly demonstrates how you meet the minimum qualifications for the position for which you are applying, this includes providing all relevant educational dates and a detailed description of relevant work experience, including months/years of employment. Applications and/or resumes may not be considered if information is incomplete.

In order for a resume to be used in lieu of an application the resume must have been submitted online via the City's Applicant Tracking System.

Positions requiring a high school diploma/GED certificate must be obtained from a school/program accredited by the Department of Education and recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education.

The minimum education requirement for positions that allow for experience equivalency for an accredited degree is a high school diploma. Unless otherwise specified, an accredited degree must be obtained from a college or university listed with the U.S. Department of Education and recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education.
For positions with a salary grade of EX6 or higher that require an accredited degree, qualifying professional experience must be obtained AFTER the accredited degree is obtained.
Successful completion of a pre-employment criminal history/background check is required for all positions. Some positions require a post offer drug screen and/or physical.

If appointed, non-residents must obtain residency inside Kansas City, Missouri's city limits within nine months.

The City of KCMO is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and inclusion in the workplace. The City is committed to providing a workplace environment for its employees and citizens free from discrimination based on race, color, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, religion, age, disability, marital status, genetic information, sexual orientation, or gender identity. For more information, please see our EEO Policy

The City of KCMO is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please call 816-513-1908 or send an e-mail to accommodations@kcmo.org .

If claiming military veterans' preference points, you must attach a copy of your DD-214 or a DD-256 (for reservists). To claim veterans' points you must have served 180 days of regular active duty service and be discharged or released under honorable conditions during peacetimes or 90 days of active duty service, one (1) day during "wartime" and a last discharge or release under honorable conditions. (DOD) 38 U.S. Code • 4211).

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• City of Kansas City

• 816-513-1903

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