Behavioral Health Services Peer Specialist I​/II

Behavioral Health Services Peer Specialist I

Under direct supervision, the incumbent will be responsible for development and on‑going provision of peer recovery and support services including monitoring, informing, supporting, assisting and empowering consumers and family members/caregivers who directly or indirectly receive behavioral health services; developing and coordinating activities, programs and resources which directly support consumers and family members/caregivers in achieving wellness and recovery‑oriented goals; facilitating peer‑to‑peer assistance as a part of a multi‑disciplinary team;

conducting outreach to consumers, family members/caregivers and the community; and acting in a liaison role between consumers, family members/caregivers and community service providers. Peer Specialists do not provide social work, counseling, or psychotherapy. This classification is a for‑cause, non‑exempt position.

• Provides peer recovery and support assistance and mentoring to promote client engagement in supportive networks, natural supports, and activities within and outside the behavioral health system.
• Assesses the unique challenges faced by each client; assists clients in successfully setting and meeting their recovery goals.
• Uses effective listening and motivational interviewing techniques to engage clients in goal setting to promote successful change.
• Serves as a mentor/role model demonstrating competency in recovery, effective coping skills and self‑help strategies.
• Performs after‑hours mobile crisis interventions and evaluations as a member of the mobile crisis response team.
• Provides encouragement, motivation and support to clients seeking to establish or strengthen their recovery.
• Develops effective working relationships with agencies and organizations to advocate for client and family/caregiver empowerment.
• Provides outreach to clients and community members to link them to services and help overcome barriers to participation in behavioral health services.
• Assists clients in building or maintaining personal support networks and in developing social skills needed to maintain positive interpersonal relationships.
• Assists in facilitating peer self‑help/recovery groups for clients, family members, and caregivers.
• Attends and participates in special events, conferences, workshops and trainings.
• Assists in organizing training activities and with providing educational materials on behavioral health recovery for community groups, behavioral health clients, family members, and staff.
• Recommends and makes referrals to appropriate programs and/or services.
• Transports clients to and from appointments as appropriate.
• Performs basic typing and computer tasks, including documentation in Behavioral Health’s electronic health record.
• Documents all activities as required.
• Completes all required staff trainings as assigned.
• Performs other job‑related duties as assigned.
• Facilitates peer self‑help/recovery groups for consumers, family members, and caregivers.
• Maintains accurate and timely documentation of interventions and activities.
• Accesses, utilizes and maintains electronic records and files, including electronic health record.

• Behavioral health issues within the targeted population groups;
• Principles of mental health and substance use recovery and strength‑based approaches to peer support;
• Familiarity with community resources and service agencies, including both private and other public agencies, social and economic problems which call for the use of public and private county services.

• Plan, organize, coordinate and manage tasks as assigned;
• Communicate orally and in writing on a variety of issues;
• Develop and maintain harmonious relationships with employees, public officials, community groups, other agencies and the general public.

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
Possession of a current valid driver's license is required for this position.
Possession of or ability to obtain, certification as a Peer Specialist by an approved CalMHSA certifying organization within six (6) months of employment.
After initial certification, Peer Specialist certification must be…