Peer Support Specialist

LA FAMILIA • Merced, CA

18d • $24 - $25 • Hybrid

About The Position

Under the supervision of the Clinical Supervisor, the Peer Support Specialist will be assigned to the Full Service Partnership (FSP) program, providing intensive services to the Merced FSP clients referred by BHRS utilizing the ACT and FACT model of service delivery. The Peer Support Specialist will utilize their personal experience to seek out and engage SMI clients who face significant challenges and are often disengaged and/or underserved with mental health services. The FSP program is searching for someone who is eager to work and engage these clients with humility and respect as a Peer Support Specialist. The Peer Support Specialist will meet deliverable expectations and requirements of the program. 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 or GED required
• 2-4 years plus years of experience working as a Peer Support Specialist preferred
• Possess lived experiences including, but not limited to, experiences of homelessness, consumer of mental health care services, recovery from substance abuse, and stigmatization in regards to various cultural and social statuses or identities.
• Demonstrate a capacity and commitment to work in cooperation with a diverse team of professionals in regards to race; class; gender; sexuality; disability; age; immigration/citizenship status; religion/spirituality; and other social statuses.
• Demonstrate a competency of writing skills effective enough to communicate client services rendered as well as coordinate casework with FSP staff.
• Demonstrate a capacity to collaborate in the context of teamwork, share casework, and communicate effectively so that program operations are executed with minimal challenges.
• Demonstrate a commitment to be teachable as well as receive and integrate feedback into work performance within an effective manner of time.
• Able to work independently with good judgment.
• Able to work flexible hours
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Ability to organize, prioritize, multi-task and adapt to changing priorities
• Knowledge and application of clean technique and sterile technique
• Proficiency in both verbal and written communication in English and Spanish is essential for this position
• Relevant years of experience
• 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.
• 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

• Spanish Bilingual Preferred
• Experience in non-profit and community-based organizations preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct services, including outreach, engagement, referral, linkage, and follow-up services to consumers and their families/supports at their preferred locations.
• Provide services in the field and at various institutional settings and locations in the community, as necessary, as well as transport clientele to necessary appointments and community resources and supports.
• Meets with clients and caregivers/family members on a consistent basis or as needed in the field for the purposes of establishing and maintaining contact, gradually build rapport and therapeutic alliance with clients and caregivers/family members, facilitate client interests in resources, develop and implement client care plans, support and accompany clients through interpersonal and institutional transitions, teach and enhance coping skills, facilitate healthy dialogue between clients and respective family members/caregivers or relevant parties, leverage the interests of family members/caregivers and clients towards common goals, and provide referral and linkage services for clients to specialty mental health services in the community.
• Provide case management duties for clients and connect them to various resources as necessary, including, but not limited to, assisting clients to apply for General Assistance and Social Security Income; initiate and follow-up with referrals to temporary shelters and long-term housing; referral and linkage to services available within Merced County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (BHRS) as well as other necessary community resources and supports.
• Provide culturally responsive, strengths-based, and client-centered supports and advocacy to consumers and their families/supports.
• Serve as role model and to inspire, engage, and advocate for consumers and their family member/caregivers’ legal status and rights.
• Consistently collaborate with mental health and other social service professionals in various institutional capacities and settings to initiate, refer, and follow-up with services in conjunction with or on behalf of clients.
• Demonstrate understanding of emergency situations and response plans.
• Answer patient questions and refer to Providers as necessary
• Attend trainings and participate in events relevant to key responsibilities.
• Track and regularly report on key metrics for the responsible function areas.
• Leads and collaborates on projects supporting Agency objectives.
• 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

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits with 95% employee and 80% dependent employer premium contributions
• 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
• flexible scheduling options, including hybrid work arrangements
• License and Certification renewals reimbursed
• Opportunities for Growth and Professional Development
• structured mentorship and ongoing training

What This Job Offers

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