Peer Support Specialist 1

Symba Center; Ontario (CA); On-site; USD 39,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

The Peer Support Specialist at Symba Center plays a vital role in supporting Wellness Center participants by providing emotional support, mentorship, and hands-on assistance with daily program operations. This includes responding to emergencies, assisting with meal service, conducting wellness checks, and maintaining safety and cleanliness of the facility.

The role is key to fostering a compassionate and structured environment focused on recovery, stability, and independent living.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent qualification required.
• Enrollment in Peer Support Specialist Certification is expected by the 90-day employment review.
• Lived experience with mental health or homelessness preferred
• A genuine desire to assist individuals experiencing homelessness, including those with mental illness and/or substance dependency; experience with these populations is preferred.
• Current or prior experience as a consumer of mental health services, or as a family member/caregiver of a mental health consumer.
• Valid, unrestricted CA driver’s license.
• Certification in Basic Life Support (BLS) from the American Heart Association (AHA) or the American Red Cross preferred.
• Knowledge and proficiency in Google Workspace, including Gmail, Google Docs, Google Sheets, and Google Calendar, is preferred.
• Must be comfortable working in a transitional housing environment.
• Must successfully pass a background check.

Responsibilities

• Ensure participant safety through on-site supervision and regular wellness checks
• Enforce program rules and policies, and respond appropriately to behavioral issues
• Assist with intake, including sanitation of belongings and bed assignments
• Distribute essential supplies (bedding, clothing, hygiene items)
• Conduct COVID symptom screenings
• Respond to emergency situations and coordinate with emergency services as needed
• Support de-escalation and crisis resolution for participants in distress
• Collaborate with on-site security to monitor activity and manage incidents
• Perform regular janitorial tasks (restrooms, common areas, hygiene trailers)
• Replenish restrooms and dining area supplies, monitor laundry schedules
• Promote hygiene practices and independent living skills
• Pack and store participant belongings as needed
• Answer phones, take messages, and assist with daily communications
• Complete incident logs, HMIS documentation, and written reports
• Monitor medication cabinet and review logs
• Attend trainings, team meetings, and house meetings
• Assist in planning and facilitating life skills workshops and engagement events
• Maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality per HIPAA standards

Skills

Genuine desire to help homelessness

Background check compliance

Comfortable in transitional housing

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Enrollment in Peer Support Specialist Certification

Tools

Google Workspace

Job description

Job Details: Job Location: Ontario, CA 91761, Position Type: Full Time, Salary Range: $18.90 - $20.00 Hourly, Job Shift: Any, About Us

Symba Center is a faith based, non-profit organization providing medical, mental health, recuperative care, case management, housing navigation, substance use disorder counseling, and other wraparound services. Our mission is to implement and inspire innovative solutions designed to meet the health and wellness needs of low income, homeless and uninsured individuals in our community. We aim to build partnerships that bridge gaps in health access for this population. Symba Center is systematically seeking to understand the needs of the community, identifying the best approaches to address the issues, and advancing efforts to promote the broader social good. Help us in making our community a healthier and happier place. Here at Symba Center, we are one community with one mission.

Job Summary

The Peer Support Specialist plays a vital role in supporting Wellness Center participants by providing emotional support, mentorship, and hands-on assistance with daily program operations. This includes responding to emergencies, assisting with meal service, conducting wellness checks, and maintaining safety and cleanliness of the facility. The role is key to fostering a compassionate and structured environment focused on recovery, stability, and independent living.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Ensure participant safety through on-site supervision and regular wellness checks
• Enforce program rules and policies, and respond appropriately to behavioral issues
• Assist with intake, including sanitation of belongings and bed assignments
• Distribute essential supplies (bedding, clothing, hygiene items)
• Conduct COVID symptom screenings
• Respond to emergency situations and coordinate with emergency services as needed
• Support de-escalation and crisis resolution for participants in distress
• Collaborate with on-site security to monitor activity and manage incidents
• Perform regular janitorial tasks (restrooms, common areas, hygiene trailers)
• Replenish restrooms and dining area supplies, monitor laundry schedules
• Promote hygiene practices and independent living skills
• Pack and store participant belongings as needed
• Answer phones, take messages, and assist with daily communications
• Complete incident logs, HMIS documentation, and written reports
• Monitor medication cabinet and review logs
• Attend trainings, team meetings, and house meetings
• Assist in planning and facilitating life skills workshops and engagement events
• Maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality per HIPAA standards

Qualifications: Education & Experience

• High School Diploma or equivalent qualification required.
• Enrollment in Peer Support Specialist Certification is expected by the 90-day employment review.
• Lived experience with mental health or homelessness preferred
• A genuine desire to assist individuals experiencing homelessness, including those with mental illness and/or substance dependency; experience with these populations is preferred.
• Current or prior experience as a consumer of mental health services, or as a family member/caregiver of a mental health consumer.
• Valid, unrestricted CA driver’s license.
• Certification in Basic Life Support (BLS) from the American Heart Association (AHA) or the American Red Cross preferred.
• Knowledge and proficiency in Google Workspace, including Gmail, Google Docs, Google Sheets, and Google Calendar, is preferred.
• Must be comfortable working in a transitional housing environment.
• Must successfully pass a background check.