Peer Support Specialist - THRIVE

Peer Support Specialist, THRIVE Program

Department/Care Stream: Health Care Delivery

LIA Reporting Structure

Timecard Approver: Health Center Manager

Primary: Manager of Peer Support Services     

     Secondary: Peer Support and Training Manager

Status: Full-Time

FLSA: Non-Exempt

Location: THV

Level of Team: Care Team

Pay Range: $23.00 – $26.75/hr

Organization Information

WellSpace's mission is "achieving regional health through high quality comprehensive care." We believe that everyone deserves to be seen, no matter who you are, where you come from, where you work or what place you call home. At WellSpace, we see you!  

We are driven to serve the whole person through comprehensive, integrated care, spanning medical, dental, behavioral health, and supportive services across the region. We do this by building a team of exceptional colleagues who are dedicated to our mission and becoming part of the communities we serve. 

As the region's largest Community Health System, WellSpace utilizes a Confluence Model to integrate an internal network of healthcare modalities, including Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC), Certified Community Behavioral Health Center (CCBHC), Drug Medi-Cal and Specialty Mental Health programs, California's second largest 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Center, an independent Risk Bearing Organization (WellSpace Nexus), and more into a seamless confluence of care.

To ensure the highest quality of care, WellSpace is accredited by the Joint Commission for Ambulatory Care, Behavioral Health and as a CCBHC. Further, it is certified by the Joint Commission as a Primary Care Medical Home and a Behavioral Health Home. WellSpace's crisis programs are accredited by the American Association of Suicidology and the International Council for Helplines. 

Position Summary

The Peer Support Specialist plays a vital role in WellSpace Health's THRIVE program, providing compassionate support and guidance to individuals living with mental health, criminal justice, and/or substance use conditions. Utilizing their lived experience and professional training, the Peer Support Specialist empowers individuals to build recovery capital, connect with community resources, comply with legal requirements (probation, parole) and achieve their wellness goals.

Required Qualifications

• California Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist certification or eligibility to obtain within 90 days of hire (see details at https://www.capeercertification.org/certification/).
• Lived experience with mental health, criminal justice, and/or substance use disorder recovery.
• Additional lived experience with the following preferred: military service/Veteran, emotional distress, trauma, poverty/homelessness/housing instability, justice involvement, disability, racism, gender/sexual identity discrimination, child welfare, domestic violence, sexual assault, grief/loss, inpatient [hospital/residential/detox] and navigating youth-serving systems e.g., mental health, addiction/recovery, foster care, juvenile justice, special-education [IEP/504 etc.].
• Strong understanding of recovery principles and evidence-based practices.
• If in recovery, we prefer you to have at least two years of sobriety.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, interpersonal skills, empathy, and active listening abilities.
• Cultural competency and understanding of diverse backgrounds and experiences.
• Ability to develop trusting relationships and support individuals facing challenges.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively, with strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills and the ability to maintain professionalism under pressure.
• An understanding of computer use, including Microsoft Office, electronic health records and virtual support platforms.  
• Commitment to professionalism, confidentiality, and ethical conduct.
• Must have a valid California driver’s license, and auto insurance that meets organization’s insurance requirements.
• Must be willing to transport patients using personal vehicle.
• Willingness to participate in professional development opportunities.
• Willingness to address and work to eliminate personal biases while providing culturally responsive support.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment and independently.
• Must be willing to successfully complete the onboarding/credentialing process.

Preferred:

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., social work, psychology, human services).
• Two years of experience working in a peer support or recovery-oriented setting.
• Previous experience navigating and connecting individuals to community resources.
• Adherence to infection control procedures, including but not limited to standard precautions of temperature monitoring, hand washing, symptom self-monitoring, masking, and social distancing.
• Assist and support the Center/Department/Program to meet standards of High Reliability.
• Bilingual skills (e.g., Spanish, English).

Essential Responsibilities

• Provide individual and group peer support for individuals in recovery.
• Assist individuals in identifying and accessing community resources and support services. This may include transporting clients in the employee’s personal vehicle.
• Advocate for individuals' needs and promote their self-determination.
• Facilitate connections with peers and build a supportive network.
• Conduct outreach and engagement activities to connect with individuals in need of support.
• Provide education and information about mental health and substance use disorders.
• Participate in case-conferences and team meetings.
• Document services provided and track progress towards recovery goals.
• Conduct initial phone and in-person screenings for potential clients, assessing their needs and eligibility for THRIVE services.
• Complete intake registration paperwork accurately and efficiently, ensuring all required information is collected.
• Provide clients with clear information about the THRIVE program and available services.
• Refer clients to appropriate internal and external resources as needed.
• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to ethical guidelines.
• Attend training and participate in professional development opportunities.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Successful candidate will receive a regionally competitive salary, above-average health benefits at reduced costs, paid life insurance & long-term disability insurance, an additional voluntary retirement plan with organizational match, and no vesting schedule requirement.

• Paid bereavement and jury duty leave
• 11 paid holidays per year
• Paid time off
• Paid sick leave
• Flexible Spending Program
• Company paid malpractice insurance for all providers
• Professional development hours offered annually

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The work environment is characteristic of a typical healthcare clinic environment.  The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; use hands and arms to reach.  The employee is also required to stand; walk; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.   The employee must also possess hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the phone.  The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

The employee may be in contact with individuals and families in crisis who may be ill, using substances and/or not attentive to personal health and safety for themselves or their homes. The employee may experience a number of unpleasant sensory demands associated with the client’s use of alcohol and drugs, and the lack of personal care.  The employee may also be exposed to bodily fluids (blood, urine) and hazardous chemicals.

WellSpace Health is committed to the principles of equal employment.  We are committed to complying with all federal, state, and local laws providing equal employment opportunities, and all other employment laws and regulations.  It is the intent of WellSpace Health to maintain a work environment free of harassment, discrimination, or retaliation because of age, race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and/or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state or local laws.  WellSpace Health is dedicated to the fulfillment of this policy in regard to all aspects of employment, including but not limited to recruiting, hiring, placement transfer, training, promotion, rates of pay, and other compensation, termination, and all other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

                                                    WellSpace Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer