Peer Support Specialist (Crisis Walk-in) (Part-Time & Per Diem + Up to $45/hr)

WEA CA PC•Indio, CA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

Wellness Equity Alliance (WEA) is seeking a Part-Time Peer Support Specialist for their Crisis Walk-In (CWI) Center in Indio, CA. This role provides essential stabilization and peer-led support during Sunday shifts, with opportunities for per diem coverage on other shifts. The Peer Support Specialist acts as a Peer-Expert, utilizing their lived experience with mental health or substance use recovery to build rapport, inspire hope, and guide individuals through crisis. The CWI Center offers 24/7 voluntary crisis services for adults and children ages 5 and older, aiming to address healthcare disparities and social determinants of health in underrepresented communities.

Requirements

Personal, lived experience with mental health challenges and/or substance use recovery.
Comfortable and skilled at using your own recovery journey as a professional tool to inspire hope.
Must possess (or obtain within 6 months of hire) a valid Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Certification issued by CalMHSA.
High School Diploma or GED equivalent or higher is required.
Ability to remain grounded and empathetic in a fast-paced environment.
A deep commitment to serving a diverse population in the Coachella Valley.
Must be able to pass a standard background check and drug screening.
Must have reliable transportation to the Indio site for shift starts.

Nice To Haves

Certified Parent, Caregiver, and Family Member (CPCF) Specialization highly preferred.
Youth/Transition-Age Youth (TAY) Peer Specialization highly preferred.
Bilingual (Spanish): Fluency in Spanish qualifies for a stackable pay differential.

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary point of contact for adults entering in distress, using lived experience to model calm and hope while lowering the "temperature" of the room.
Utilize non-clinical, peer-based de-escalation techniques (such as the "Intentional Peer Support" model) to build immediate rapport.
Facilitate the creation of individualized Safety Plans that focus on the participant's strengths, triggers, and preferred coping strategies.
Introduce participants to wellness tools (like WRAP) that they can take home as tangible resources for self-management.
Personally assist participants in navigating social services, housing resources, and outpatient programs.
Act as the liaison between the CWIC and community-based peer organizations.