Peer Support Specialist

Description

Status: Non-Exempt

Compensation Grade: $22.00–$26.00 per hour

Location: 1095 E. Tabor Avenue, Fairfield, CA 94533

Reports To: Clinical Manager

Job Summary

The Peer Support Specialist (PSS) provides Medi-Cal reimbursable Peer Support Services to individuals with substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions. Using lived experience in recovery, the PSS promotes hope, strengthens engagement in treatment, reinforces recovery-oriented behaviors, and supports clients in applying treatment goals in everyday life.

Services are provided under the supervision of a designated Peer Support Specialist Supervisor and within the clinical direction of the Program Clinical Manager. The Peer Support Specialist delivers services consistent with Medi-Cal Peer Support Service components by building supportive relationships, encouraging engagement in recovery, reinforcing coping skills, emotional regulation, wellness strategies, and recovery planning introduced during treatment, assisting clients in applying recovery skills in real-world settings, and supporting successful transitions between levels of care and integration into the community.

All documentation must meet Medi-Cal requirements for medical necessity, timeliness, accuracy, and alignment with approved Peer Support Service components. Services must remain within the defined scope of Peer Support Services and shall not include psychotherapy, diagnosis, clinical counseling, or case management activities outside the allowable Peer Support scope.

Essential Functions

• Provide individual and group Peer Support Services consistent with each client's individualized treatment plan.
• Build supportive, recovery-oriented relationships that promote hope, empowerment, and sustained engagement in treatment.
• Share lived recovery experience appropriately while maintaining professional boundaries.
• Reinforce coping skills, emotional regulation, communication, recovery planning, healthy boundaries, relapse prevention strategies, and other recovery concepts introduced by the treatment team.
• Assist clients in identifying personal recovery goals, recognizing strengths, and celebrating recovery progress.
• Support clients during admissions, discharges, transfers, and transitions between levels of care to promote continuity of care.
• Encourage participation in treatment services, recovery support meetings, and community-based recovery resources.
• Collaborate with counselors, therapists, care coordinators, and other members of the multidisciplinary treatment team.
• Complete accurate and timely documentation in the electronic health record on the date of service, including start time, end time, duration, interventions provided, and applicable Medi-Cal Peer Support Service components.
• Maintain compliance with DHCS, Medi-Cal, CalMHSA, HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2, organizational policies, and ethical standards.
• Participate in required supervision, staff meetings, trainings, and continuing education.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Knowledge, Skills, & Experience

• Demonstrated lived experience with substance use and/or mental health recovery.
• Knowledge of recovery-oriented principles and person-centered care.
• Ability to establish supportive, recovery-oriented relationships while maintaining professional boundaries.
• Ability to communicate effectively with clients, families, staff, and community partners.
• Ability to reinforce recovery skills, emotional regulation, wellness planning, and coping strategies within the Peer Support Specialist scope of practice.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary treatment team.
• Ability to complete timely, accurate, and Medi-Cal compliant documentation.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and demonstrate professionalism.
• Ability to work independently while following clinical direction and organizational policies.
• Experience providing Peer Support Services in residential or outpatient behavioral health settings preferred.
• Familiarity with Medi-Cal Peer Support Service documentation requirements and DHCS regulations preferred.
• Experience working with individuals experiencing co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders preferred.
• Familiarity with trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, harm reduction, and recovery-oriented systems of care preferred.
• Bilingual proficiency in English and another language commonly spoken by the client population preferred.

Job Requirements

• Current Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Certification through a CalMHSA-approved certifying entity.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Valid California Driver License with an acceptable driving record.
• Successful completion of a Fit-for-Duty Health Screening.
• Negative or noncommunicable tuberculosis (TB) test result.
• Ability to successfully complete all required pre-employment screenings and background clearances.
• Maintain all certifications, licenses, and training required by Archway Recovery Services, DHCS, CalMHSA, and Medi-Cal throughout employment.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and climb stairs throughout the workday.
• Ability to safely assist clients and respond appropriately during emergencies.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment, including computers, telephones, and electronic health record systems.
• Ability to travel between program sites and community locations as needed.