Peer Support Specialist

Peer Support Specialist
Full-Time Position
Location: Paducah, KY
Service Area: Purchase District Health Department Region
Starting Pay: $15.00/hour + 5% increase after successful 6-month probation

Position Overview

As a Peer Support Specialist with the Opioid Taskforce, you will play a vital role in supporting individuals affected by substance use disorders (SUD), including opioid use disorder (OUD), across the prevention, identification, treatment, and recovery continuum. This position focuses on harm reduction, recovery support, and connecting highly vulnerable populations with essential wraparound services.

You will work directly in the community and collaborate with partner organizations to provide compassionate, nonjudgmental support to individuals navigating substance use challenges. This role is ideal for someone committed to meeting people where they are and helping reduce barriers to care while promoting long-term recovery and community wellness.

This is a non-exempt, hourly full-time position based at the District Office in Paducah, with regular community outreach and travel throughout the Purchase District.

Primary Responsibilities

• Provide peer support services to individuals impacted by substance use disorders, including OUD.
• Assist with harm reduction initiatives, including education, supply distribution, and linkage to treatment and recovery resources.
• Deliver wraparound services by connecting clients to healthcare, behavioral health, housing, employment, and social support resources.
• Support prevention and early identification efforts within the community.
• Conduct community outreach and collaborate with local organizations serving vulnerable populations.
• Provide HIV and Hepatitis C (Hep-C) testing in community settings following required training and certification.
• Maintain accurate documentation of services provided and assist with required reporting.
• Participate in required trainings and maintain Peer Support Specialist certification.
Perform other duties as assigned to support Opioid Taskforce initiatives and public health priorities.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Current Peer Support Specialist certification, or ability to obtain certification within the first two months of employment.
• Willingness to work with highly vulnerable populations across diverse community settings.
• Ability to provide harm reduction services in alignment with public health best practices.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation; travel required (mileage reimbursed per department policy).

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Schedule and Compensation

• Full-time, non-exempt (hourly) position.
• Monday–Friday schedule with occasional evenings and weekends based on community needs.
• $15.00/hour starting rate (negotiable based on experience).
5% raise after successful completion of six-month probationary period.

Why Join Purchase District Health Department?

If you’re looking to make a meaningful impact while enjoying one of Kentucky’s most competitive public benefits packages, this role is for you. Our team members don’t just serve—they thrive with:

Holidays & Time Off

• 13 Paid Holidays including Juneteenth, Veterans Day, and two days each for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s.
• Accrual of 3.5 hours of vacation and 3.5 hours of sick leave per pay period, with vacation increasing based on years of service.
• Up to 12 days of vacation and 12 days of sick leave available within your first year of employment.
• Additional leave opportunities for jury duty, voting, and inclement weather, ensuring you have time for civic responsibilities and unforeseen circumstances.
• Supports a healthy work-life balance, allowing you to manage personal needs, family obligations, and self-care while contributing to public health.

Comprehensive Health & Wellness Coverage

• Low-premium medical insurance plans starting as low as $20.88 per month for single coverage, with additional options for family coverage
• Annual employer-funded allowance, depending on your plan ($500 – $1000) loaded onto a HealthEquity card each year (HRA dollars roll over each year, up to $7,500)
• HRA card can be used for eligible medical, dental, and vision expenses, including copays, coinsurance, deductibles, and prescriptions.
• Preventive care is covered at 100% across all plans — annual checkups, routine screenings, and vaccinations are included at no cost
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) available for health and dependent care
• Telehealth and virtual care options are available, often at lower copays than in-person visits. (Including parenting resources, nurse lines, and more)
• Prescription coverage includes tiered copays for generic, brand, and specialty medications; pharmacy expenses may count toward your deductible and out-of-pocket maximum
• All plans include mental health services such as counseling, psychiatric care and behavioral health care

Dental & Vision Benefits

• Dental insurance plans starting at $14 per month
• 100% coverage on preventive care (cleanings, exams, and X-rays) when using in-network providers
• Coverage for major services such as crowns, implants, and oral surgery
• Teledentistry available 24/7, giving you remote access to dental consultations anytime
• Vision insurance available for less than $6 per month for single coverage, with family options also available
• $150–$175 allowance for contacts, frames, and lenses, with co-pays as low as $10
• Covers routine eye exams for adults and children, including dilation, when necessary, to support overall eye health
• Discounts on frames, lenses, and contacts for costs exceeding the plan allowance

Retirement & Financial Security

• 6% pension contribution through the Kentucky Employee Retirement System (KERS)
• Optional 401(k) and 457(b) plans (employee-funded)
• Mileage reimbursement for approved work-related travel
• $20,000 of basic life insurance provided at no cost to you, including Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) benefits. You also have the option to purchase additional life insurance for yourself and eligible dependents for enhanced financial protection.

Additional Fringe Benefits

• Carrum Health: Available under certain plans, access top surgeons and cancer specialists for major procedures, including cancer care, orthopedic surgeries (knee, hip, shoulder, spine), heart surgery, and weight-loss surgery—with most services covered at no cost to you.
• LiveHealth Online: 24/7 virtual visits with doctors, therapists, psychiatrists, and lactation consultants
• LivingWell Clinics: In-person or telehealth for annual exams, chronic care, labs, immunizations, and women’s health
• 24/7 NurseLine & Substance Use Support: Get care guidance, provider referrals, and confidential substance use help
• Tobacco Cessation: Free prescription and OTC aids, online or phone-based counseling programs
• Diabetes & Chronic Care: Personalized 24/7 coaching, education, and tracking tools through Lark and DSMES programs
• Maternity & Family Support: Digital tools, prenatal/postpartum guidance, lactation consulting, and newborn tracking.
• Joint & Musculoskeletal Care: Virtual therapy for back, knee, hip, neck, or shoulder pain via Hinge Health
• Acupuncture: Covered pilot program for eligible KEHP members at UK Healthcare
• Behavioral & Mental Health: Online therapy, psychiatry, and coaching through LiveHealth Online, RethinkCare, and Learn to Live
• Cash Rewards & Wellness Incentives: Earn $25–$850. Wellness engagement can reduce premiums by nearly $500

Ready to Make an Impact?

This is more than a support role — it’s an opportunity to directly influence recovery outcomes and improve the health and safety of communities across the Purchase District. You will work alongside a mission-driven team committed to reducing harm, expanding access to care, and supporting individuals at every stage of recovery. If you are passionate about public health, recovery advocacy, and serving vulnerable populations, we encourage you to apply.