Peer Support Counselor

Stars Behavioral Health Group • Joshua Tree, CA

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The Peer Support Counselor uses personal lived experience and knowledge of mental health, judicial, and/or social service systems to provide outreach and engagement, support, advocacy, and direct services to program clients of all age ranges. Peer Support Counselors serve as role models, companions, educators, and advocates, helping clients move toward recovery and develop a meaningful role in life separate from their illness.

This position is with the Morongo Oasis Crisis Residential Treatment program in Joshua Tree, California. The program is a short-term, voluntary, 24/7 residential facility for adults ages 18–59 experiencing psychiatric crises. It provides support for safe stabilization, recovery, and transition back to the community, including therapeutic and mental health services, medication evaluation and support, crisis intervention, vocational counseling, rehabilitation and recovery services (including substance-use rehabilitation), and exercise and health-and-wellness education.

Requirements

• Self-identified personal experience as a consumer in the child welfare, probation, or mental health systems.
• High school diploma or equivalent, such as GED or HiSET.
• One year of full-time experience performing non-professional, consumer-directed services; preferably in a mental health, healthcare, or social services agency serving people with disabilities.
• Valid California driver’s license and an eligible driving record under company policy; must meet agency driver eligibility criteria.
• First Aid certification from an approved provider, such as the American Red Cross, or obtain certification upon hire.

Nice To Haves

• Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Certification, or the ability to successfully complete the certification process within one year of employment.

Responsibilities

• Provide outreach and engagement, support, advocacy, and direct services to program clients.
• Use lived experience and knowledge of relevant systems to serve as a role model, companion, educator, and advocate.
• Support clients in moving toward recovery and developing a meaningful role in life separate from their illness.

Benefits

• Employer-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Additional voluntary benefits.
• Vacation and holiday pay.
• On-the-job training and access to paid CEU opportunities.
• Career development programs.
• Supervision for BBS hours for AMFT, ACSW, and APCC professionals, where applicable.
• Employee recognition and rewards.

What This Job Offers

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