Peer Support Specialist - The Happier Life Project

Job Summary:

The Peer Support Specialist/Recovery Coach role is vital to The Happier Life Project team. The ideal Peer Support Specialists provides direct support and assistance to individuals facing substance use and mental health challenges. As a Happier Life Project Peer Support Specialist, you will draw from your personal experiences with substance use/mental health recovery to inspire hope, promote resilience, and assist individuals in achieving their personal goals.

Through your empathetic approach and lived experiences, you will foster a supportive environment and facilitate the development of coping skills, self-advocacy, and community integration. This role requires excellent communication skills, a strong commitment to recovery-oriented care, and the ability to maintain professional boundaries.

Salary Range: $22- $27

Essential Duties:

1) Peer Support and Mentorship:

• Build trusting relationships with participants in recovery, including those returning from incarceration, offering empathy, encouragement, and practical guidance.
• Share personal experiences of recovery to inspire hope and foster connection.
• Assist participants in setting and achieving recovery goals, while respecting their autonomy and self-determination.
• Provide emotional support and active listening during difficult moments.

2) Individualized Recovery Planning:

• Collaborate with participants to develop personalized recovery plans that align with their strengths, needs, and aspirations.
• Help participants identify resources, including treatment programs, support groups, housing, employment, and educational opportunities.
• Support participants in creating strategies for maintaining recovery and managing challenges through recovery planning sessions.

3) Education and Skill-Building:

• Facilitate educational workshops and support groups on topics related to recovery, wellness, coping skills, and recovery planning.
• Teach practical life skills, such as budgeting, time management, and communication, to support participants in maintaining stability and independence.
• Encourage engagement in recreational, cultural, and social activities that promote holistic well-being.

4) Documentation and Reporting:

• Maintain accurate and confidential records of participant interactions, progress, and outcomes using designated software or documentation systems.
• Prepare reports and case summaries for program evaluation and improvement purposes.

Reports to: Peer Support Supervisor

Minimum Qualifications:

• Fluent in spoken and written and English
• Lived experience with recovery from substance use and/or mental health challenges is essential.
• Six months of sobriety and/or abstinence.
• High School Diploma or equivalent is required.
• Completion of a Peer Support Specialist training program or relevant certification is preferred, or ability to achieve certification within 4 months.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including empathy, active listening, and cultural competence.
• Ability to establish healthy boundaries and maintain professionalism in a peer support role.
• Knowledge of community resources and support services for individuals in need.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development and self-care practices.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries and adhere to confidentiality guidelines.
• Background Check: Arrests/convictions will be considered on an individual basis
• Drug Test Clearance

Preferred Additional Qualifications:

• Studies in social work, psychology, counseling, or a related field.
• Previous experience working in peer support, counseling, or social services.
• Familiarity with trauma-informed care principles and motivational interviewing techniques.
• Proficiency in using electronic health records (EHR) or case management software.
• Fluency in Spanish a plus
• Experience working with Native communities preferred.

Licenses and Certifications

Current California Driver’s License, reliable transportation, and current automobile insurance

Physical and Mental Demands and Expectations

• Positive Attitude
• Some desk work
• Ability to bend over and lift/carry 25 lbs.
• Travel to community outreach events and partner locations

Benefits

• Vacation: Two weeks paid vacation annually (prorated for part-time based on hours regularly worked).
• Sick Leave: 40 Hours of sick leave annually
• Holidays: 11 paid holidays (prorated for part-time based on hours regularly worked.
• CalSavers Retirement Employee Contributions (non-matching)
• Parental Leave
• Bereavement Leave
• Professional Development/Training Assistance

To perform this job successfully, the employee(s) will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an at-will relationship.

The Happier Life Project is an equal opportunity employer, drug-free workplace, and complies with ADA regulations as applicable.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $22.00 - $27.00 per hour

Expected hours: 20 – 40 per week

Benefits:

• Bereavement leave
• Flexible schedule
• Mileage reimbursement
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Application Question(s):

• For in-person recovery coaching sessions, support groups, and community outreach, are you able to commute to multiple communities in Riverside/San Bernardino counties?
• Please provide your direct email address if it is not included on your enclosed resume.
• Briefly describe any experience you may have working or volunteering as a Peer Support Specialist, Recovery Coach, Family Peer Support Specialist, Community Resource Navigator, Parent Partner, Case Manager, or other positions in the behavioral and mental health fields. Include the length of time you were involved in those roles.
• Do you have personal lived experience with substance use and/or mental health challenges and sustained recovery, either for yourself or a loved one, and can serve as a recovery advocate, comfortable sharing your personal recovery story, providing a living role model that recovery is possible for everyone? If yes, then briefly explain.
• Briefly describe why you are interested in this position and why you believe you are a good fit for it.
• List the name, date, and brief description of any trainings or certifications you have that might be relevant to this position.

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Required)

Experience:

• Individual or Family Peer Support employment or volunteer: 1 year (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• California Driver's Licenses and auto insurance (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Lake Elsinore, CA (Required)

Willingness to travel:

• 25% (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

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