Peer Support Specialist-CARES

LA FAMILIA•Hayward, CA

1d•$24 - $25

About The Position

We are seeking a Peer Support Specialist to join the team at our CARES Navigation Center mental health diversion program, which partners with Alameda County District Attorney’s Office and law enforcement officers to divert individuals with mental illness and substance use disorder away from the criminal justice system and helps them connect to support services. The team consists of peer staff with lived experience in the criminal justice system. CARES Navigation Center will provide brief respite, de-escalation, assessment, case management planning, resource and referral provision, support and follow-up to individuals who have or may immediately commit low-level criminal offenses. This team will provide services throughout Alameda County. 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
Lived experience working with mental illness, homelessness, and/or substance use recovery
Experience working with adults of diverse cultural backgrounds
Able to work independently, exercise good judgment, and have common sense
Able to work flexible hours
Proficient computer skills
Exhibit excellent interpersonal/communication skills
Must have experience driving a passenger vehicle and have a valid CA Drivers License and clean driving record.
Auto insurance: If your vehicle is used for business-related purposes, it is recommended that you inform your auto insurance carrier.
Must provide DMV printout.
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.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual proficiency in Spanish and English preferred but not required
Experience in non-profit and community-based organizations preferred.
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.

Responsibilities

The Peer Support Specialist will meet law enforcement officers at point of engagement onsite and in the community to assess and transport individuals to our navigation center and to treatment services.
Perform outreach to build relationships with clients using a trauma-informed peer support model, offers emotional support and/or crisis support from shared experiences focusing on connection, empowerment and validation, while maintaining appropriate boundaries.
Engage clients with goal setting methods to identify services, resources, and partners relevant to their situation and to develop action steps and timelines based to increase success towards client’s self-determined goals, and monitor success.
Perform assessments, gather and maintain data for grant reporting requirements; including documenting progress and uploading case records.
Work with team around assessments and individual Risk Reduction Plans for each client
Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings, regular training sessions, and other meetings as required
Maintain contact, as indicated by program guidelines, offering support and resources in limited on-going capacity.
Collaborate with the Program Supervisor and Clinician in daily reviews on a client-by-client basis to debrief and establish service recommendations
Provide complete and thorough documentation, e.g. Salesforce Peer Assessment, progress notes, and report client progress to supervisors and enter into Salesforce database
Work with team to keep the center and transport vehicle sanitized and clean for the safety of clients and staff
Respond to work-related calls and emails in a timely manner
Utilize motivational interviewing and other assigned interventions to assist clients
Must maintain confidentiality concerning clients access and maintain electronic records and files
Maintain compliance with all quality improvement measures and County requirements
Other Assumes responsibility for doing assigned work and for meeting deadlines.
Completes assigned work on or before deadlines in accordance with directives, policies, standards and prescribed procedures.
Demonstrates an awareness of and sensitivity to clients including cultural and ethical beliefs; and implements care in a thorough, skillful, consistent and continuous manner.
Knowledge of community resources for client referrals.
Attends work regularly and adheres to policies and procedures regarding absences and tardiness.
Provides adequate notice to supervisor and management with respect to vacation time and time-off requests.
Demonstrates knowledge of legal issues including client confidentiality and risk management in all aspects of client care and department functioning.
Performs other duties 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.

Benefits

Excellent Health benefits package for you and your family, including: Medical, dental, and vision benefits with 95% employee and 80% dependent employer premium contributions, and 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
Work-life wellbeing & excellent work hours
La Familia understands the importance of work-life balance! Our therapists enjoy flexible scheduling options, including hybrid work arrangements, to ensure high-quality client care while maintaining their well-being.
License and Certification renewals reimbursed.
Supportive/Collaborative work environment
Opportunities for Growth and Professional Development
We believe in growing together. As a team member, you’ll have access to structured mentorship and ongoing training. Whether you’re pursuing licensure or looking to specialize in clinical psychology, we support your growth every step of the way.