Peer Support Specialist

Job Summary

The Peer Support Specialist provides peer-based support to individuals experiencing mental health challenges, with a focus on promoting recovery, independence, and self-advocacy. Drawing from personal lived experience, the Peer Support Specialist offers guidance, encouragement, and insight to help clients navigate their recovery journey.

About the Role

Note: This position works 3 12-hour shifts per week, including working every other weekend.

Essential Functions

• Support clients in managing symptoms and pursuing recovery through shared experiences and role modeling.
• Encourage client engagement in treatment and personal growth.
• Promote self-advocacy and help clients build natural support systems.
• Aid in daily living skills, vocational goals, housing access, and financial stability.
• Facilitate social and recreational activities to enhance socialization and community integration.
• Connect clients to additional resources and peer support networks.
• Participate in team meetings and provide consultation to providers from a consumer perspective.
• Maintain awareness of client rights, cultural sensitivity, and relevant social service regulations.
• Use American Sign Language and other communication tools to support clients effectively.
• Travel to various community settings to provide direct support.

Job Requirements and Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma or GED required; Associate degree or higher preferred.
• Training Requirements: Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS), BLS Recipient, Right’s Completion of agency-specific onboarding and crisis intervention training, ongoing professional development in trauma-informed care and recovery coaching.
• Experience Requirements: Minimum of two (2) years' experience in the healthcare industry within a patientsafety, patient relations, and/or risk management role accepted in lieu of college degree. Preferred Experience: Experience in customer service, crisis de-escalation, working with adults with severe illness, substance use disorder or intellectual/developmental disabilities, background in recovery-oriented or trauma-informed care environments, experience in working with Electronic Health Record systems.

Job Specific Competencies/Skills

• Ability to remain calm and supportive in high-stress situations.
• Flexibility to adapt to evolving needs and schedules.
• Strong Organizational Skills.
• De-escalation and conflict resolution.
• High emotional intelligence and empathy.
• Clinical knowledge of mental health and suicide prevention.
• Strong time management.
• Strong critical thinking and decision-making abilities.

Knowledge Requirements

• HIPPA
• Microsoft 365
• Recipients’ Mental Health Code
• Medicaid Manual
• Oakland Community Health Network’s Core Competencies

Additional Information

• Must be available for meetings and events which may occur outside of standard office hours.
• Work performed primarily in a crisis center environment.
• The ideal candidate must be able to complete all physical requirements of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation.
• OCHN is committed to building a diverse team and fostering an inclusive and equitable culture.