Forensic Peer Specialist

Horizon Services, Inc. • Pleasanton, CA

7d • $23 - $25

About The Position

Horizon Services, Inc. (HSI), a nonprofit established in 1974, provides addiction treatment and related support to diverse communities, including people from marginalized communities. HSI provides residential treatment, withdrawal management, and sobering programs, and supports clients in their preferred languages. The organization describes its workplace as inclusive and as a learning community grounded in integrity, respect, compassion, and professionalism.

The Forensic Peer Specialist is a key member of the Diversion Triage Center team in Pleasanton, California. The position helps carry out daily program activities and build connections with participants, while supporting organization, structure, and safety for staff, clients, and community members at the center. The specialist serves people with substance use challenges, often alongside co-occurring conditions, using compassionate care, crisis intervention, and de-escalation in a supportive environment. The position is full-time, with pay of $23–$25 per hour depending on experience and qualifications. Bilingual applicants in client-facing positions may qualify for a $2,000 sign-on bonus, paid in four installments after 30, 90, 150, and 210 days of employment, after successfully passing a language test.

Requirements

• One year of client-monitoring experience working directly with substance use disorder (SUD) and/or mental health (MH) populations.
• Basic academic knowledge and understanding of substance use.
• Demonstrated competency using technology.
• Certified as a Forensic Peer Specialist or eligible to become certified; Horizon Services will help with certification.
• Experience monitoring safety and daily activities.
• Experience observing and monitoring SUD clients in a residential setting.
• Ability to remain emotionally stable when faced with hostility or aggression.
• Ability to manage time and prioritize.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain facility cleanliness according to facility standards.
• Client focus, including establishing rapport and providing compassionate and empathic care.
• Problem-solving skills, including using logic and methods to find effective solutions.
• Resilience in a high-stress environment and ability to manage crises and maintain stability during conflict.
• Interpersonal communication skills, including communicating clearly with diverse audiences and addressing miscommunication appropriately.

Nice To Haves

• Bilingual ability in English and Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, or Tagalog; the posting identifies Spanish as BHSD’s threshold language and offers a bonus to qualifying bilingual applicants.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and observe clients’ behavior and activity to ensure they are safe, accounted for, and stable.
• Conduct safety checks of incoming client property.
• Monitor the daily bed roster and census to support client accountability with program requirements.
• Assist with daily meal preparation and distribution.
• Work collaboratively with the multidisciplinary team at the Triage Center.
• Communicate clients’ daily needs and observations or concerns to Health and/or SUD staff.
• Participate in daily shift-change activities and communicate concerns.
• Create and maintain a safe and welcoming environment for clients.
• De-escalate emotionally unstable client behavior.
• Orient incoming clients and provide an overview of the program.
• Attend to clients’ needs while maintaining the daily activity schedule.
• Maintain facility cleanliness and organization, including monitoring cleanliness and performing cleanup duties.
• Prepare bed rolls and basic hygiene items for incoming clients.
• Ensure laundry tasks are completed.
• Replenish supplies as directed by the Program Manager.
• Assist with transportation and emergency response.
• Transport clients to local facilities when needed.
• Respond to emergency needs as directed by the Program Manager.
• Assist staff with referrals and/or transfers to continuing care.

Benefits

• 100% of employee medical, dental, life, and long-term disability coverage.
• 50% of dependent medical and dental coverage.
• Paid time off (PTO) and holiday pay.
• Retirement benefits after six months of service.
• Training and continuing education unit (CEU) opportunities.
• A $2,000 sign-on bonus for eligible bilingual applicants in client-facing positions, paid in four installments after 30, 90, 150, and 210 days of employment following successful completion of a language test.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed