Peer Support Specialist - SGV Recidivism Reduction Services Program

About the role

The Proposition 47 funded Recidivism Reduction Services (RRS) program serves the area west of the I-605/San Gabriel Riverbed, including Alhambra, Arcadia, Bradbury, Duarte, El Monte, Irwindale, La Canada Flintridge, Monrovia, Montebello, Monterey Park, Rosemead, Temple City, San Gabriel, San Marino, Sierra Madre, South El Monte, South Pasadena, and unincorporated areas. The program is part of a broader continuum of services funded by the Proposition 47 Grant Program and the SGVCOG. Sycamores will receive client referrals from multiple pathways such as SGV CARE clients, city staff involved in SGVCOG homelessness programming, police departments participating in SGV CARE, school districts within SGV CARE, court‑ordered referrals, jail in‑reach programs, and other SGVCOG contracted service providers. Sycamores will collaborate closely with SGV CARE mobile crisis providers (L.A. CADA & Gods Pantry) and Support Solutions (housing support) to ensure effective regional service delivery. The Peer Support Specialist works alongside a Peer Support Specialist Supervisor to provide follow‑up and linkage for individuals in need across the San Gabriel Valley, while also delivering stabilization interventions, advocating for client voice and choice, self‑determination, and decision‑making in treatment, rehabilitation, and support services planning, delivery, and evaluation.

Responsibilities

• Receive client referrals from SGV CARE clients, city staff, police departments, school districts, court orders, jail in‑reach programs, and other SGVCOG contracted providers.
• Partner with SGV CARE mobile crisis providers (L.A. CADA & Gods Pantry) and Support Solutions (housing support) to coordinate services.
• Provide stabilization interventions and crisis support.
• Advocate for client voice, choice, self‑determination, and decision‑making in treatment, rehabilitation, and support services.
• Work with the Peer Support Specialist Supervisor to deliver follow‑up and linkage to persons in need.
• Maintain required licenses, certifications, and adherence to the Code of Ethics.
• Operate company vehicles for crisis intervention and urgent/emergency services as an essential function.
• Meet physical demands including managing/de‑escalating consumers, frequent driving, sitting, standing/walking, fine motor tasks, reaching, bending, squatting, kneeling, pushing/pulling, twisting, climbing, lifting up to 25 pounds, and using near vision, hearing, and verbal communication.

Qualifications

• At least 18 years of age.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum one year of job‑related experience conducting street outreach to people experiencing homelessness; preferred lived experience in homelessness, substance abuse, or criminal justice involvement.
• Self‑identified experience with recovery from a mental illness or substance use disorder (as a consumer, parent, caregiver, or family member).
• If lived experience includes substance use history, a minimum of two (2) years of continuous sobriety prior to hire, with ongoing sobriety required throughout employment.
• Peer support certification preferred; if not certified, must complete required training and pass certification exam or undergo grandparenting process to become certified.
• Willingness to share lived experience.
• Strong dedication to recovery.
• Bilingual preferred.
• Agree in writing to adhere to the Code of Ethics.
• Maintain all required licenses and certifications.
• Valid California driver’s license with an acceptable driving record per agency policy.
• Proof of auto insurance meeting minimum coverage requirements.
• Ability to pass pre‑employment background check, drug screen, and health screen.

Pay

Starting Pay Range: $24 - $26.40 per hour (starting pay will be based on previous work experience and educational background.)