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Peer Support Specialist

San Benito County, CA, USA

Job Type

Full-time, Part-time

Salary

$45,000 per year

Benefits

  • Health Insurance

  • Dental Insurance

Summary and Objective

We are looking for a Peer Support Specialist to join our team and provide support for our clients as they look to overcome substance use and mental health disorders. Peer Support Specialist responsibilities include conducting support meetings, developing recovery strategies, and responding to patient emergencies as needed. Peer Support Specialists connect with community resources necessary to promote a beneficiaryā€™s health and address health care barriers. Additionally, our Peer Support Specialist(s) must:

  • Be at least 18 years of age.

  • Possess a high school diploma or equivalent degree.

  • Be self-identified as having experience with the process of recovery from mental illness or substance use disorder, either as a consumer of these services or as the parent, caregiver or family member of a consumer.

  • Be willing to share their experience.

  • Have a strong dedication to recovery.

  • Agree, in writing, to adhere to a code of ethics.

  • Successfully complete the curriculum and training requirements for a peer support specialist.

  • Pass a certification examination approved by DHCS for a peer support specialist.

Supervisory Responsibilities

  • None.

Responsibilities

  • Arrange medical appointments, therapy sessions, support groups, and other resources to aid the client.

  • Monitor the clientā€™s behavior, schedule, medication, and activities.

  • Report any unusual behavior, conflicts, or recovery challenges to the relevant professionals.

  • Liaise with family members and medical professionals regularly.

  • Advocate for individual or community health needs with government agencies or health service providers. Teaches appropriate parenting behaviors to individuals or families.

  • Assist families to apply for social services including Medicaid or Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). Interpret, translate, or provide cultural mediation related to health services or information for community members.

Required Skills and Abilities

  • Skilled in the 17 PSS core competencies

  • Knowledge of local community health resources.

  • Ability to effectively communicate with a diverse population and establish trust.

  • Effective active listening skills and social perceptiveness.

  • Bilingualism/Biculturalism preferred.

Education and Experience

  • Completion of DHCS approved Peer Support Specialists training program or be currently enrolled in DHCS approved training program. *Note, must be on track to complete PSS certification program within 6 months of hire.

  • Be a person with personal and/or lived experience with mental health, addiction, and/or criminal justice involvement (e.g., School of Hard Knocks, child of parents or guardians that used substances). *Please note that if you are currently on active probation and/or parole, a cover letter and letter of recommendation from your agent/officer is required.

Physical Requirements

  • Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. May be required to stand for prolonged periods of time, climb stairs, and perform strenuous activity.

  • Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds at times.

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