Peer Support Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Location: Skid Row, Downtown Los Angeles, CA

Position Purpose: 

The Peer Support Specialist (PSS) provides recovery-oriented, culturally responsive, and trauma-informed support services to individuals receiving care through JWCH Institute, Inc.’s behavioral health, harm reduction and substance use disorder (SUD) programs. The position is grounded in the principles of mutual respect, empowerment, and shared lived experience, with the goal of supporting individuals in making self-directed choices that promote recovery and wellness. The role is an integral part of the interdisciplinary treatment team and contributes to the development and implementation of person-centered care plans.

About the Crocker Care Campus & Harm Reduction Model:

The Crocker Care Campus is a patient-centered space designed as a welcoming drop-in site for people who use drugs and those experiencing homelessness. It provides a safe, accessible environment focused on hospitality, community, and comprehensive care. Unlike traditional clinics, Crocker operates with flexibility, prioritizing low-barrier engagement and emphasizing participant-led engagement over standardized structures.

Principal Responsibilities: 

1. Establish trusting relationships rooted in mutual respect and shared lived experience with program clients. 
2. Support individuals in identifying personal goals, enhancing quality of life, and removing barriers to recovery.
3. Use personal lived experience to:
   • Share stories of recovery and resilience.
   • Model self-care, coping strategies, and recovery tools.
   • Encourage hope, empowerment, and personal agency.
4. Provide individual and group support, including education, coaching, and navigation of systems of care.
5. Support development of natural supports and connection to community-based resources.
6. Co-facilitate peer support or wellness groups and recovery activities.
7. Participate in Street Medicine or outreach efforts as part of integrated care teams.
8. Promote self-determination using principles of harm reduction, trauma-informed care, and motivational interviewing.
9. Collaborate with clinical teams in developing and updating individualized care plans.
10. Document services in Next-Gen or other designated systems promptly and accurately.
11. Attend multidisciplinary team meetings, supervision, and required trainings.
12. Meet outcome expectations outlined in grants, funding sources, or licensing agency requirements.
13. Maintain client confidentiality and respond appropriately to crises or emergencies.
14. Adhere to all organizational safety policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements to ensure a safe environment for patients, staff, and visitors.
15. Participate in required safety and compliance trainings and apply learned practices in daily work activities.
16. Identify, report, and help mitigate unsafe conditions, incidents, or hazards in the workplace.
17. Use equipment, tools, and supplies safely and responsibly in accordance with organizational and regulatory standards.
18. Maintain awareness of infection control, occupational health, and emergency preparedness procedures appropriate to the role.
19. Participate in JWCH’s customer service training called AIDET on an annual basis.
    • Demonstrate an understanding of AIDET (Acknowledge, Introduce, Duration, Explanation, and Thank You) to apply in patient encounters or team discussions.
    • Utilize the AIDET communication framework to communicate with patients and team members in a manner that reduces
20. Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

1. High school diploma or equivalent required.
2. Must self-identify as having lived experience with recovery from mental illness and/or substance use disorder, either personally or as a caregiver/family member.
3. Familiarity with harm reduction, trauma-informed care, strengths-based and participant-centered models.
4. Understanding of the impacts of trauma, racism, poverty, incarceration, and homelessness on health and wellness.
5. Proficient in interpersonal, written, and verbal communication.
6. Comfortable documenting in electronic health record systems (e.g., NextGen).
7. Certified Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist (through CalMHSA) is preferred.

*All JWCH, Wesley Health Centers workforce members are recommended to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Employee Benefits:

At JWCH Institute, Inc., we believe in taking care of those who take care of others. If you work 30+ hours per week, you’ll enjoy competitive pay and a robust benefits package that includes:

• Medical, Dental, Vision
• Monthly employer-sponsored allowance for assistance with health premiums.
• Funded Health Savings Account (up to deductible) to assist with carrier-approved medical expenses.
• Paid time off (vacation, sick leave) and 13 paid holidays.
• 401(k) Safe Harbor Profit Sharing plan.
• Mileage reimbursement.
• Short- and long-term disability plans (LTD/STD).
• Life insurance policy & AD&D, and more!

Become part of a team where your work matters. Apply today and help us change lives, one patient at a time.

JWCH Institute, Inc + Wesley Health Centers is an Equal Opportunity and Fair Chance Employer.