Reentry Peer Support Specialist

The Happier Life Project • Lake Elsinore, CA

7d • $26 • Onsite

About The Position

The Reentry Peer Support Specialist is a non-clinical peer role that provides lived-experience-based support to justice-impacted individuals participating in The Happier Life Project’s reentry programs. This position supports engagement, stabilization, and successful community reintegration by building trusting relationships, offering encouragement and accountability, and assisting participants in navigating reentry-related challenges. The role complements parole supervision, case management, and/or clinical services.

Requirements

• Peer Support Specialist and/or Credible Messenger certification
• High school diploma/GED
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience working with justice-impacted populations, peer support, recovery services, or reentry programs
• Lived experience with justice-involvement and parole supervision strongly preferred
• Strong understanding of reentry challenges and barriers
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to build rapport with diverse populations
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Strong organizational and documentation skills
• Valid California driver’s license, reliable transportation, and ability to travel locally
• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds
• Flexibility to work evenings or weekends as needed

Nice To Haves

• Associate’s degree in human services, psychology, sociology, criminal justice, or a related field
• Experience providing peer support in justice-involved or reentry settings
• Familiarity with trauma-informed and recovery-oriented approaches
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred

Responsibilities

• Provide non-clinical, peer-based support to justice-impacted participants using lived experience
• Build trust and rapport with participants to support engagement in reentry services
• Support participants in navigating housing, employment, recovery, community-based services, and obtaining vital documents
• Assist participants with understanding and following through on their Individual Action Plans
• Provide encouragement, motivation, and practical problem-solving support
• Support participants in attending appointments, meetings, and required services as appropriate
• Facilitate or co-facilitate individual and group peer support activities
• Model pro-social behavior, accountability, and recovery-oriented decision- making
• Assist participants in navigating challenges related to parole compliance without acting in an enforcement role
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries and confidentiality
• Document peer support services and participant engagement in accordance with program and grant requirements
• Collaborate with program leadership, housing navigator and workforce engagement specialists, and outreach coordinator to provide person-centered support
• Participate in supervision, team meetings, and required trainings
• Perform other duties as assigned to support program goals and operations

What This Job Offers

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