Certified Peer Support Specialist (GEMS)

NC Certified Peer Support Specialist (NCCPSS) Position Overview Gaston County EMS is seeking a dedicated and compassionate NC Certified Peer Support Specialist (NCCPSS) to support individuals experiencing substance use disorder (SUD) through recovery-focused engagement, harm-reduction services, and warm connections to community resources.

This position works closely with the Community Paramedic Program, including responding alongside Certified Community Paramedics to 911 calls involving suspected or confirmed overdoses, conducting post-overdose follow-ups, and working inside the Gaston County Jail to provide peer support to incarcerated individuals.

The NCCPSS is a key member of a multidisciplinary team who uses lived experience, evidence-based recovery principles, and nonjudgmental support to help individuals navigate pathways to treatment, healing, and long-term stability.

Key Responsibilities Emergency Response & Field Engagement Respond with Certified Community Paramedics to 911 calls involving opioid overdoses or other substance-related emergencies.

Provide on-scene peer support, emotional stabilization, and harm-reduction education immediately following overdose reversal or high-risk events.

Assist Community Paramedics in engaging individuals who may be hesitant or ambivalent about treatment options.

Offer immediate linkage to detox, residential treatment, MAT providers, crisis services, or other appropriate resources.

Post-Overdose Follow-Up Conduct follow-up outreach with individuals who experience an overdose and initially refuse services on scene.

Attempt contact through home visits, phone calls, or coordination with EMS, law enforcement, and community partners to safely re-engage the individual.

Provide ongoing harm-reduction education, motivational support, and information about available treatment options.

Build rapport over time through persistent but compassionate engagement.

Offer linkage to MAT, behavioral health services, treatment programs, crisis resources, or social supports during follow-up interactions.

Jail-Based Peer Support Work inside the Gaston County Jail to provide peer support, recovery coaching, and motivational interviewing to incarcerated individuals.

Support individuals who are initiating or continuing medication-assisted treatment (MAT) during incarceration.

Assist individuals in developing recovery plans, preparing for re-entry, and connecting to needed resources upon release.

Provide warm handoffs to Community Paramedics, treatment providers, recovery housing, and social-service partners to ensure continuity of care after release.

Collaborate with jail medical staff, detention officers, and community partners to support recovery pathways in the detention setting.

Recovery Support & Care Navigation Use lived experience to build rapport, trust, and hope with individuals seeking support.

Provide recovery coaching, goal setting, and ongoing case support to individuals enrolled in EMS-based or community program...