Peer Support Specialist - THRIVE

WELLSPACE HEALTH • Sacramento, CA

82d • $23 - $27 • Onsite

About The Position

The Peer Support Specialist plays a vital role in WellSpace Health's THRIVE program, providing compassionate support and guidance to individuals living with mental health, criminal justice, and/or substance use conditions. Utilizing their lived experience and professional training, the Peer Support Specialist empowers individuals to build recovery capital, connect with community resources, comply with legal requirements (probation, parole) and achieve their wellness goals.

Requirements

• California Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist certification or eligibility to obtain within 90 days of hire (see details at https://www.capeercertification.org/certification/).
• Lived experience with mental health, criminal justice, and/or substance use disorder recovery.
• Strong understanding of recovery principles and evidence-based practices.
• If in recovery, we prefer at least two (2) years of sobriety.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, interpersonal skills, and active listening abilities.
• Ability to develop trusting relationships and support individuals facing challenges.
• Cultural competency and understanding of diverse backgrounds and experiences.
• Proficient in computer applications such as word processing, email, and electronic health records.
• Commitment to professionalism, confidentiality, and ethical conduct.
• Must have a valid California driver’s license, and auto insurance that meets organization’s insurance requirements.
• Must be willing to transport patients using personal vehicle.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment and independently.
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills and the ability to maintain professionalism under pressure.
• Willingness to participate in professional development opportunities.
• Adherence to infection control procedures, including but not limited to standard precautions of temperature monitoring, hand washing, symptom self-monitoring, masking, and social distancing.
• Assist and support the Center/Department/Program to meet standards of High Reliability.

Nice To Haves

• Additional lived experience with the following preferred: military service/Veteran, emotional distress, trauma, poverty/homelessness/housing instability, justice involvement, disability, racism, gender/sexual identity discrimination, child welfare, domestic violence, sexual assault, grief/loss, inpatient (hospital/residential/detox) and navigating youth-serving systems e.g., mental health, addiction/recovery, foster care, juvenile justice, special-education (IEP/504 etc.).
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., social work, psychology, human services).
• Two years of experience working in a peer support or recovery-oriented setting.
• Previous experience navigating and connecting individuals to community resources.
• Bilingual skills (e.g., Spanish, English).

Responsibilities

• Provide individual and group peer support for individuals in recovery.
• Assist individuals in identifying and accessing community resources and support services. This may include transporting clients in the employee’s personal vehicle.
• Advocate for individuals' needs and promote their self-determination.
• Facilitate connections with peers and build a supportive network.
• Conduct outreach and engagement activities to connect with individuals in need of support.
• Provide education and information about mental health and substance use disorders.
• Participate in case conferences and team meetings.
• Document services provided and track progress towards recovery goals.
• Conduct initial phone and in-person screenings for potential clients, assessing their needs and eligibility for THRIVE services.
• Complete intake registration paperwork accurately and efficiently, ensuring all required information is collected.
• Provide clients with clear information about the THRIVE program and available services.
• Refer clients to appropriate internal and external resources as needed.
• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to ethical guidelines.
• Attend training and participate in professional development opportunities.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Regionally competitive salary
• Above-average health benefits at reduced costs
• Paid life insurance
• Long-term disability insurance
• Additional voluntary retirement plan with organizational match
• No vesting schedule requirement
• Paid bereavement leave
• Paid jury duty leave
• 11 paid holidays per year
• Paid time off
• Paid sick leave
• Flexible Spending Program
• Company paid malpractice insurance for all providers
• Professional development hours offered annually

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree