Peer Support Specialist - SGV Recidivism Reduction Services Program

Sycamores; Altadena (CA); Hybrid; USD 50,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Sycamores is seeking a Peer Support Specialist to provide critical services in the San Gabriel Valley area. The role involves outreach, advocating for clients, and collaborating with various service providers to ensure effective support. Candidates must have a strong dedication to recovery and some job-related experience in homelessness or substance abuse.

The starting pay ranges from $24 to $26.40 per hour, based on experience and qualifications. Candidates must be willing to share their lived experiences and comply with agency policy regarding driving and certifications.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Preferred one year of job-related experience.
• Self-identified experience with mental illness or substance use recovery.

Responsibilities

• Provide follow-up and linkage to individuals in need.
• Advocate for client choice and self-determination.
• Maintain necessary licenses and certifications.

Skills

Conducting street outreach

Experience in homelessness or substance abuse

Certification in peer support

Strong dedication to recovery

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Job Description

Posted Wednesday, July 1, 2026 at 10:00 AM

JOB SUMMARY: The Proposition 47 funded Recidivism Reduction Services (RRS) program will provide services west of the I-605/San Gabriel Riverbed: Alhambra, Arcadia, Bradbury, Duarte, El Monte, Irwindale, La Canada Flintridge, Monrovia, Montebello, Monterey Park, Rosemead, Temple City, San Gabriel, San Marino, Sierra Madre, South El Monte, South Pasadena and unincorporated areas. The anti-recidivism programming will be part of a greater continuum of services funded by the Proposition 47 Grant Program and the SGVCOG. Sycamores will play a vital role in receiving client referrals from several different pathways including: SGV CARE clients; City staff participating in the SGVCOG’s homelessness programming; Police Departments participating in the SGV CARE program; School Districts within the SGV CARE program; Court ordered program referrals; Jail in-reach programs; and Other SGVCOG contracted service providers. Sycamores will work closely with SGV CARE (mobile crisis) service providers including L.A. CADA & Gods Pantry, as well as Support Solutions who will be providing housing support, to ensure that the Program is effectively serving the region.

Peer Support Specialist is partnered with the Peer Support Specialist Supervisor who jointly provides follow up and linkage to persons in need within the San Gabriel Valley. The team is also responsible for providing additional stabilization interventions, advocating for client voice and choice, self-determination, and decision‑making in the planning, delivery, and evaluation of treatment, rehabilitation, and support services.

Starting Pay Range:

$24 - $26.40 per hour (starting pay will be based on previous work experience and educational background.)

Job Qualifications

• Be at least 18 years of age.
• Possess a high school diploma or equivalent degree.
• At least one year of job‑related experience conducting street outreach to people experiencing homelessness and preferably have previous lived experience in homelessness, substance abuse, or criminal justice involvement preferred.
• Be self‑identified as having experience with the process of recovery from a mental illness or substance use disorder, either as a consumer of these services or as the parent, caregiver, or family member of a consumer. If the lived experience includes a history of substance use, a minimum of two (2) years of continuous sobriety prior to the date of employment is required, and ongoing sobriety must be maintained throughout the duration of employment.
• Certification in peer support is preferred but not required. If not certified, upon hire successfully complete the training requirements for a peer support specialist and pass the certification examination or go through the grandparenting process to become certified.
• Be willing to share their lived experience.
• Have a strong dedication to recovery.
• Agree, in writing, to adhere to the Code of Ethics.
• Maintains all required licenses and certifications.
• As this position requires the driving of company vehicles for crisis intervention, including the provision of urgent or emergency services, driving is an essential function of this position. Candidate qualifications therefore include:
• Acceptable driving record as determined Agency policy.
• Proof of auto insurance meeting minimum coverage requirements.

Physical Demands

• The ability to physically manage and/or de‑escalate consumers/residents.
• Frequent driving to various work site locations.
• Frequent/continuous sitting with occasional, intermittent standing/walking.
• Continuous use of bilateral upper extremities in fine motor activities requiring fingering, grasping, and forward reaching between waist and chest level.
• Occasional/intermittent reaching at or above shoulder level.
• Occasional/intermittent bending, squatting, kneeling, pushing/pulling, twisting, and climbing.
• Occasional/intermittent lifting and carrying objects/equipment weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Continuous use of near vision, hearing, and verbal communication skills in handling telephone calls, interacting with customers and co‑workers and performing job duties.
• Requires physical presence in the office during standard business hours.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle.

All candidates who are presented with a conditional offer of employment must satisfy a pre-employment background check, drug, and health screen.

Sycamores is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state, or local protected class.

Further, Sycamores is a Fair Chance employer and complies with California Government Code Section 12952, Employment Discrimination: Conviction History.