OVERVIEW OF ATHENA
ATHENA Consulting is an award-winning staffing firm serving state and local governments. Our mission is to make lives better. We make our clients’ lives easier by partnering with them as a knowledgeable and reliable staffing provider, and we make our employees’ lives better by identifying and cultivating their talents and aligning them with meaningful public service opportunities. ATHENA values customer service, accountability, and operational excellence.
POSITION SUMMARY
ATHENA Consulting is recruiting for a Human Services Specialist IV – Peer Recovery Support to support Behavioral Health Crisis Services (BHCS) within the Mobile Crisis Outreach Team (MCOT) program. This is a full-time (40 hours per week) position providing peer recovery support services to individuals experiencing mental health and/or substance-use-related crises. The position is based in Rockville, Maryland, with telework eligibility subject to program needs.
Position is currently funded through June 30, 2026. The ideal candidate will be in active recovery and will either already hold an active Peer Support Certification (CPRS) or be eligible and willing to obtain certification through the Maryland Addictions Professional Certification Board (MAPCB) within the required program timeframe. While certification can be obtained after hire, client preference is strongly for candidates who already possess an active CPRS certification.
Title: Human Services Specialist IV – Peer Recovery Support (BHCS Crisis Services / MCOT)
Start Date: ASAP
End Date: June 30, 2026 (currently funded through)
Hours: 40 hours per week
Number of Positions: 1
Hourly Rate: $27.00 per hour
Overtime: Not eligible
Payment Schedule: Weekly via ATHENA’s timekeeping system (Paycom), through direct deposit
Location: Rockville, MD
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Primary duties include:
- Provide peer recovery support during client evaluations and crisis stabilization services for individuals presenting with mental health, substance use, and/or co-occurring crises on a walk-in and telephone basis.
- Support Mobile Crisis Outreach Teams (MCOT) by conducting follow-up with clients and their support systems, including face-to-face, phone, email, and virtual engagement.
- Assist clients in accessing services by coordinating referrals and connecting individuals to public and private behavioral health, medical, and social service providers.
- Schedule eligible clients for psychiatric follow-up appointments with Transitional Psychiatry services as appropriate.
- Collaborate with internal and external behavioral health, medical, and social service partners.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- High school diploma or equivalent is required.
- Two (2) or more years of experience providing human services, peer recovery support, behavioral health services, substance use services, or related social services is required.
- Candidates must be in active recovery.
- Candidates must either hold an active Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) certification or be eligible and willing to obtain certification through MAPCB within the required program timeframe. Client preference is for candidates who already hold CPRS certification.
- Experience working with individuals experiencing mental health crises, substance use disorders, or co-occurring conditions is strongly preferred.
- Familiarity with community resources, public assistance programs, and behavioral health systems is preferred.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Prolonged periods of sitting and computer work
- Standard work hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–5:00 PM (evenings/weekends may be required)
- Travel required
SUCCESSFUL ATHENA EMPLOYEES WILL:
- Strive to be the best in their field
- Represent ATHENA with professionalism
- Solve problems proactively
- Be accountable and follow through on commitments
- Understand client needs and deliver exceptional service
- Work effectively with diverse, mission-driven teams
BENEFITS OF WORKING FOR ATHENASupportive Team Environment
A professional, dedicated team committed to making your work and life better.
Health and Wellness Coverage
- Cigna medical, dental, and vision insurance (eligible after 60 days)
- Long- and short-term disability insurance
- Life insurance
- Supplemental health insurance through LLH (via Recuro)
- Recuro virtual health services (free to all employees)
- Pet insurance
Financial Benefits
- 401(k) with a generous employer match (eligible to contribute on the 1st of the month after 4 months of employment)
- Paid weekly every Friday
- Medical and dependent flexible spending accounts
Paid Time Off
- 15 days of PTO per year, accrued weekly starting your first day
- PTO covers vacation, sick leave, and holidays
Recognized Unpaid Holidays (PTO optional):
- New Year’s Day
- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day
- Presidents’ Day
- Memorial Day
- Juneteenth
- Independence Day
- Labor Day
- Veterans Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
TOOLS AND RESOURCES
- Employee self-service HR portal
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
This job posting describes the general nature and level of work expected. It is not an exhaustive list of duties or requirements. Reasonable accommodations may be available upon request.
Employment with ATHENA Consulting LLC is at-will and may be terminated by either party at any time.
ATHENA Consulting LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on protected characteristics including race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or any other protected category.
#ATHENAJobs-MID
Pay: $27.00 per hour
Application Question(s):
- Are you currently in active recovery and comfortable working in a Peer Recovery Support role supporting individuals experiencing mental health and/or substance use crises?
- Do you currently hold an active Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) certification through MAPCB, or are you eligible and willing to obtain certification if selected?
- Do you have at least 2 years of experience in peer recovery support, behavioral health, substance use services, crisis intervention, or related human services work?
- This position is based in Rockville, Maryland and may require in-person work, travel, and occasional evenings/weekends. Are you able to meet these requirements?
- This is a full-time contract position scheduled Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–5:00 PM at $27/hour. Are you comfortable with these terms?
Work Location: In person
