Item:
Title
Approval of One Peer Support Specialist FTE for the Justice Services Department
Body.
Date of BOCC Meeting: September 14, 2026
Request for Board Action:
Agenda Text
The Board is requested to approve one Peer Support Specialist FTE for the Justice Services Department. As part of the FY 2026-27 budget process, the Opioid Fund awarded the Justice Services Department funding to support the departments work in opioid use prevention. This funding will be used to create one Peer Support Specialist position. A new Peer Support Specialist will increase the department’s ability to offer person-centered, strengths-based support for all JSD clients. Peer support specialists utilize their lived experience with substance use and justice involvement to aid participants during their recovery process, guide them through the justice system, and help them connect to resources in the community. This staff member will help justice-involved clients engage with the recovery assistance they need, connect them to prosocial community support, and provide transportation to appointments.
This approval is for the FTE only, funding is already allocated within the FY 2026-27 Budget.
Alignment with Strategic Plan: This item aligns with Durham County Strategic Goal: Safe & Resilient Community.
Resource Persons: Roshanna Humphrey, Justice Services Department, Jaeson Smith, Opioid Fund, Dwane Brinson, Assistant County Manager
County Managers’ Recommendation: The County Manager recommends that the Board approve One Peer Support Specialist FTE for the Justice Services Department
Signature
County Manager: ____________________________