Peer Counselor

LA FAMILIA•Hayward, CA

1d•$24 - $24

About The Position

Peer counselors have a unique ability to relate to and motivate clients through the shared reentry experience, providing intensive case management, accompanying clients to appointments, and ensuring they receive necessary services. They will also refer and link participants to housing and health related resources in the community. This role will uphold and champion the agency’s mission, vision, and values and contribute to a collaborative and inclusive work culture. 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 2027: 3% base pay increase Future increases will be subject to the terms of the collective bargaining agreement.

Requirements

High school diploma required and or equivalent
Formerly incarcerated/History of involvement with the criminal justice system
Lived experience 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

Peer Support Specialist Certification preferred.
Experience in non-profit and community-based organizations preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide outreach, engagement, linkage, and follow-up services to participants
Serve as role model and coach to inspire, engage, and advocate for participants and their family member/caregivers’ rights
Support and advocate for participants as they navigate the criminal justice and court systems
Provide culturally competent supports to participants and their family members/caregivers
Utilize Motivational Interviewing and other evidence-based interventions
Accompany participants to appointments and other services
Participate in weekly case management and peer review meetings, and monthly training sessions
Provide linkage and warm hand offs to other community-based providers
Provide quality documentation, e.g. progress notes, and report client progress to supervisors
Utilize a personal work computer to send and receive work-related electronic mail, and access and maintain electronic records and files
Provide intensive care coordination/case management, housing support, connection to community resources, employment support, referrals for psychiatric treatment, and linkage to mental health, substance abuse, legal, and life skills services
Effective team collaboration in order to meet the needs of our clients
Attend trainings and participate in events relevant to key responsibilities
Track and regularly report on key metrics for responsible function areas
Leads and collaborate on special projects related to agency objectives as appropriate
Demonstrates cultural awareness and provides respectful, client-centered care.
Maintains knowledge of community resources for client referrals
Attend work regularly, adhering to policies on absences and tardiness.
Understands and applies legal requirements, including confidentiality and risk management.
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.
Viewed by others as an effective team member who is flexible, cooperative, and willing to assist others, and acts as a resource to team members and clients, where appropriate.
Handles difficult or conflict situations constructively and seeks appropriate assistance.
Accepts accountability and constructive feedback.
Attends all mandatory meetings and staff meetings as required, and actively participates in other departmental professional development, including providing training and consultation.
Develops and maintains cooperative and courteous relationships with fellow employees, supervisors, managers in other departments, senior management, executive staff, and community stakeholders.
Handles requests, suggestions, and complaints from other departments and individuals in a tactful and effective manner to maintain goodwill within the agency.

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 2027: 3% base pay increase
Future increases will be subject to the terms of the collective bargaining agreement.