Peer Specialist (Youth) - Bilingual

The Family Care Network Inc. • San Luis Obispo, CA

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

FCNI is a community-focused non-profit organization in San Luis Obispo, CA, dedicated to providing hope, stability, support, and empowerment to those in need through partnerships with local agencies. We are seeking a Peer Specialist to join our team. This role involves providing support, guidance, and advocacy to individuals interacting with the legal system (CWS, Probation) and/or engaged with Mental Health, Substance Abuse, and Special Education services. Leveraging personal experience with similar struggles, the Peer Specialist will inspire hope, promote empowerment, and facilitate stability. Key functions include building trusting relationships, offering direct peer support, and collaborating with clients and treatment teams to achieve positive outcomes.

Requirements

• High School diploma or equivalent required (for Peer Specialist I)
• Associate degree required (for Peer Specialist II)
• Direct experience working in and/or being the recipient of services from Behavioral Health, Social Services, Juvenile Justice and/or special education required (for Peer Specialist I)
• Four (4) years full-time equivalent experience in a Behavioral Health setting as a specialist in the fields of physical restoration, social adjustment, or vocational adjustment (for Peer Specialist II with Bachelor's degree)
• Six (6) years full-time equivalent experience in a Behavioral Health setting as a specialist in the fields of physical restoration, social adjustment, or vocational adjustment (for Peer Specialist II with Associate degree)
• Must be computer literate with proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and knowledge of database and reporting tools
• Excellent communication skills (verbal, written, and interpersonal)
• Excellent time management, organizational and multi-tasking skills
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail
• Ability to maintain discretion and confidentiality with sensitive information
• Must be able to safely operate a motor vehicle during daytime and nighttime hours.
• Must be able to drive safely in various weather and lighting conditions

Nice To Haves

• Associate or Bachelor’s degree preferred (for Peer Specialist I)
• Former recipient of FCNI services is desired
• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, or a related field preferred (for Peer Specialist II)

Responsibilities

• Support clients in navigating complex systems to access agency services and community resources, including housing, employment, education, health and mental health services.
• Educate clients about their rights and options, empowering them to make informed decisions and assert their needs to access individualized services that enhance movement toward self-sufficiency.
• Provide expertise and life skills coaching on topics related to the client’s needs and goals, including psychoeducation on mental health and substance use topics, such as symptom management, relapse prevention, and developing healthy coping skills.
• Provide emotional support, active listening, and validation to clients in distress, connecting them with appropriate services as needed.
• Help clients develop coping strategies, safety plans, and crisis management techniques to navigate challenging situations and prevent escalation.
• Work collaboratively with treatment teams to integrate peer support into client case plans, contributing a peer perspective and advocating for client-centered care.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of peer support activities, client interactions, and progress, completing required documentation in accordance with agency policies, confidentiality standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Provide advocacy and “peer voice” to state and county-level advisory boards, governmental agencies, or legislative groups responsible for decisions regarding services provided to youth and families.
• Other duties and projects as assigned.

Benefits

• FCNI will cover 75% of employee's premium and 60% of employee's dependent’s premium on the primary plan offered-Cigna PPO Health Benefit, Vision and Dental PPO.
• HSA & AFLAC plans available
• 403(b) plan which allows employees to contribute a portion of their salary pre-tax toward their retirement with a monthly employer match. Eligibility provisions apply.
• 13 paid holidays annually
• 17 days of PTO accrued annually (increases after 3 years of service)
• Mileage reimbursement $0.725 cents per mile

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED