Peer Support Specialist

Northeast Valley Health Corporation; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Northeast Valley Health Corporation in Los Angeles is seeking a Peer Support Specialist to join the interdisciplinary behavioral health team and support recovery from substance use disorders in the MAT program. You will help engage patients, ensure adherence, and provide respectful, empathetic guidance.

The role requires conducting patient assessments, triaging needs, and coordinating with clinicians to support recovery.

Qualifications

• Must possess a high school diploma or GED.
• Experience with the recovery process from substance use/abuse disorders.
• Minimum 2 years of recovery.
• Maintains knowledge of legal/ethical standards in the profession.
• Maintains professional skills through training; complies with CALMHSA mandatory training.
• Complete 80 hours of CALMHSA training within 40 days of hire.
• Pass CALMHSA certification exam within 60 days of hire.
• Flexible schedule.
• Ability to collaborate with patients with empathy and support.
• Excellent verbal and written communication; able to speak to groups.
• Strong business English literacy; modern office practices.

Responsibilities

• Meet the objectives of the community medical center as part of the care team.
• Provide understanding of the recovery process to patients.
• Engage MAT patients, support adherence to their regimen, and treat patients with respect.
• Conduct assessments based on patient needs and triage as needed.

Skills

Recovery process

Communication skills

Public speaking

Confidentiality

Teamwork

Data entry

EHR skills

Spanish language

Driver's license

Problem solving

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

EHR systems

Job description

The Peer Support Specialist (PSS) is a member of the interdisciplinary health care team, which functions to meet the objectives of the community medical center where they work.

The PSS provides an understanding of the recovery process.

The PSS ensures that all patients in the Medically Assisted Treatment (MAT) program are engaged, will adhere to their regiment, and are treated with respect.

The PSS will conduct assessments based on patients' needs and will triage as needed.

Reports to:

Director of Behavioral Health Services and Clinic Administrator

Qualifications:

• 1. Must possess at a minimum a high school diploma or equivalent degree (GED)
• 2. Must have experience with the process of recovery from substance use/abuse disorders.
• 3. A minimum of 2 years of recovery.
• 4. Maintains a working knowledge of legal and ethical standards associated with the profession.
• 5. Maintains professional skills through seminars, workshops, or other forms of training/education. Complies with all mandatory training requirements set forth by CALMHSA.
• 6. Must demonstrate completion of the 80 hours of training for a Peer Support Specialist through CALMHSA within 40 days of hire.
• 7. Must pass certification examination through CALMHSA within 60 days of hire.
• 8. Able to work a flexible schedule.
• 9. A working knowledge of theories and interventions that are utilized to successfully collaborate with patients to provide empathy, support, and encourage patients to initiate change.
• 10. Must have excellent oral and written communication skills and be able to communicate in large or small groups and public speaking skills.
• 11. Thorough working knowledge of business English, spelling, punctuation, and contemporary general office practices and procedures
• 12. Excellent leadership skills and working from a team-based perspective.
• 13. Typing/data entry skills sufficient to meet production requirements.
• 14. Effective verbal and written communication skills to communicate clearly and effectively with patients and others.
• 16. Ability to be flexible and work in a changing environment.
• 17. Sensitivity to the diverse cultures represented among members and staff.
• 18. Demonstrated ability to listen and communicate with others in a professional and caring manner including sensitivity with individuals from diverse cultures and lifestyles.
• 19. Demonstrated ability to set priorities for tasks to work effectively despite interruptions and under minimal supervision. Self-starter, reliable and dependable.
• 20. Demonstrated proficiency with the electronic health record database within three months of attending training session(s).
• 21. Fluency in English (speak, read, and write).
• 22. Fluency in Spanish (speak, translate, read, and write) is preferred.
• 23. Ability to solve problems and make routine recommendations.
• 24. Ability to maintain absolute confidentiality about patient(s) Protected Health Information.
• 25. Current California driver’s license, appropriate insurance coverage and a driving record acceptable to the NEVHC’s insurance carrier (if required to drive on the job).

Northeast Valley Health Corporation provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. Northeast Valley Health Corporation complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.