Peer Support Counselor

About the role

Partner with us in making a positive change! Join a team where your work truly matters. We're proud to have been certified as a Great Place to Work for 8 years by our own employees. We invite you to partner with us in our mission to improve mental healthcare. Job Title: Peer Support Counselor. Division/Program: Merced Crisis Residential Unit (CRU). Working Location: Merced, CA.

Division/Program Overview: Population Served: Serving adults, ages 18-59. Facility & Setting: 24/7 inpatient voluntary program, 16-bed facility. Clinical Services: Rehabilitation/recovery services, including substance use rehabilitation services. Length of Stay: 30-60 day stay. Skills & Services: Pre-vocational or vocational counseling and medication evaluation and support services.

Responsibilities

• Provide peer-based support services to clients at assigned program site, incorporating identified evidence-based and recovery-oriented practices into service delivery.
• Provide one-on-one mentoring, support, and role modeling to clients and family members, helping them navigate behavioral health, wellness, and community support systems.
• Connect clients with resources such as housing, education, employment, healthcare, recreation, and social supports, while collaborating with the treatment team on care and safety planning.
• Deliver direct services and skill-building interventions, assist clients in communicating with providers and agencies, advocate on their behalf, promote self-advocacy, and ensure timely and accurate documentation of services within the peer scope of practice.

Requirements

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent (e.g. GED, HiSET, etc.) required.
• Experience: Personal experience as a consumer in the child welfare, probation, or mental health systems.
• License or Certification: Peer Support Specialist Certification: successful completion of the certification process within one year of employment; Valid California Driver's License required & eligibility to meet agency’s driving eligibility requirements.

Benefits

• Competitive Compensation: Offering a salary that matches your skills and experience.
• Generous Time Off: Enjoy ample vacation and holiday pay.
• Comprehensive Benefits Package: Employer-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage. Additional voluntary benefits to support your lifestyle.
• Professional Growth Opportunities: On-the-job training with access to paid CEU opportunities. Career development programs designed to help you grow. Supervision for BBS hours for AMFT, ACSW, and APCC professionals (where applicable).
• Employee Recognition & Rewards: A culture that celebrates and rewards your hard work and dedication.

Pay

Starting Compensation: 19.08 - 20.08 USD per hour.

Schedule

Working Hours/Shift: Sunday-Thursday, 11:00 AM – 7:30 PM.