Peer Specialist I/II/III

Under direct supervision and in a learning capacity, incumbents will be responsible for the development and on-going provision of peer support services within Ventura County Behavioral Health Department to include advocacy and recovery services to clients.

The ideal candidate for a Peer Support Specialist will publicly and openly acknowledge and share their own personal recovery experiences and provide support to other persons in recovery. Incumbents will be able to utilize today’s electronic devices (cell phones, computers and software applications, faxes, scanners, etc.), with the ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing.
   
Distinguishing Characteristics:
 
The Peer Specialist classifications are unique in that incumbents have personal experience with behavioral health and/or recovery challenges themselves and/or may be the caregivers/family members of individual(s) with behavioral health or recovery challenges.
 
Incumbents perform duties of increasing responsibility as expertise is gained. The Peer Specialist I is distinguished from the Peer Specialist II/III classifications in the series by the limited degree of responsibility and decision-making afforded to incumbents. Promotion to Peer Specialist II is considered on a merit basis upon completion of the minimum qualifications.
 
The Peer Specialist I is the trainee level in the Peer Specialist classification series. Incumbents in the Peer Specialist Series are unique in that they may have personally experienced 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 Peer Specialist I is expected to possess the ability to work in a trainee capacity performing appropriate, value-added work under direct supervision.
 
The Peer Specialist II is the journey level classification and is distinguished from the Peer Specialist I by the degree of responsibility of tasks performed and independent judgment exercised by incumbents. Promotion to Peer Specialist III is considered on a merit basis upon completion of the minimum qualifications.
 
The Peer Specialist III is the lead level in the Peer Specialist classification series. The Peer Specialist III is expected to work independently, use good judgment, provide a high degree of paraprofessional behavioral health rehabilitative services, and serve as a resource for Peer Specialist I’s and II’s.
 
APPROXIMATE SALARIES
Peer Specialist I - $18.68 - $26.15 Hourly
Peer Specialist II - $20.75- $29.05 Hourly
Peer Specialist III - $22.83 - $31.96Hourly
 
EDUCATIONAL/BILINGUAL INCENTIVE:  Possible educational incentive of 2.5%, 3.5%, or 5% based on completion of Associate's, Bachelor's, or Master's degree. Incumbents may also be eligible for bilingual incentive depending upon operational need and certification of skill.
 
VETERAN’S POINTS:  Peer Specialist I is a trainee/entry level classification, and Veteran’s Points may apply to eligible candidates.  
 
DEPARTMENT/AGENCY:  Health Care Agency - Behavioral Health
 
Peer Specialist I/II/III are represented by the Service Employees' International Union (SEIU) and are eligible for overtime compensation.
 
The eligible list established from this recruitment may be used to fill current and future Regular (including Temporary and Fixed-term), Intermittent, and Extra Help vacancies. There are currently Three (3) Regular vacancies.
 
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE  
OPENING DATE:  10/22/24                                                                
CLOSING DATE:  Continuous and may close at any time; therefore, the schedule for the remainder of the process will depend upon when we receive enough qualified applications to meet business needs. It is to your advantage to apply as soon as possible.Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Teaches relevant social and daily living skills and provides supportive counseling;
• Serves as a client advocate and mentor/role model demonstrating competency in recovery, effective coping skills and self-help strategies;
• Provides peer assistance and mentoring to promote client engagement in supportive networks, natural supports, and activities within and outside the behavioral health system;
• Participates as a treatment team member in client evaluations, treatment planning, and the implementation of treatment plans;
• Facilitates peer self-help/recovery groups (e.g. Wellness Recovery Action Plan) for clients, family members, and caregivers;
• Recommends and makes referrals to programs for instruction on life, livelihood, and workplace readiness skills necessary for successful reintegration into family life, the work force, and the community;
• Outreaches to unengaged clients, face-to-face or by phone;
• Maintains electronic health records by completing documentation of work effort in a manner consistent with departmental standards for productivity;
• Assists in organizing training activities and with providing educational materials on Behavioral Health Recovery for community groups, behavioral health clients, family members, and staff;
• Develops effective working relationships with agencies and organizations to advocate for client and family/caregiver empowerment; and
• Performs other job-related duties as required.

In addition to the Peer Specialist I listed above, Peer Specialist II duties may also include:

• Functions as a resource person for other lower-level peer specialists and other staff members;
• Trains Peer Specialists and other behavioral health staff in the unique functions and roles of peers in the behavioral health system.

In addition to the Peer Specialist I and II listed above, Peer Specialist III duties may also include:

• Assists in organizing training activities and with providing educational materials on Behavioral Health recovery for community groups, behavioral health clients, family members, and staff;
• Provides consultations and guidance to other Peer Specialists in the provision of peer services to clients, families, and caregivers; and 
• Transports clients to and from medical and social service appointments using a County vehicle.

These are entrance requirements to the examination process and assure neither continuance in the process nor placement on an eligible list.
 
EDUCATION, TRAINING, and EXPERIENCE: 
Any combination of education and experience which has led to the acquisition of the required knowledge and abilities. The required knowledge and abilities also can be obtained by the following:

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent,
• Successful completion of a Peer Support Services (PSS) training program within the first year of employment that will allow the candidate to qualify for state-recognized PSS certification. 

Peer Specialist I:

• Three (3) months of recent full-time paid or volunteer experience in mental health advocacy, performing duties such as interacting with clients or patients concerning mental health or social service matters, answering questions and providing information about mental health/social services and disability benefits, and coordinating group facilitations. 

Peer Specialist II:

• Twelve (12) months of recent full-time paid or volunteer experience in mental health advocacy, performing duties such as interacting with clients or patients concerning mental health or social service matters, answering questions and providing information about mental health/social services and disability benefits, and coordinating group facilitations.

Peer Specialist III:

• Eighteen (18) months of recent full-time paid or volunteer experience in mental health advocacy, performing duties such as interacting with clients or patients concerning mental health or social service matters, answering questions and providing information about mental health/social services and disability benefits, and coordinating group facilitations. 

Completion of fifteen (15) semester units of college coursework in behavioral sciences may substitute up to six (6) months of experience. To qualify using this option, you may attach education transcripts to the "Attachments" section of your application for review and verification. (Peer Specialist II and III only)
 
NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
  All levels:

• Must be a current or past consumer of mental health services, substance use services, or co-occurring behavioral health services or family member or caregiver of a current or former mental health, substance use, or co-occurring behavioral health services client
• Must obtain PSS Certification within one year of employment
• Incumbents may be required to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays

Peer Specialist II:

• Incumbents must possess current certification of training in the Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP)

Peer Specialist III:

• Possession of a valid California driver license is required upon appointment and must be maintained during employment to transport clients in a County vehicle
• Incumbents must possess current certification of training in the Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP)

DESIRED:

• Bilingual (English and Spanish) skills

Additional Information:
 
Depending upon assignment, applicants may be required to pass an extensive background investigation and be fingerprinted. Consideration for felony, misdemeanor, and traffic infractions will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
 
Incumbents may be required to transport clients in a County vehicle.
 
Positions may include some overnight/weekend shifts and/or some responsibility for 24/7 “on-call” and standby duties.
 
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
 
Knowledge of:

• local community behavioral health services, community agencies and support groups
• basic vehicle and field safety procedures
• office functions and procedures including basic math and record keeping 
• crisis intervention techniques and public relations.

Ability to:

• publicly acknowledge and share personal recovery experiences and provide support to other person-in-recovery 
• interact and train mental health clients and their families 
• read and comprehend medical information 
• obtain and complete routine forms
• maintain records 
• clearly communicate both orally and in writing
• understand and follow oral and written instructions 
• establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, other County departments, and public and private agencies 
• utilize a computer and associated software access 
• utilize and retrieve electronic records and files 
• represent and advocate for the client perspective within the community and behavioral health system 
• effectively communicate the workings of the behavioral health system to clients, families, and caregivers.

FINAL FILING DATE:  This is a continuous recruitment and may close at any time; therefore, apply as soon as possible if you are interested. Your application must be received by County of Ventura Human Resources in Ventura, California, no later than 5:00 p.m. on the closing date.
 
To apply on-line, please refer to our web site at www.ventura.org/jobs.  If you prefer to fill out a paper application form, please call (805) 654-5129 for application materials and submit them to County of Ventura Human Resources, 800 South Victoria Avenue, L-1970, Ventura, CA 93009.  
 
NOTE:  If presently permanently employed in another "merit" or "civil service" public agency/entity in the same or substantively similar position as is advertised, and if appointed to that position by successful performance in a "merit" or "civil service" style examination, then appointment by "Lateral Transfer" may be possible.  If interested, please click here for additional information.
 
Note to Applicants:  It is essential that you complete all sections of your application and supplemental questionnaire thoroughly and accurately to demonstrate your qualifications, while following given instructions. A resume and/or other related documents may be attached to supplement the information in your application and supplemental questionnaire; however, it/they may not be submitted in lieu of the application.
 
SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE – qualifying:  All applicants are required to complete and submit the questionnaire for this exam at the time of filing. The supplemental questionnaire may be used throughout the exam process to assist in determining each applicant’s qualifications and acceptability for the position.  Failure to complete and submit the questionnaire may result in the application being removed from consideration.
 
APPLICATION EVALUATION – qualifying:  All applications will be reviewed to determine whether the stated requirements are met. Those individuals meeting the stated requirements will be invited to continue to the next step in the screening and selection process.
 
WRITTEN EXAM – 100%:  A job-related written exam will be administrated to test applicants’ knowledge of Basic Math, Office Practices, Interpersonal Relationships, Community Resources, and Customer Service. Applicants must earn a score of seventy percent (70%) or higher to qualify for placement on the eligible list.
 
NOTE:  It is recommended that your application materials clearly show your relevant background and specialized knowledge, skills, and abilities. It is also highly recommended that the supplemental questions within the application are completed with care and diligence.  Responses such as "See Resume" or "Refer to Resume" are not acceptable and may disqualify an applicant from further evaluation.  
 
Applicants successfully completing the exam process may be placed on an eligible list for a period of one (1) year.
 
BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION:  A thorough pre-employment, post offer background investigation which may include inquiry into past employment, education, criminal background information and driving record may be required for this position.
 
For further information about this recruitment, please contact Nathan Wood by e-mail at nathan.wood@ventura.org or by telephone at (805) 677-5232.
 
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
The County of Ventura is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

Salary : $38,850 - $66,477