Behavioral Health Peer Support Specialist I

Under general supervision, and in collaboration with professional and paraprofessional Mental Health and/or Substance Use treatment staff, the Behavioral Health Peer Support Specialist I uses lived experience to build rapport and support clients and their families. Services focus on promoting recovery, resiliency, engagement, socialization, self-sufficiency, and self-advocacy. The Behavioral Health Peer Support Specialist I assists clients in accessing and navigating behavioral health services and community resources, encouraging active participation in their recovery


Behavioral Health Peer Support Specialist I is the entry level in the Behavioral Health Peer Support Specialist series. Behavioral Health Peer Support Specialists in this role self-identify as having lived experience with recovery from mental illness, substance use disorder, or both, either as a recipient of services or as a family member of someone who has received services. They are integral members of the treatment team, providing a variety of non-clinical supports, including training, encouragement, and advocacy to promote wellness and recovery. The Behavioral Health Peer Support Specialist II is the advanced-level in the Behavioral Health Peer Support Specialist series who must possess a Peer Support Specialist Certification to provide state-approved Medi-Cal peer support services. Behavioral Health Peer Support Specialists do not provide clinical services such as social work, counseling, or psychotherapy.

Be at least 18 years of age and self-identify as having lived experience with recovery from mental illness, substance use disorder, or both, either as a recipient of services or as a family member of someone who has received services.

High school diploma, or equivalent. 

Some positions may require possession of a valid California Driver’s License. 

Self-identify as a person with lived experience of mental illness or substance use recovery, or as a parent/caregiver of someone with lived experiences.

A valid driver’s license may be required at the time of appointment and employees may also be required to drive their own vehicle and provide proof of liability insurance as per Vehicle Code VC § 160020. Individuals who do not meet this requirement due to a disability will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
 
 This position may require pre-employment drug test, physical examination, and fingerprinting for a background investigation.
 
 The County of Imperial does not unlawfully discriminate on any prohibited basis under state or federal law including prohibitions listed in title VII, the Age and Discrimination and Employment Act, section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Fair Employment and Housing Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
 

If you feel you have a need for special arrangements due to a disability in order to participate in the recruitment process, call (442) 265-1148 or call California Relay Service at 7-1-1.

 *NOTE: IF YOU BELIEVE YOUR CIVIL RIGHTS IN EMPLOYMENT MATTERS HAVE BEEN VIOLATED AT ANY TIME DURING THE COURSE OF YOUR CONSIDERATION FOR EMPLOYMENT, CONTACT THE EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY OFFICE, 940 W. MAIN STREET, SUITE 101, EL CENTRO, CA 92243, PHONE: (442) 265-1017 (DO NOT CALL THIS NUMBER FOR GENERAL EMPLOYMENT OR JOB APPLICATION INFORMATION).
 
 About Imperial County: Imperial County is located in the Imperial Valley in the southeast of California, bordering Arizona and Mexico, with the Colorado River forming the County’s eastern boundary. Imperial County is a major agricultural center, producing half of the nation's winter vegetables, as well as extensive renewable resources, such as geothermal, wind, and solar. Off-road enthusiasts are drawn to the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation area, and the Colorado River is a popular destination for watersports, including fishing, boating, and water skiing. Fans of the popular movie, The Return of the Jedi, will recognize the Algodones Sand Dunes, where the movie was filmed.