Peer Support Specialist

AltaMed Health Services; Santa Ana (CA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 40,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental and Vision insurance

403(b) Retirement savings plans withem

Paid Time Off & Holidays

Tuition Reimbursement Program

Job summary

AltaMed Health Services seeks a Peer Support Specialist to provide outpatient peer support to clients dealing with addiction and mental health challenges. The role emphasizes recovery, hope, and collaborative goal setting with evidence-based outcomes.

The ideal candidate has CMPSS certification (or will obtain within 1 month of hire) and a lived recovery experience. BLS certification is preferred, and Spanish language skills are a plus in this in-person, Santa Ana location.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Associate’s degree preferred.
• CMPSS certification (Medi-Cal) required or obtained within 1 month of hire and maintained during employment.
• Lived experience with recovery from mental illness or substance use disorder.

Responsibilities

• Deliver outpatient peer support services to clients with substance use or mental health challenges.
• Advocate for client rights and support goal setting with evidence-based outcome measures.
• Attend relevant conferences/workshops and participate in multidisciplinary projects.

Skills

Empathy

Recovery concepts

Education

Associate degree preferred

CMPSS certification (Medi-Cal)

Tools

BLS certification

Job description

Position Title

Peer Support Specialist

Location

Santa Ana, CA 92704

Description

Grow Healthy

If you are as passionate about helping those in need as you are about growing your career, consider AltaMed. At AltaMed, your passion for helping others isn’t just welcomed – it’s nurtured, celebrated, and promoted, allowing you to grow while making a meaningful difference. We don’t just serve our communities; we are an integral part of them. By raising the expectations of what a community clinic can deliver, we demonstrate our belief that quality care is for everyone. Our commitment to providing exceptional care, despite any challenges, goes beyond just a job; it’s a calling that drives us forward every day.

Job Overview

The Peer Support Specialist is responsible for delivering peer support services in an outpatient setting to clients suffering from drug or alcohol dependencies. The Specialist possesses a deep understanding of the concepts of hope, recovery, and wellness, and can effectively advocate for the rights and needs of individuals facing mental health and addiction challenges. The Specialist demonstrates compassion and respect while utilizing a combination of psychiatric rehabilitation skills and addiction recovery principles to promote recovery. The Specialist collaborates with the patient to define treatment goals and treatment success measures, using evidence-based outcome measures. Through fostering connection and a sense of belonging, the Specialist works with clients as equals, encouraging self-direction, wellness, and recovery. Lastly, the Specialist may attend various conferences/workshops concerning mental health or substance use treatment and may be involved in multidisciplinary projects.

Minimum Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent education required.
• Associate’s degree preferred.
• Have Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Certification (CMPSS) with the California Mental Health Services Authority (CalMHSA) and maintain CMPSS certification in good standing throughout employment OR
• Must obtain Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Certification (CMPSS) within 1 month of hire and maintain the certification in good standing with the California Mental Health Services Authority throughout employment.
• Must have lived experience with the process of recovery from a mental illness or substance use disorder, required.
• Minimum of 2 years of work experience in substance dependence, mental health, or the healthcare field is preferred.
• Strong understanding of addiction recovery practices and trauma-informed care, preferred.
• Minimum of 1 year of healthcare experience is preferred.
• Bilingual Spanish is preferred.
• Valid BLS certification or higher, following the American Heart Association (AHA) or the American Red Cross guidelines.

Compensation

$25.00 - $25.00 hourly

Compensation Disclaimer

Actual salary offers are considered by various factors, including budget, experience, skills, education, licensure and certifications, and other business considerations. The range is subject to change. AltaMed is committed to ensuring a fair and competitive compensation package that reflects the candidate's value and the role's strategic importance within the organization. This role may also qualify for discretionary bonuses or incentives.

Benefits & Career Development

• Medical, Dental and Vision insurance
• 403(b) Retirement savings plans with employer matching contributions
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Commuter Flexible Spending
• Career Advancement & Development opportunities
• Paid Time Off & Holidays
• Paid CME Days
• Malpractice insurance and tail coverage
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Corporate Employee Discounts
• Employee Referral Bonus Program
• Pet Care Insurance

Job Advertisement & Application Compliance Statement

AltaMed Health Services Corp. will consider qualified applicants with criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act and City of Los Angeles Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if AltaMed Health Service Corp. is concerned about a conviction directly related to the job, you will be given a chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report.

Remote Type

In Person

About US

As the nation’s largest Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), AltaMed is at the forefront of providing affordable, high-quality health care to underserved communities in Los Angeles and Orange Counties. At AltaMed, you will have the opportunity to work with a diverse team of dedicated professionals who are passionate about making a difference and supporting our community of over 400,000 patients.

AltaMed Health Services Corporation is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all qualified individuals. We strictly prohibit discrimination in employment based on race, color, creed, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, registered domestic partner status, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, ancestry, national origin, age, medical condition, physical or mental disability, military or protected veteran status, pregnancy or perceived pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical conditions, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal law, ordinance, or regulation.

We are committed to promoting equality and inclusivity beyond our recruitment and hiring processes. We aim to create a respectful, valued, and inclusive workplace through training, advancement opportunities, and access to resources and support. We focus on fostering a diverse workforce because it enriches our organization and improves our ability to effectively serve our clients and community. We encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply and join us in our mission to create a positive impact.

Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

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