Peer Support Specialist - SGV Recidivism Reduction Services Program

Sycamores; Altadena (CA); On-site; USD 33,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Sycamores in the San Gabriel Valley seeks a Peer Support Specialist to join its Recidivism Reduction Services program. You will provide linkage, stabilization, and support to individuals experiencing homelessness and substance use challenges across the SGV region.

This role requires lived experience with recovery, willingness to share experiences, and the ability to drive to multiple sites. A California driver’s license and clean driving record are required. Bilingual candidates are preferred.

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.
• Bilingual preferred.
• Agree, in writing, to adhere to the Code of Ethics.
• Maintains all required licenses and certifications.
• As this position requires driving company vehicles for crisis intervention, including the provision of urgent or emergency services, driving is an essential function of this position.
• Valid California driver’s license.
• Acceptable driving record as determined Agency policy.
• Proof of auto insurance meeting minimum coverage requirements.

Responsibilities

• Provide follow up and linkage to persons in need within the San Gabriel Valley.
• Provide additional stabilization interventions and advocate for client voice and choice in planning, delivery, and evaluation of services.
• Collaborate with SGV CARE (mobile crisis) and housing partners to ensure effective service delivery.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Peer support certification preferred

Tools

Driver's license

Job description

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.
• Bilingual preferred.
• 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:
• Valid California driver’s license.
• 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.