Peer Support Specialist

VARP, Inc.; California (MO); Hybrid; USD 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

VARP, Inc. in California is seeking a Certified Peer Support Specialist to provide peer support services to individuals in substance use disorder treatment.

Under the supervision of the Program Manager, the specialist will use lived recovery experience to promote hope, self-advocacy, and community integration while helping participants achieve individualized recovery goals. Duties include facilitating recovery-focused groups, mentoring participants, and coordinating access to housing,

Qualifications

• Must maintain working knowledge of applicable state, county, DHCS, and Medi-Cal regulations related to Peer Support Services.
• Must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Must demonstrate professional telephone etiquette and interpersonal skills.
• Must be able to multitask in a fast-paced environment while maintaining professionalism.
• Must demonstrate sound judgment, confidentiality, empathy, and professional boundaries.
• Must work effectively with individuals from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Must have knowledge of substance use disorders, recovery principles, trauma-informed care, and community resources.
• Must maintain active California Certified Peer Support Specialist certification (or obtain certification within required timeframes if permitted by program requirements).
• Must be free of alcohol and/or illicit drugs while performing job duties.

Responsibilities

• Provide individual and group peer support services using personal lived experience to encourage recovery and wellness.
• Assist participants in developing recovery goals and maintaining engagement in treatment services.
• Facilitate recovery-focused groups, peer activities, and educational workshops.
• Provide encouragement, mentoring, advocacy, and emotional support while maintaining professional boundaries.
• Assist participants in accessing community resources including housing, employment, education, transportation, healthcare, and recovery support services.
• Collaborate with counselors, therapists, case managers, medical providers, and other treatment team members to support participant success.
• Support participants with relapse prevention planning, coping skills, and recovery maintenance.
• Complete timely and accurate documentation in the electronic health record in accordance with DHCS, Medi-Cal, county, and VARP requirements.
• Maintain confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2 regulations.
• Attend staff meetings, supervision, required training, and maintain all required certifications.
• Assist program staff with day-to-day operations as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned by any supervisor.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Multitasking

Interpersonal skills

Empathy

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

California Certified Peer Support Specialist Certification

Experience in substance use disorder treatment

Job description

JOB TITLE: Peer Support Specialist
FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt
DEPARTMENT: Programs
DIRECT SUPERVISOR: Program Manager
POSITIONS MANAGED: None
SALARY RANGE: $20 – $26 per hour
SUMMARY:
Under the supervision of the Program Manager, the Certified Peer Support Specialist will utilize their lived experience in recovery to provide peer support services to individuals receiving substance use disorder treatment. The Peer Support Specialist will promote hope, recovery, self-advocacy, and community integration while assisting participants in achieving individualized recovery goals. Duties and responsibilities outlined below are representative of the position and other duties may be assigned as needed.
NOTE: Performance reviews are conducted annually upon the anniversary of your hire date. Raises and promotions are based on merit, (job performance, work ethics, attendance, etc.) which will be at the discretion of the Executive and Program Directors. Raises are not guaranteed upon review.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide individual and group peer support services using personal lived experience to encourage recovery and wellness.
• Assist participants in developing recovery goals and maintaining engagement in treatment services.
• Facilitate recovery-focused groups, peer activities, and educational workshops.
• Provide encouragement, mentoring, advocacy, and emotional support while maintaining professional boundaries.
• Assist participants in accessing community resources including housing, employment, education, transportation, healthcare, and recovery support services.
• Collaborate with counselors, therapists, case managers, medical providers, and other treatment team members to support participant success.
• Support participants with relapse prevention planning, coping skills, and recovery maintenance.
• Complete timely and accurate documentation in the electronic health record in accordance with
• DHCS, Medi-Cal, county, and VARP requirements.
• Maintain confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2 regulations.
• Attend staff meetings, supervision, required training, and maintain all required certifications.
• Assist program staff with day-to-day operations as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned by any supervisor.

Qualifications

• Must maintain a working knowledge of applicable state, county, DHCS, and Medi-Cal regulations related to Peer Support Services.
• Must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Must demonstrate professional telephone etiquette and interpersonal skills.
• Must be able to multitask in a fast-paced environment while maintaining professionalism.
• Must demonstrate sound judgment, confidentiality, empathy, and professional boundaries.
• Must work effectively with individuals from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Must have knowledge of substance use disorders, recovery principles, trauma-informed care, and community resources.
• Must maintain active California Certified Peer Support Specialist certification (or obtain certification within required timeframes if permitted by program requirements).
• Must be free of alcohol and/or illicit drugs while performing job duties.
• If in recovery, a reasonable period of sustained recovery may be required as determined by the COO/CEO.

Education/Experience

High School Diploma or equivalent required. Current California Certified Peer Support Specialist Certification required (or ability to obtain within required timeframe, if applicable). Experience working in substance use disorder treatment, behavioral health, or recovery support services preferred. Lived experience in recovery from substance use and/or mental health challenges is required. Must possess a valid California Driver’s License or the ability to obtain one.

Physical and Mental Requirements

Must have the mental and physical ability to perform the essential duties of the position. Duties may require sitting, standing, walking, bending, lifting, transporting materials, and occasional participant transportation. May be required to lift up to 25 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.