Peer Specialist I/II/III

Under direct supervision and in a learning capacity, incumbents will be responsible for the development and ongoing provision of peer support services within Ventura County Behavioral Health Department, including advocacy and recovery services to clients. The ideal candidate for a Peer Support Specialist publicly and openly acknowledges and shares their own personal recovery experiences and provides support to others in recovery. Distinguishing Characteristics Peer Specialists have personal experience with behavioral health and/or recovery challenges, or may be caregivers/family members of individuals with such challenges. Approximate Salaries Peer Specialist I: $23.00 - $32.18 per hour Peer Specialist II: $25.54 - $35.76 per hour Peer Specialist III: $28.10 - $39.33 per hour Educational Incentive Possible educational incentive of 2.5%, 3.5%, or 5% based on completion of Associate’s, Bachelor’s, or Master’s degree. Bilingual incentive may apply based on operational need and certification. Veteran’s Points Peer Specialist I is an entry-level classification; Veteran's Points may apply to eligible candidates. Department / Agency Health Care Agency - Behavioral Health Union Representation Peer Specialists I/II/III are represented by the Service Employees' International Union (SEIU) and are eligible for overtime compensation. Duties Duties may include, but are not limited to the following: Teach relevant social and daily living skills and provide supportive counseling Serve as a client advocate, mentor, and role model demonstrating competency in recovery, effective coping skills and self‑help strategies Provide peer assistance and mentoring to promote client engagement in supportive networks and activities within and outside the behavioral health system Participate as a treatment team member in client evaluations, treatment planning and implementation Facilitate peer self‑help/recovery groups (e.g., Wellness Recovery Action Plan) for clients, family members and caregivers Recommend and make referrals to programs for instruction on life, livelihood and workplace readiness skills necessary for reintegration Outreach to unengaged clients by phone or face‑to‑face Maintain electronic health records by completing documentation of work effort in a manner consistent with departmental standards Assist in organizing training activities and providing educational materials on behavioral health recovery to community groups, patients, family members and staff Develop effective working relationships with agencies and organizations to advocate for client and family/caregiver empowerment Perform other job‑related duties as required Peer Specialist I Duties Three months of recent full‑time paid or volunteer experience in mental health advocacy, including interaction with clients or patients on mental health or social service matters, answering questions, providing information about mental health/social services and disability benefits, and coordinating group facilitation. Peer Specialist II Duties Functions as a resource person for 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 Twelve months of recent full‑time paid or volunteer experience in mental health advocacy similar to the above Peer Specialist III Duties Assists in organizing training activities and providing educational materials on behavioral health recovery Provides consultations and guidance to other peer specialists in the provision of peer services to clients, families and caregivers Transports clients to and from medical and social service appointments using a County vehicle Eighteen months of recent full‑time paid or volunteer experience in mental health advocacy similar to the above Education, Training, and Experience High School Diploma or GED equivalent Successful completion of a Peer Support Services training program within the first year of employment that qualifies for state‑recognized PSS certification Educational Substitution Fifteen semester units of college coursework in behavioral sciences may substitute up to six months of experience for Peer Specialist II and III. Special Requirements Must be a current or past consumer of mental health services, substance use services or co‑occurring behavioral health services or a family member or caregiver of a client Must obtain PSS certification within one year of employment Possession of a valid California driver’s license is required upon appointment and must be maintained during employment to transport clients in a County vehicle May be required to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays For Levels II & III only: current certification of training in the Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) Desired Bilingual (English and Spanish) skills Knowledge, Skills, & 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 others 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 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 Applications must be received by 5:00 p.m. on June22,2026. Equal Employment Opportunity The County of Ventura is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), 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 (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation. #J-18808-Ljbffr