Lead Peer Recovery Practitioner

About the Role

NAMI San Diego & Imperial Counties (National Alliance on Mental Illness) is a nonprofit organization providing free education, support services, and advocacy to improve the quality of life for everyone affected by mental health conditions. This position is part of the Journey to Wellness Intensive Case Management program, serving adult clients in San Diego County under a subcontract with UPAC (Union of Pan Asian Communities). The team lead provides treatment and services in accordance with Intensive Case Management (ICM) and Full Service Partnership (FSP) fidelity, supervised by the Program Manager.

Responsibilities

• Conduct initial and ongoing screening, assessment, and diagnosis using tools such as ASAM and LOCUS.
• Develop problem lists and effective treatment strategies tailored to client needs.
• Triage and assess clients, provide case management, family education/support, and individual and group therapy.
• Deliver education, crisis intervention, case management, and supportive services to clients and families.
• Review and complete diagnosis interpretation for assessments; ensure problem lists are updated as clinically relevant.
• Provide linkages and referral services to clients as needs are identified throughout treatment, including during assessment and discharge.
• Document all services rendered in a timely manner, compliant with CalAim and other applicable requirements.
• Maintain a minimum productivity rate of 50% monthly.
• Transport clients to and from services and appointments as needed in a personal vehicle.
• Participate in assigned staff meetings and required trainings.
• Utilize evidence-based practices, including Motivational Interviewing, Relapse Prevention, and Trauma-Informed Care.
• Provide culturally competent services and work effectively with transitional age youth, immigrants, criminal justice-involved individuals, refugees, and other diverse client groups.
• Conduct outreach to promote program services as assigned.
• Perform all other duties required by the program’s statement of work and as assigned.
• Ensure all duties comply with CalAIM, County of San Diego BHS OPOH, DHCS State Certification Standards, and other relevant regulations.

Requirements

• Registered with the Board of Behavioral Sciences (e.g., Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, or Associate Clinical Social Worker).
• OR registered/certified by a DHCS-approved certifying organization as a Substance Use Counselor or Peer Support Specialist.
• OR meet education and credentials for Community Health Worker or Mental Health Rehabilitation Specialist.
• Reliable and consistent transportation.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel) and web navigation.
• Reliable and consistent attendance.
• Experience working with clients with mental health and substance use diagnoses.
• Ability to establish and maintain supportive relationships with clients from diverse cultural backgrounds.
• Knowledge and experience working with clients who have co-occurring disorders.
• Ability to work effectively with referral sources, including probation officers.
• Excellent organizational, time management, and attention to detail; ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively.
• Ability to function well as part of an interdisciplinary team through strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and comply with laws such as HIPAA.
• Ability to work well under pressure.
• Flexibility to work some evening and weekend hours during scheduled client activities.
• Certified First Aid and CPR training (including infant CPR) and biennial recertification.
• Must not be debarred or excluded from participation in Federal programs by the General Services Administration or the Department of Health and Human Services Inspector General.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bilingual or bicultural in a County of San Diego threshold language.
• Knowledge and experience with Full-Service Partnership (ACT and/or ICM), SmartCare, and Welligent data systems.

Physical Demands

• Approximately 70% of work time spent sitting, meeting with others, or working at a desk/computer.
• Approximately 30% of work time spent standing, walking, bending, twisting, stooping, or reaching.
• Frequent use of hands to touch, handle, or feel, and reach with hands and arms.
• Occasional lifting and/or moving of up to 25 pounds.

Pay

• Clinician (Associate or Licensed with BBS): $28.49 - $36.46 per hour
• Certified Peer Support Specialist: $25.00 - $32.00 per hour
• Certified Community Health Worker: $21.93 - $28.07 per hour
• SUD Counselor (Registered or Certified): $27.76 - $35.54 per hour