Peer Support Specialist

Caminar; Redwood City (CA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 34,000; Part time

Job summary

Caminar is seeking a part-time peer to provide community-based support to adults with mental illness in a recovery-based model. The role involves flexible 10–20 hours weekly, with morning/evening/weekend options, and requires confidentiality, professionalism, and strong problem-solving skills.

The position emphasizes operating in a fast-paced environment and aligning with Caminar's mission while supporting residents in the Redwood City area.

Qualifications

• Must have a High School Diploma or GED; AA in psychology preferred.
• Experience with computer systems and privacy standards.
• Ability to work 10–20 hours weekly with a flexible schedule.

Responsibilities

• Provide community-based support to mentally ill adults using a recovery model.
• Maintain confidentiality and professional demeanor at all times.
• Schedule 10–20 hours per week with flexibility for evenings/weekends.
• Demonstrate problem solving, time management, and customer service.

Skills

Microsoft Windows

Email

Internet navigation

Time management

Education

High School Diploma or GED

AA in psychology

Tools

Human Service Information Systems

Time & attendance system

Staff training system

Job description

*Program/Dept:* FSP/REACH/New Ventures*Reports to:* Program Director*Classification:* Regular, Part-Time, Non-Exempt*Shift: *Mon to Fri 8:30 AM to 5 PM (up to 20 hours a week).*Position Description: *The peer is responsible for providing community-based support services to mentally ill adults using a recovery based model and systems integration approach to services delivered. Peer’s are expected to work a schedule of 10 to 20 hours per week. Candidates must be flexible to adjust to the needs of a fast paced environment, demonstrate effective problem solving skills and prioritize duties daily.*Qualifications and requirements** Must be passionate about Caminar's mission.* High School Diploma or GED is required. AA in psychology or related field preferred.* Must be available to work morning, evening and weekend shifts on a short notice and overtime when required. Ability to work 10 to 20 hours weekly with a flexible work schedule required.* One year of demonstrated work experience with SMI/DD preferred.* Excellent computer skills in a Microsoft Windows environment including email and Internet navigation required. Experience with Human Service Information Systems strongly preferred. Experience with web based time and attendance and staff training and development system is strongly preferred.* Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality, a professional demeanor and to represent the organization in a positive manner at all times.* Must demonstrate acceptable level of maturity, good judgment, boundaries, and emotional stability.* Problem solving—identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner and gathers and analyzes information skillfully.* Customer Service—manages difficult customer situations, responds promptly to customer needs and solicits customer feedback to improve service.* Oral and written communication—speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations, demonstrates group presentation skills and conducts meetings. Completes written progress notes and other formal communications skillfully and professionally.* Quality management—looks for ways to improve and promote quality and demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness.* Planning/organizing—prioritizes and plans work activities, uses time efficiently and develops realistic action plans.* Adaptability—adapts to changes in the work environment, manages competing demands and is able to deal with frequent change, delays or unexpected events.* Dependability—is consistently at work and on time, follows instructions, responds to management direction and solicits feedback to improve performance.* Safety and security—actively promotes and personally observes safety and security procedures, and uses equipment and materials properly.* Must be a dynamic self-starter with demonstrated ability to work independently on special projects.*Physical, Environmental and Mental Requirements:** Physical: May assist clients with transfers and ambulation including use of cane, walker, and wheelchair, etc. Occasionally required to push/pull objects up to 50 lbs, and to lift/carry objects up to 25 lbs. Frequently required to perform moderately difficult manipulative tasks such as typing, writing, etc. Must be able to walk, stand, sit for extended periods.* Sensory: Frequently required to read documents, written reports, and plans. Must be able to distinguish normal sounds with some background noise, as in answering the phone, interacting with residents and staff, etc. Must be able to speak clearly and understand/be understood using the English language.* Cognitive: Frequently required to concentrate on moderate detail with constant interruption. Must be able to attend to a task/function for 20-45 minutes at a time. Frequently required to understand and relate to specific ideas, several at a time. Must be able to remember multiple tasks/assignments given to self and others over a period of several days.* Environmental Conditions: Frequent exposure to varied office and mixed (residential/office) environments. Occasional exposure to toxins and poisonous substances, dust, and loud noises.* Equipment: Frequently required to use a computer, phone, and fax machine.*Special Requirements:** Must be able to meet and receive a criminal records clearance, as required by Title XXII, other licensing regulations, and Caminar practices.* This position requires driving. A valid California driver license, reliable personal vehicle, current personal auto insurance as required by law, and an MVR sufficient to obtain and reasonably maintain insurability under agency auto liability policies are all essential job requirements.* Must be able to pass post offer, pre-employment medical and drug tests as required under State Community Care Licensing regulations and/or agency policies.* A personal cell phone with reliable service and, if applicable, a data plan to use for business purposes.* May be required to obtain and maintain First Aid and CPR certification._Caminar is a leader in providing innovative client-oriented mental health services. We are an equal opportunity employer. Please visit our web site at www.caminar.org_