Peer Support Specialist

Seneca Family of Agencies • Atascadero, CA

5d • $25 - $27 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Peer Support Specialist provides peer support and advocacy to consumers of Seneca’s services, both one-on-one and in group settings. Drawing on personal experience navigating systems, the specialist works with youth and/or family members to engage them in services, increase their involvement, and support progress toward care plan goals. The role includes a wide range of activities as part of the support team, individual support, and potentially community awareness and leadership activities.

Seneca’s San Luis Obispo Wraparound program serves youth and families experiencing emotional or behavioral challenges at home. Its strengths-based, family-driven, flexible, and creative services aim to help families develop skills and supports that prevent or reduce the possibility of out-of-home placement. A family-based team addresses the needs of the entire family and may include family members, Seneca therapists, youth counselors, parent partners, facilitators, and other community members.

The schedule is full-time, Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The role is hybrid, combining in-person services with remote documentation. Voluntary on-call shifts are available, and participation in an on-call rotation may be required if applicable to program requirements.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Personal lived experience with relevant systems, such as child welfare, juvenile justice, mental health, or special education.
• At least 18 years of age.
• TB test clearance, fingerprinting clearance, and any other state or federal licensing or certification requirements.
• Valid driver’s license, clean driving record, and eligibility for coverage under Seneca Family of Agencies’ insurance policy.

Responsibilities

• Provide and communicate guidance, expertise, and support to youth, families, and other natural supports in individual and group settings.
• Use engagement and alignment skills to build trust and rapport with youth, families, and collateral supports.
• Act as a collaborative advocate, helping youth, caregivers, and family members understand other team members’ mandates and perspectives while navigating county systems.
• Use knowledge of community resources, school systems, and other mental health services to help youth and families identify and connect with a family safety network and/or natural support team.
• Provide coaching and support related to safety planning, self-control plans, and self-care plans for youth and families.
• Attend and participate in community mental health awareness activities.
• Participate in peer forums, which may include public speaking engagements.
• Complete training requirements as directed by the supervisor.
• Participate in weekly supervision or mentorship with the supervisor or designee.
• Maintain accurate, high-quality documentation and paperwork, including mental health notes, timesheets, expense reports, and mileage records.
• Participate in an on-call rotation if applicable to program requirements.
• Use crisis communication and de-escalation techniques according to Seneca’s EQ-4 model training.

Benefits

• Starting hourly pay of $24.94–$27.44, dependent on creditable experience above the minimum qualifications.
• Additional compensation upon passing the bilingual language proficiency exam.
• Annual salary increases.
• Mileage reimbursement.
• Stipends for staff participating in emergency on-call shifts.
• Medical, dental, vision, chiropractic, acupuncture, and fertility coverage.
• 50% of dependent premiums paid.
• Long-term disability, family leave, and life insurance.
• 403(b) retirement plan.
• Employer-paid Employee Assistance Plan.
• Five weeks of paid time off and 11 paid holidays.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness-certified employer.
• Scholarship opportunities, ongoing training, and professional development opportunities.

What This Job Offers

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