Certified Peer Support Specialist

LA FAMILIA•San Leandro, CA

8d•$24 - $24

About The Position

The Peer Respite Program is a pilot project of La Familia. This program is designed to support individuals reentering the community from various access points, including locked facilities, to address their mental health needs and assist in avoiding future forensic involvement. La Familia’s Peer Respite is 6-bed short-term respite home, run by and for adult participants,with lived experience of mental health and/ or substance use disorders and aims to increase the quality of mental health services for these individuals, and support their reentry and recovery. The Certified Peer Support Specialist will provide housing care and programming to the Peer Respite residents. This could include accompanying clients to appointments and ensuring they receive the necessary services. The Peer Support Specialist will also provide one-on-one coaching and life skills groups to the residents, link them to housing, as well as health-related resources in the community. This position will provide peer support to participants through: participation in orientation and welcoming participants; serving as role model and credible messenger; providing understanding and validation through a shared perspective; providing mentoring, coaching, motivating and/or teaching as participants progress through respite services, education and employment goals; facilitation of direct linkage to community resources with focus on Behavioral Health and Mental Health services; facilitation of groups, workshops, activities; providing feedback for Quality Assurance and strategic planning; complement work of other staff through thoughtful teamwork. The Certified Peer Support Specialist will deliver services that address and improve the quality of resident’s a mental wellness through increasing access to services that support independence. The Peer Support Specialist aims to reduce further justice involvement through their work. Persons with lived experience of recovery from a behavioral or mental health challenge are encouraged to apply. This role will uphold and champion the agency’s mission, vision, and values and contribute to a collaborative and inclusive work culture. We are looking to fill the following shifts: Shift 1: Monday-Wednesday 3:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m., Saturday 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Shift 2: Monday-Wednesday 11:30 p.m. - 7:30 a.m., Sunday 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. This position is covered under the SEIU 1021 Collective Bargaining Agreement. In addition to the established base pay, members will receive negotiated annual increases as follows: January 2026: 3% base pay increase January 2027: 3% base pay increase Future increases will be subject to the terms of the collective bargaining agreement.

Requirements

Must be certified as a Mental Health Peer Support Specialist or be able to provide evidence of certification in progress.
High school diploma or GED required
2+ years experience working with adults of diverse cultural backgrounds.
1+ years experience providing peer mentoring or coaching.
Lived experience working with mental illness, homelessness, and/or substance use recovery
Experience working with adults of diverse cultural backgrounds
Demonstrates and models excellent “customer service” orientation and ability to work with diverse populations.
Exercises extreme discretion with the ability to hold, balance, and transmit public and confidential information needed by various parties.
Proficient in MS Office and Google Workspace products.
Valid CA Driver’s license required.
Auto insurance: If your vehicle is used for business-related purposes, it is recommended that you inform your auto insurance carrier.
Ability to safely operate a motor vehicle
Ability to push, pull, and lift up to 50 pounds frequently.
Ability to stand and move from one location to another daily.
Ability to sit for prolonged periods of time
Ability to visually focus on near and far items, and to be able to switch between them.
Ability to reliably report to work on time and perform the position's required tasks as scheduled
Ability to grasp and carry items
Ability to hear and effectively communicate with co-workers, clients, and the public
Ability to identify potential issues within the workplace, determine an appropriate means of avoiding and/or resolving the issues, work with others to address the issues, and carry out organized strategies for resolving and preventing similar issues in the future
Ability to process information and data for use within the organization

Nice To Haves

Bilingual Spanish/English is highly desired but not required.
Experience in non-profit and community-based organizations preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide outreach, engagement, linkage, and follow-up services to residents
Serve as role model and coach to inspire, engage, and advocate for residents and their family member’s/caregiver’s rights
Accompany residents to appointments and other services with the goal of coaching and promoting sustained independence
Collaborate with the Peer Advocate and Peer Director in weekly case management and peer review meetings, as well as monthly training sessions
Participate in the creation and implementation of the daily program and schedule for residents that shall include a variety of activities, educational opportunities, promote mental wellness, and decrease future justice involvement
Facilitate appropriate supportive groups
Assist with housing chores and food preparation
Provide complete and thorough documentation, e.g. progress notes, end of shift reports, and any other documentation related to general flow of shift.
Timely respond to work-related calls and emails in accordance with La Familia policies
Utilize motivational interviewing and other culturally appropriate interventions to assist residents
Must maintain confidentiality concerning the resident’s protected health information (PHI) in accordance with HIPPA in both the physical and electronic resident records or files
Maintain compliance with all quality improvement measures and County requirements
Work with team around assessments and individual case management plans for each resident
Attend trainings and participate in events relevant to key responsibilities
Track and regularly report on key metrics for performance indicators
Leads and collaborate on special projects related to agency objectives as appropriate
Accurately record work hours each day by clocking in/out at scheduled start, break, lunch, and end times.
Take all required meal and rest breaks in compliance with state, federal, and agency policies.
Review and submit timesheets by established deadlines to ensure timely payroll processing.
Notify supervisor promptly of any scheduling conflicts, absences, tardiness, or timekeeping issues.
Maintain consistent and reliable attendance to support team and program operations.
Follow organizational policies and procedures related to overtime, schedule changes, and paid/unpaid leave.
Correct and/or report any timekeeping discrepancies immediately to the supervisor for resolution.

Benefits

Excellent Health benefits package for you and your family, including:
Medical, dental, and vision benefits with 95% employee and 80% dependent employer premium contributions, and employer-paid life insurance.
Vacation, 15 paid holidays, 12 paid sick days upon accrual
Employee Assistance Plan to support you and your family’s well-being and finances
Pet Plan Benefit:
PetPlus Product and Prescription Discounts, Pet Assure Veterinary Discounts, AskVet 24/7 Pet Telehealth, and ThePetTag Lost Pet Recovery Service
403(b) retirement plan
Work-life wellbeing & excellent work hours
La Familia understands the importance of work-life balance! Our therapists enjoy flexible scheduling options, including hybrid work arrangements, to ensure high-quality client care while maintaining their well-being.
License and Certification renewals reimbursed.
Supportive/Collaborative work environment
Opportunities for Growth and Professional Development
We believe in growing together. As a team member, you’ll have access to structured mentorship and ongoing training. Whether you’re pursuing licensure or looking to specialize in clinical psychology, we support your growth every step of the way.
This position is covered under the SEIU 1021 Collective Bargaining Agreement. In addition to the established base pay, members will receive negotiated annual increases as follows:
January 2026: 3% base pay increase
January 2027: 3% base pay increase
Future increases will be subject to the terms of the collective bargaining agreement.