Peer Support Specialist

Posting Date

09/23/25

Application Deadline

10/10/25

Pay Range

MIN - MID - MAX
$25.00 - $30.75 - $36.50

Job Type

Unclassified

Department

Sheriff

About the Position

The Peer Support Specialist assists with implementing, coordinating, and administering Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) programs, and supports the Health and Wellness Division of the Sheriff’s Office. This position works alongside the support team of trained detention, sworn, and civilian employees who provide peer support to their co-workers during times of stress and crisis. The Peer Support Specialist connects employees with resources, referrals, and information available to help meet their individual and family needs, and also responds to critical incidents and crisis situations, where employees and their families may be affected.

About the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office:

Do you possess integrity, strong interpersonal skills, and do you have a desire to serve your community?  We are seeking passionate individuals to join our team with a variety of openings for Civilian, Detention and Sworn personnel.  The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) invites you to become part of Arizona's leading law enforcement agency where we come together as a team to support and provide public safety. 

Position Qualifications

We recognize your time is valuable, so please apply if you meet the following required qualifications:

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in Social Science, Psychology, Education, Human Resources, Social Work, related field, OR relevant Job Experience.

Experience

• One (1) year of experience in providing peer support, health, wellness or stress management programs and services.

OR

Combined education and experience qualifications

• An equivalent combination of post-secondary education or job-related experience may substitute for the minimum qualifications on a year for year basis.

Other requirements

• Must possess a valid Arizona driver’s license or could obtain by the time of hire.
• Training that may be provided on-the-job: FEMA NIMS – IS100 and 700; Safety; Payroll; PREA.
• Must complete Peer Support Training in accordance with ARS 38-1111 within 90 days of hire.
• Prior to hiring, the Sheriff's Office requires that all candidates pass a background review.

Our Preferred Candidate has

• Experience working in a law enforcement or military readiness setting.
• Experience responding to critical/crisis situations.

Compensation is more than a salary with MCSO:

• Growth and stability since 1871
• Choice of three medical plans – starting as low as $70/month
• Holidays – 10/year + 1 personal day
• Enrollment in Arizona State Retirement System
• Paid sick and parental leaves (birth/adoption)
• 10% discount at KinderCare facilities in the Valley and upcoming MCKids Club to serve County employees and their families exclusively
• MCSO Mentoring program to provide personal and professional growth opportunities for all employees
• Access to free County gyms
• Learn more at Benefits Overview 

Essential Job Tasks

(This is not an all-inclusive list of all job duties that may be required; employees will be required to perform other related duties as assigned.)

• Responds to critical incidents and crisis situations during business hours as requested by the Office and serves in an on-call capacity; provides confidential support and assistance to employees and their families.
• Responds to inquiries and requests for consultations, training, and peer support.
• Creates and distributes program curriculum/materials; implements changes as necessary.
• Serves as subject matter expert on resources related to public safety personnel; researches and communicates resources available to employees and their families including employer benefits (e.g., Employee Assistance Program, EASE program), external community resources, and governmental programs.
• Conducts shift briefings on Health and Wellness information as requested by division commanders or designee.
• Updates the on-call team response schedule for members as requested and provides to Command and Communications for publishing.
• Partners with MCSO Human Resources and the County on subjects including Employee Wellness Program, related resources, and employee concerns and questions (e.g., leave management, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability).
• Maintains current knowledge of related legislation, including HB2502 (Traumatic Event Counseling for Public Safety Employees); researches and communicates updates to maintain compliance.
• Attends peer support trainings and maintains peer support certifications.
• Participates in training for deputy, detention, civilian staff, volunteers, and contract personnel.
• Attends Arizona Statewide Peer Support Quarterly Meetings and other multi agency meetings as required.
• Builds relationships with supervisors and human resources team members to ensure employees use resources.
• Provides administrative support to the department; maintains the Uniform Closet, monitors the Vitanya clients, restocks resources, and assists walk-in traffic.
• Performs other duties as required by the Health and Wellness Commander/Health and Wellness Administrator, or designee.

Working Conditions

Maricopa County is an EEO/ADA Reasonable Accommodation Employer. 

The following environments described are only representative of how the essential job tasks are currently performed or envisioned. As such, in order to accommodate a disability or limitation, the essential job tasks may be performed in ways other than described on these pages
 

Work occurs indoors and outdoors. Tasks require ability to sit, stand, walk, drive a vehicle. Position requires high degree of confidentiality, ability to communicate with diverse groups of individuals and handle traumatic subject matter, as well as ethical conduct and a professional demeanor.

Work environment

• Indoors, outdoors
• Frequently above 90 degrees, rarely below 40 degrees
• Conditions frequently include confined area, stairs or ladders, high noise level, dim lighting, bright lighting
• Conditions may include exposure to chemicals/fumes, smoke/dust, wet/damp area, unprotected heights, and contagious diseases 
   

Physical environment

• Sitting, standing, walking
• Driving a vehicle
• Speaking, hearing, seeing, reading
• Distinguishing colors
• Bending/kneeling
• Reaching, twisting, climbing
• Crawling, crouching, balancing
• Wearing protective gear
• Precise dexterity
• Lifting floor to waist twenty-five (25) lbs.
• Lifting waist to shoulder twenty-five (25) lbs.
• Lifting shoulder to overhead twenty-five (25) lbs.
• Carrying twenty-five (25) lbs. a distance of 100 feet
• Pushing/pulling fifty (50) lbs. a distance of 100 feet

 
Social environment

• Traumatic subject matter
• Interruptions
• Time pressures
• High volume of work
• Handling multiple or complicated tasks
• Be comfortable around weapons and other law enforcement equipment
• Accuracy
• Decision making
• Concentration/vigilance
• Teamwork
• Public contact
• Conditions frequently include emergencies, dangerous environment, unscheduled tasks, frequently changing tasks, isolation, working in close physical proximity with others, overtime/rotating shifts

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of

• Microsoft Office Suite applications
• Program planning and implementation techniques.
• Needs based assessment techniques and activities.
• Mental health challenges and stress management techniques.

Skill in

• Analyzing details and applying deductive reasoning to challenging situations.
• Comprehending and interpreting departmental policies, rules, and regulations.
• Establishing program objectives that support departmental goals.
• Persuading, negotiating, and directing the workflow of others.

Ability to

• Serve as subject matter expert on department and division activities.
• Create and present informative and engaging content to varied audiences.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse groups and individuals.
• Maintain calm and composure under stressful conditions.
• Exhibit a high level of empathy and collaboration.
• Maintain confidentiality with sensitive personal and law enforcement information.

SELECTION PROCEDURE:

The hiring authority will select the successful candidate based on departmental needs.
 
All offers of employment made to new hires and rehires at Maricopa County are contingent upon successful completion of a post-offer, pre-employment thorough background investigation.  A background investigation is conducted on a current employee who changes to a Safety Sensitive Position or one having the potential for serious adverse impact on the integrity or efficiency of the County.  These requirements do not pertain to employees of elected officials who undergo background investigation processes administered through their respective offices.

Typically, successful candidates are hired at a salary rate, up to midpoint of the range, based on applicable experience, internal equity and budgetary allowances.

Minimum Education

Maricopa County is an EEO/ADA Reasonable Accommodation Employer.  

Apply Now!