Certified Peer Support Specialist (ICS/ BHST)

About the Role

Peer Support Specialists work with individuals, groups, and communities to improve mental health as part of a treatment team. They provide lived experience and expertise that professional training cannot provide, serving as role models to peers.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED required.
• Personal knowledge gained through firsthand lived experience in mental health.
• Current Peer Support Specialist certification; California certifications must remain active and valid.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Knowledge of community resources preferred.
• Bilingual preferred.
• Valid California driver’s license required for staff with regular driving duties; driving record must meet agency insurance requirements.

Essential Job Functions

• Communicate ideas effectively in oral and written form.
• Protect and honor individual integrity through confidentiality.
• Work harmoniously with subordinates, supervisors, and others.
• Instruct in group and individual settings.
• Work effectively with cultural/ethnic diversity.
• Maintain confidential information according to legal and ethical standards.
• Work at various locations, including client homes, schools, and community settings.
• Physical, mental, and emotional health adequate to perform duties.

Responsibilities

• Provide the perspective of lived experience to clients.
• Assist clients with accessing and linking to community resources.
• Help clients and family members with problem solving.
• Provide encouragement and hope.
• Deliver group, individual, and family services for clients, including non‑traditional hours as needed.
• Maintain documentation, record and tracking systems that meet agency, Joint Commission, and contract standards.
• Collaborate with the treatment team, referring agencies, or other community agencies to coordinate treatment.
• Collect outcome data, including consumer satisfaction surveys, as required.
• Participate in community outreach and presentations.
• Implement program goals and objectives to meet contractual requirements.
• Participate in scheduled peer review.
• Prevent and control infection; maintain a culture of quality and safety.
• Effectively use de‑escalation skills and techniques for crisis prevention.
• Administer the C‑SSRS to help prevent suicide.
• Attend all required meetings and trainings.
• Report any suspected child, dependent adult, or elder abuse/neglect immediately to a supervisor or through the chain of command.
• Report any client imminent danger to self or others, or gravely disabled status immediately to a supervisor or through the chain of command.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Employer‑paid life insurance policy.
• Two weeks of vacation, 11 paid holidays, and 12 sick days upon accrual.
• Employee Assistance Plan with unlimited access to professional consultants for money management, family counseling, legal advice, and more.
• Optional 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching.
• Clinical supervision for state licensure.
• Opportunities for growth and professional development.
• Non‑profit student loan forgiveness.
• Annual salary increases.
• Supportive and collaborative work environment.
• Discounts on gym memberships, cellphone plans, and other perks.

Pay

Base Pay: $17.26‑$27.42 per hour.