SHIELD Peer Support Counselor (Eastern Region)

Agency Adult Correction Division Human Resources Job Classification Title Human Services Program Consultant I (S) Position Number 65035824 Grade NC14 About Us The NC Department of Adult Correction is one of the largest state agencies with more than 14,000 employees. It is responsible for safeguarding and preserving lives and property through prevention, protection, and preparation as well as the care, custody, and supervision of all adults sentenced for violating North Carolina laws. This department includes state prisons with custody, healthcare, and facility operations staff as well as probation/parole officers who supervised sentenced people in the community. Other divisions include Administration, Health Services, Rehabilitation & Reentry, Special Operations and the Post-Release Supervision & Parole Commission. We have a mission that matters! Description of Work **Please note: This position will be servicing the eastern portion of the state. The S.H.I.E.L.D. Peer Support Counselor provides confidential, nonclinical emotional support to employees of the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction. Using occupational experience, empathy, and trained peer support practices, the counselor assists staff who are experiencing work‑related stress, critical incidents, personal challenges, grief, or other circumstances that may impact their overall wellness or ability to function effectively at work or at home. The Peer Support Counselor builds trust through an understanding of the unique culture, responsibilities, and stressors associated with corrections and criminal justice environments. Core responsibilities include offering individual peer support, responding to critical incidents, providing follow‑up assistance, connecting employees to resources, conducting outreach and education, and supporting agency wellness initiatives. All services are delivered with careful attention to confidentiality and professional boundaries. This position works collaboratively with S.H.I.E.L.D. Peer Support Unit staff, Clinical Services staff, agency partners, and leadership to promote employee well‑being. When an employee’s needs go beyond the scope of peer support, the counselor helps facilitate access to appropriate clinical, crisis, agency, or community resources. Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences Salary Range: $52,592 - $92,036 The Knowledge Skills and Abilities/ Management Preferences are not required. Candidates now meet the minimum qualifications of a position if they meet the minimum education and experience listed on the vacancy announcement. Applicants who possess the following skills are preferred: Knowledge of peer support principles and practices, including the role of confidential, nonclinical support within the workplace. Firsthand experience of culture, stressors, critical incidents, and challenges associated with corrections, community supervision, and all related public safety environments. Ability to establish trust and rapport with employees from diverse professional backgrounds while maintaining confidentiality and appropriate professional boundaries. Ability to travel throughout North Carolina and respond to critical incidents, outreach needs, training, and other program responsibilities as required. This posting will close at 11:59 p.m. the night before the end date. About SHIELD S.H.I.E.L.D. provides confidential, non emergent support services to North Carolina Department of Adult Correction employees. These services include a combination of coordinated behavioral health and peer support initiatives focused on wellness to support professional and personal efficacy. S.H.I.E.L.D. exists to improve the overall health, wellness, and performance of the correctional workforce. Compensation & Benefits: The State of North Carolina offers excellent comprehensive benefits.  Employees can participate in health insurance options, standard and supplemental retirement plans, and the NCFlex program (numerous high-quality, low-cost benefits on a pre-tax basis).  Employees also receive paid vacation, sick, and community service leave.  In addition, paid parental leave is available to eligible employees.   Visit website for  State Benefits . Supplemental and Contact Information The North Carolina Department of Adult Correction (DAC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer that embraces an Employment First philosophy, which consists of complying with all federal laws, state laws, and Executive Orders.  We are committed to reviewing requests for reasonable accommodation at any time during the hiring process or while on the job.  For more information about DAC:  https://www.dac.nc.gov/ . DAC uses the Merit-Based Recruitment and Selection Plan to fill positions subject to the State Human Resources Act with the most qualified individuals.  Hiring salary will be based on relevant qualifications, internal equity, and budgetary considerations pertinent to the advertised position. In accordance with the Governor’s Executive Order 303 , our agency supports second-chance employment for individuals who were previously incarcerated or justice-involved.  We invite all potential applicants to apply for positions for which they may be qualified. Application Process Be sure to complete the application in its entirety.   Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing this application.   Information should be provided in the appropriate areas, to include the following: Education, including high school and all degrees obtained, Work Experience, and Certificates & Licenses. It is critical to our screening and salary determination process that applications contain comprehensive candidate information. Answers to Supplemental Questions are not a substitute for providing all relevant information within the body of your application. To receive credit for the supplemental questions, you must provide supporting information within the "Work Experience