Peer Specialist- Youth Programs

Overview Job Location: Watsonville, CA 95076 Salary Range: $28.00 - $28.00 Hourly Job Summary: The CORE Peer Specialist for the Encompass Wraparound and SUD programs will be community-based, serving youth and probation youth ages 14-21. The Peer Specialist provides a safe, welcoming environment using a trauma-informed model, motivational interviewing, and positive youth development. The role includes mentorship to identify strengths and personal goals, guidance and advocacy for probation youth and families navigating the juvenile justice system, substance use services, and other community service systems, and outreach in schools and other community locations along with leading educational youth groups. Services are delivered with dignity and respect and a commitment to each individual’s right of choice. Position is scheduled to work 40 hours per week. Responsibilities Engagement, Mentorship, and Education Build trust and rapport with youth and families by appropriately sharing lived experience and offering relatable support. Promote engagement in recovery and resiliency-building services through outreach at schools and community events. Provide youth mentoring, advocacy, and support in setting and pursuing personal goals, including recovery goals. Educate youth and parents/guardians on local health services, substance use education, daily living skills, and accessing community resources in both individual sessions and group settings. Conduct educational and support sessions for parents/guardians. Support youth in identifying strengths, coping strategies, and natural supports. System Navigation and Advocacy Help individuals navigate systems such as education, legal, and mental health services. Advocate with external service providers to ensure coordinated care and support. Promote self-determination, personal responsibility, and empowerment in recovery and life decisions. Team Collaboration Work alongside licensed therapists and behavioral health professionals to complement traditional treatment approaches. Attend and contribute to team planning meetings, uplifting the youth’s voice in decision-making. Participate in team trainings, supervision, and reflective practice. Professionalism and Documentation Maintain accurate and timely documentation as required. Demonstrate organization, clear task completion, and strong communication across cultures and identities. Model positive relationships, respectful boundaries, and maintain a safe and supportive environment. Qualifications Bilingual – English/Spanish required (will receive bilingual stipend of $1.00 per hour on top of $28.00 per hour pay rate) High school diploma or GED Self-identified as having experience with the process of recovery from a substance use disorder system and willingness to share experiences to encourage and advocate for others in recovery process. Strong commitment to recovery Ability to successfully pass the Peer Specialist Medi-Cal certification examination within timeframe outlined by hiring manager. Possession of vehicle, valid CA driver’s license, vehicle insurance, and good driving record Excellent interpersonal, written/oral communication and basic computer skills. Ability to pass background clearance (Department of Justice and FBI) Lived experience with the juvenile justice system, behavioral health, or child welfare system. Passion for working with youth and families facing complex challenges. Strong communication and active listening skills. Willingness to engage in ongoing training and personal development. Reliable transportation and ability to work in community-based settings. Wages & Benefits We prioritize the well-being of our team as much as the community we serve. Our comprehensive health benefits reflect this commitment. We offer full-time employees medical and dental insurance plan that ensures peace of mind for themselves and their families. We go beyond traditional care by also offering our employees acupuncture and chiropractic, embracing a holistic approach to health that aligns with our values of care and compassion. Our team’s future matters just as much as the present. That’s why we offer a 403(b) retirement plan, providing a foundation for a secure retirement. We also recognize the need for work-life balance, so Encompass offers a competitive package of 17 vacation days, 12 sick days, and 14 additional paid holidays. These benefits are thoughtfully pro-rated for part-time positions, affirming our commitment to fairness and flexibility. About Us At Encompass Community Services we provide our community with a wide range of services related to family & social well-being, early childhood education, behavioral health, housing and more. Every day through these services we work to make health, education and housing more equitable for all people in Santa Cruz County. For more than 50 years our work has touched generations by helping people have access to education, rebuild relationships, restore their health and regain dignity. #J-18808-Ljbffr