Forensic Recovery Peer Specialist

Project 180; Palmdale (CA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Project 180 is seeking a Peer Recovery Specialist to join our multidisciplinary team, providing recovery-oriented services to individuals with a forensic background using lived experience. You will engage clients, support skill-building, and help access behavioral health services, housing, and community resources.

This position involves outreach, coordination with DMH and probation partners, and field-based wraparound services.

Qualifications

• Lived experience with mental health and/or substance use recovery and willingness to share recovery experience.
• California Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Certification is required upon hire or must be obtained within 90 days of start date.
• Experience working with culturally diverse populations.
• Valid CA driver’s license, proof of insurance and own vehicle required. Ability to transport clients in their personal vehicle.
• Must not be on any type of legal supervision (probation or parole).
• Verification of Employment Eligibility and Background Check.
• Basic computer skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide peer-to-peer support and counseling drawing from lived experience.
• Actively engage clients in services through rapport-building, consistent contact, and motivational interviewing; provide outreach as needed.
• Maintain a visible, supportive clinic presence with check-ins and hand-offs to team members.
• Respond to and deescalate behavioral health situations using trauma-informed approaches.
• Provide individual and group psychoeducation related to recovery skills.
• Coordinate with the treatment team to ensure client safety and recovery-focused planning.
• Develop community living skills and build natural supports; link clients to resources and accompany to appointments.
• Collaborate with external partners (DMH, probation, etc.) to ensure integrated care and continuity.
• Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings; perform outreach in community settings; maintain safety and risk management.
• Maintain comprehensive case notes and billing records; participate in data collection and mandated reporting.
• Greet clients, manage facility entrance, respond to inquiries, and coordinate with staff and law enforcement as needed.
• Maintain active license/registrations and uphold agency mission and values.

Skills

Empathetic

Communication

Culturally competent

Deescalation

Customer service

Collaborative

Adaptive

Critical thinking

Detail-oriented

Education

California Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Certification

Job description

Project 180 is seeking a Peer Recovery Specialist to join our multidisciplinary team, providing recovery-oriented services to individuals with a forensic background using lived experience. You will engage clients, support skill-building, and help access behavioral health services, housing, and community resources.

This position involves outreach, coordination with DMH and probation partners, and field-based wraparound services.