Peer Support Specialist I/II

Under direct supervision, the incumbent will be responsible for development and on-going provision of peer recovery and support services including: monitoring, informing, supporting, assisting and empowering consumers and family members/caregivers who directly or indirectly receive Behavioral Health services.

Behavioral Health Peer Support Specialist I
This is the entry-level position in the Behavioral Health Peer Support Specialist series. Incumbents in the Behavioral Health Peer Support Specialist series are unique in that they have personal lived experience with behavioral health and/or recovery challenges themselves, and/or they may be the caregivers/family members of individual(s) with behavioral health and recovery challenges. The Behavioral Health Peer Support Specialist I is expected to possess the ability to work in a trainee capacity performing necessary peer support work under direct supervision. The Behavioral Health Peer Support Specialist I initially receives close supervision and is expected to develop best-practice wellness and recovery skills and techniques through experience and on-the-job training and instruction.
Incumbents perform duties of increasing responsibility as expertise is gained. The Behavioral Health Peer Support Specialist I is distinguished from the Behavioral Health Peer Support Specialist II classification series by the limited degree of responsibility and decision-making afforded to incumbents. 

Behavioral Health Peer Support Specialist II
This is the journey level in the Behavioral Health Recovery Peer Support Specialist flexible classification series. The Behavioral Health Peer Support Specialist II is expected to possess the ability to work in a paraprofessional capacity, performing the necessary scope of their practice under general supervision.
The Behavioral Health Peer Support Specialist II classification is distinguished from the Behavioral Health Peer Support Specialist I by the degree of responsibility of tasks performed and independent judgment exercised by the incumbents.The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

• Provides peer recovery and support assistance and mentoring to promote consumer engagement in supportive networks, natural supports, and activities within and outside the behavioral health system. 

• Assesses the unique challenges faced by each consumer; assists consumers in successfully setting and meeting their recovery goals.
• Uses effective listening and motivational interviewing techniques to engage consumers in goal setting to promote successful change.

• Serves as a mentor/role model demonstrating competency in recovery, effective coping skills and self-help strategies. 
• Provides encouragement, motivation and support to clients seeking to establish or strengthen their recovery.
• Develops effective working relationships with agencies and organizations to advocate for client and family/caregiver empowerment. 
• Provides outreach to consumers and community members to link them to services and help overcome barriers to participation in mental health services. 

• Assists consumers in building or maintaining personal support networks and in developing social skills needed to maintain positive interpersonal relationships.

• Assists in facilitating peer self-help/recovery groups for consumers, family members, and caregivers.
• Attends and participates in special events, conferences, workshops and trainings. 
• Assists in organizing training activities and with providing educational materials on Behavioral Health Recovery for community groups, behavioral health consumers, family members, and staff. 
• Recommends and makes referrals to appropriate programs and/or services.
• Transports consumers to and from medical and social service appointments, and the Peer Wellness Center. 
• Performs basic typing and computer tasks.
• Documents all activities as required. 
• Completes all required staff trainings, as assigned. 
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Behavioral Health Peer Support Specialist II

• Facilitates peer self-help/recovery groups for consumers, family members, and caregivers.
• Maintains accurate and timely documentation of interventions and activities. 
• Accesses, utilizes, and maintains electronic records and files, including electronic health record.

Knowledge of:
Mental health issues within the targeted population groups; principles of mental health recovery and strength-based approach to peer support; familiarity with community resources and service agencies, including both private and other public agencies, social and economic problems which call for the use of public and private county services.

Skill and Ability to:
Plan, organize, coordinate, and manage tasks as assigned; communicate orally and in writing on a variety of issues; develop and maintain harmonious relationships with employees, public officials, community groups, other agencies and the general public.

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
Must have personal lived experience, as a current or past consumer of mental health or co-occurring behavioral health services or family member or caregiver of a current or former mental health or co-occurring behavioral health services consumer. 

Behavioral Health Peer Support Specialist I 
Six months of paid or volunteer experience providing direct mental health peer support or peer recovery services to individuals or working with family members/caregivers of individuals with mental health issues.

Behavioral Health Peer Support Specialist II
One year of working directly with consumers in a public behavioral health or similar setting. An Associate Degree in Human Services or a related field may be substituted for experience. 
Promotion to Behavioral Health Peer Support Specialist II is considered on a merit basis upon completion of the minimum qualifications, including Peer Support Specialist Certification and is subject to the recommendation of the MHSA Support Services Supervisor, and the approval of the HHSA Deputy Director/Director of Behavioral Health.

Behavioral Health Peer Support Specialist II
Current California Peer Support Specialist Certification:

• A Peer Support Specialist must complete the certification requirements, as identified, and receive certification, prior to providing services as a certified 
• Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist. 
• Minimum Qualifications for Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialists; A Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist: Must be at least 18 years of age. 
• Provide a government-issued identification with photograph, such as driver’s license, identification card, or passport. 
• Possess a high school diploma, equivalent degree, or higher. Submission of educational transcripts are required. 
• Self-identify as an individual with lived experience, a Peer. 
• Be willing to share their experience as a person with lived experience.
• Have a strong dedication to recovery. 
• Agree, in writing, to adhere to the California Department of Health Care Services Code of Ethics for Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialists in California. 
• Successfully complete and demonstrate completion of an 80-hour training covering California's 17 core competencies for Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialists. Training must be obtained from a Cal MHSA-approved training program. 
•  Successfully pass the state-approved Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Certification exam

Possession of an appropriate California driver’s license issued by the State Department of Motor Vehicles.

Salary : $44,990 - $64,022