Peer Recovery Support Specialist (Bilingual)

Santa Cruz Community Health (SCCH) is a multi-site, Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) serving Santa Cruz County residents. SCCH began as a women's health collective in 1974 with the mission to improve the health of our patients and the community and advocate the feminist goals of social, political, and economic equality. Now, more than 50 years later, we serve that same mission at our three clinic sites: the Santa Cruz Women's Health Center in downtown Santa Cruz serving women and children; the Live Oak Health Center serving everyone; and the Santa Cruz Mountain Health Center providing appropriate and expanded access to care for our patients in the San Lorenzo Valley.

Driven by our commitment to health care as a human right, SCCH is a leading non-profit provider offering comprehensive health services to our patients, regardless of their ability to pay. We have been recognized in the community as a leader in delivering high-quality, innovative care, and we are active in local, state, and national advocacy work that empowers our patients and community to be healthy, happy, and successful.  

SCCH has a diverse patient population and an engaging and friendly work environment. Our caring and committed staff work as a team to fulfill our mission so that all our patients have access to quality, whole-person health care. 

POSITION SUMMARY

The bilingual Peer Recovery Support Specialist (PRSS) provides substance use, recovery-oriented, culturally appropriate services that promote engagement, socialization, self-sufficiency, self-advocacy, promotes natural support and are trauma aware. The PRSS provides support for patients as they look to overcome substance use and mental health disorders. The PRSS provides services and coaching to encourage and support patients to participate in behavioral health treatment. These services may include, but are not limited to, advocacy on behalf of the patient; promotion of self-advocacy; resource navigation; and collaboration with the patients and others providing care or support to the patient, family members, or significant support persons.

May provide substance use counseling if candidate possesses the correct qualifications. May participate in peer group or individual counseling activities.
 

Reports to: Substance Use Counselor, Director of Behavioral Health Programs

Classification: Full-Time (32-40 hours per week), Hourly/Non-Exempt

Hours: Varies; Days and One Evening Shift Per Week

Location: Hybrid; Clinic/Remote                       

Compensation Range: $28.92– $35.01 per hour, DOE

Language: Bilingual in English and Spanish required
 
 
 
QUALIFICATIONS 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS  

• Must have a high school diploma, GED or equivalent degree or experience
• Certified Peer Support Specialist (or ability to become certified when able) and adhere to regulatory guidelines
• Bilingual - fluent in English and Spanish 
• Be self-identified as having lived experience with the process of recovery from substance use disorders, mental health disorders, or both, either as a consumer of these services or as the parent or family member of the consumer and be willing to share your experience
• Proven work experience as a Peer Recovery Support Specialist or similar role
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to learn to use the Electronic Health Record efficiently
• Ability to listen to and discuss sensitive issues with patients and their families
• Highly compassionate and attentive to details
• The ability to work an evening shift and flexibility in schedule to accommodate patient need

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Relevant training and/or certification as a Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist
• Registered or certified addiction treatment counselor
• Certification as a drug and alcohol counselor (e.g. CADC, RAS, AOD, CAADE)

CORE JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

• Meet with patients regularly to offer one-on-one and/or group support and counseling
• Implement recovery plans, provide coping skills guidance, and rehabilitation strategies with the patient
• Arrange medical appointments, therapy sessions, support groups, and other resources to aid the client in their treatment and recovery plan
• May accompany patients to appointments, meetings, and other activities in the community
• Monitor the client’s behavior, schedule, medication, and activities
• Report any unusual behavior, conflicts, or recovery challenges to the relevant professionals
• Liaise with family members, patient’s support network and medical professionals regularly
• Coordinate client logistics such as medical appointments and therapy sessions, among others
• Conduct SUD assessments (if qualified SUD counselor) and provide feedback to the patient, medical professionals, and the support team
• Community meetings and collaboration as assigned and approved by supervisor
• Respond to urgent patient needs as appropriate in collaboration with the care team and supervisor
• Completes documentation in the Electronic Health Record (EHR) in a timely manner and adheres to clinical documentation standards
• Assist patients with movement between levels of care such as if a patient requires inpatient or other treatment modalities
• Other duties as assigned

BENEFITS

We offer a robust benefits package designed to support your well-being and work-life balance! Enjoy competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits suite for those working 20 hours per week, including employer-subsidized health, dental, vision, and life insurance plans, plus optional pet insurance and supplemental coverage; coverage kicks in the first of the month after 30 days of employment. From day one, you'll accrue paid time off, have paid holidays, and a 2% automatic 401K enrollment with a 2% company match. You'll also benefit from access to a wellness reimbursement program, a telecommuting stipend when applicable, plus, we cover license and certification fees and CME (fees and days off). Celebrate with us at monthly staff events and bi-annual company-wide celebrations and take advantage of ongoing training opportunities. 
 

SANTA CRUZ COMMUNITY HEALTH IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER (W/M/V/D).