Peer Support Counselor

Stars Behavioral Health Group; Merced (CA); On-site; USD 26,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

Paid CEU opportunities

Career development programs

BBS supervision hours

Recognition & rewards

Job summary

Stars Behavioral Health Group is seeking a Peer Support Counselor at the Merced Crisis Residential Unit (CRU) in Merced, CA. The role focuses on peer-based support, mentoring, and resource navigation for adults within a 24/7 inpatient program.

You will collaborate with a treatment team, document services, and participate in supervision for BBS hours where applicable. Compensation starts at $19.08 per hour with growth opportunities and a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• Personal experience as a consumer in the child welfare, probation, or mental health systems.
• Peer Support Specialist Certification required within 1 year of employment.
• Valid California Driver's License required and eligibility to meet driving requirements.

Responsibilities

• Provide peer-based support services to clients at the program site.
• Offer one-on-one mentoring, support, and role modeling to clients and families.
• Connect clients with housing, education, employment, healthcare, recreation, and social supports; collaborate with treatment team on care plans.
• Deliver direct services and documentation of services within peer scope of practice.

Skills

Peer Support

Communication

Empathy

Crisis Intervention

Education

High School Diploma

Peer Support Certification

Job description

Partner with us in making a positive change! Join a team where your work truly matters. We're proud to have been certified as a Great Place to Work for 8 years by our own employees. We invite you to partner with us in our mission to improve mental healthcare.

Job Title: Peer Support Counselor

Division/Program: Merced Crisis Residential Unit (CRU)

Starting Compensation: 19.08 - 20.08 USD Per Hour

Working Location: Merced, CA

Working Hours/Shift: Sunday-Thursday 11:00 AM-7:30 PM

Why Join Our Team?

• Competitive Compensation: Offering a salary that matches your skills and experience.
• Generous Time Off: Enjoy ample vacation and holiday pay.
• Comprehensive Benefits Package: Employer-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Additional voluntary benefits to support your lifestyle.
• Professional Growth Opportunities: On-the-job training with access to paid CEU opportunities.
• Career development programs designed to help you grow.
• Supervision for BBS hours for AMFT, ACSW, and APCC professionals (where applicable).
• Employee Recognition & Rewards: A culture that celebrates and rewards your hard work and dedication

What you bring to SBHG

• Education High School diploma or equivalent (e.g. GED, HiSET, etc.) required
• Experience Personal experience as a consumer in the child welfare, probation, or mental health systems.
• License or Certification Peer Support Specialist Certification: successful completion of the certification process within one year of employment
• Valid California Driver's License required & eligibility to meet agency’s driving eligibility requirements.

How you will make a difference

Responsible for providing peer-based support services to clients at assigned program site, incorporating identified evidence-based and recovery-oriented practices into service delivery. Provides one-on-one mentoring, support, and role modeling to clients and family members, helping them navigate behavioral health, wellness, and community support systems. Connects clients with resources such as housing, education, employment, healthcare, recreation, and social supports, while collaborating with the treatment team on care and safety planning. Delivers direct services and skill-building interventions, assists clients in communicating with providers and agencies, advocates on their behalf, promotes self-advocacy, and ensures timely and accurate documentation of services within the peer scope of practice.

Division/Program Overview

Population Served: Serving adults, ages 18-59

Facility & Setting: 24/7 inpatient voluntary program, 16-bed facility

Clinical Services: Rehabilitation/recovery services, including substance use rehabilitation services

Length of Stay: 30-60 day stay

Skills & Services: Pre-vocational or vocational counseling and medication evaluation and support services

Learn more about SBHG at: https://www.starsinc.com/stars-inc/

For Additional Information: [e-mail]

Join an organization dedicated to improving lives and supporting those facing mental health and behavioral challenges. At Stars Behavioral Health Group, we are seeking passionate professionals ready to make a lasting, positive impact on children, youth, families, and adults across California. As a leading statewide provider, SBHG brings together over 2,000 professionals across 70+ specialized programs and 60+ locations, delivering compassionate care to more than 40,000 individuals each year.

We are committed to diversity as we believe exceptional care begins with a diverse team. SBHG is deeply committed to fostering an inclusive work environment that celebrates LGBTQ+, cultural, racial, and ethnic diversity across every level of our organization.