Peer Support Specialist

Salary : $1,723.20 - $2,094.40 Biweekly
Location : Tehama County, CA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 2026-00147
Department: Health Services Agency
Division: Mental Health
Opening Date: 07/13/2026
Closing Date: 7/23/2026 5:00 PM Pacific


Description
Click here to learn more about Tehama County!
Every position is a key position at Health Services. We value input, good communication, and collaboration within our organization as well as with our agency partners. If you would enjoy working with people who are committed to the health of our residents, then our agency would like to hear from you.
About the Position: The Peer Support Specialist provides support and services with more difficult or complex assignments designed to ensure effective routine case management services; obtains information from clients/members; monitors and documents client conduct; provides client transport and performs general clerical duties as needed; provides recovery-oriented, culturally appropriate services that promote engagement, socialization, self-sufficiency, support self-empowerment of participants to act on their own behalf regarding their needs; acts as a resource and support system for participants; provides liaison functions between participants and service providers; provides services to participants and their family members/caregivers, both individually and in group settings, and performs related work as required.

Examples of Duties

• Gathers initial demographic information on potential clients/members and fills out appropriate forms as assigned.
• Disseminates educational and informational materials to potential clients/members, families and groups.
• Conducts field visits to disseminate information, provide education, and assist with case management at homes, detention facilities, hospitals, or mental health/health facilities.
• Provides transportation services for clients/members and/or family members to ensure treatment attendance or assistance in reaching case management goals.
• Assists clients/members with coordination of community services and support.
• Assists with referrals and the utilization of community resources in support of clients/members and their families.

to view the complete job description.

Education, Experience & Licenses
Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

• Three (3) years of experience with increasing responsibility in performing advanced journey level or specialized duties in the provision of mental or public healthcare management services, psychiatric social services, public health education services, counseling, nutrition counseling, or substance abuse counseling (i.e., supervisor/lead cashier, lead store clerk, supervisor/lead clerical, etc.) and/or work-like experiences (i.e., volunteering, school activities, intern).

OR

• High school diploma or GED equivalent. Associate's degree from an accredited college or university in social/ behavioral science or other related field is preferred and one (1) year experience as a Community Health Worker II.

License & Special Requirements:

• Successfully complete the curriculum and training requirements for a Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist.
• Community Health Worker or Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Certificate.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain and maintain, a valid California Class C Driver License and a satisfactory driving record is required. Individuals who do not meet this requirement due to a disability will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
• Obtain and maintain a valid CPR and basic life support certification.
• Be self-identified as having experience with the process of recovery from mental illness or substance use disorder, either as a consumer of these services or as the parent, caregiver or family member of a consumer; be willing to share their experience' and have a strong dedication to recovery.

Recruitment Information
The department is currently recruiting for multiple vacancies.

In addition, Tehama County is establishing an eligibility list to fill future vacancies for a Peer Support Specialist, as well as, subsequent vacancies which occur during the life of the eligibility list.


Testing Dates: July 24-28, 2026 . Testing will be provided via email (excludes bilingual exam).
Tentative Interview Dates: 1st - Monday, August 3, 2026 from 9:00am to 12:00pm. 2nd - Friday, August 7, 2026 from 1:00pm to 3:30pm.

*Only the most qualified candidates will be invited to interview.
In compliance with current regulations in the state of California, this position does not require employees to obtain a COVID-19 vaccination, although it is highly recommended.
Please upload ALL required documents when applying such as, copies of all required degrees and/or certifications as outlined in the job description. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

New employees should anticipate being hired at the beginning step of the salary range. Candidates who exceed entry level qualifications may be considered, with approval from the Board of Supervisors, for placement at other than A step.
For questions about this recruitment please contact:

Osmara Herrera | View phone number on click.appcast.io |
All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of background, fingerprinting, drug test and physical examination provided by the County.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER / AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT COMPLIANT / VETERANS' PREFERENCE POLICY / DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE
NOTE: THESE BENEFITS DO NOT APPLY TO EXTRA HELP EMPLOYEES.
*Rates listed in this flyer represent a full-time employee's accrual rate and health insurance premium rate. Part-time employees will have pro-rated accruals and health insurance premium rates based on the number of hours they work.

This position is represented by the Local 39 bargaining unit.

SALARY:

• Annual salary step increases based upon satisfactory performance and completion of one year of employment (Step A to E).

HEALTH:

• Approximately 80% of the premium for medical, dental, and vision plan is paid by the County (EPO Plan). The plan covers the employee and all eligible dependents at NO ADDITIONAL COST!
• Employee premiums are $234.54 per month as of January 1, 2025 and $266.97 as of January 1, 2026 for employee and all eligible dependents.

PAID LEAVES:

• Benefits also include an annual paid leave plan of
  • 96 hours of vacation (increases upon continuous years of service)
  • 96 hours of sick leave
  • 14 paid holidays plus one 8 hour personal holiday

LIFE INSURANCE:

• Approximately 80% of the premium for a $30,000 life insurance plan for the employee is paid for by the County.

RETIREMENT:

• A retirement plan through CalPERS.
  • CalPERS Formulas:
    • Classic member = 2% @ 55
    • New Member = 2% @ 62
• A Deferred Compensation retirement plan option with a County match of up to a maximum of $60 per month.

ASSISTANCE & PROGRAMS:

• Employee Assistance Program: Provided to all employees and employee's family members at no cost.
• LiveHealth Online: Access to a medical provider 24/7 from the comfort of your home at NO COST!
• Lark: Diabetes Prevention Program
• Livongo: Diabetes Management Program
• Hinge Health: Lower Back & Joint Pain Program
• Carrum Health: Enhanced Surgery Benefits Program
• Assist to Own: Down Payment Assistance Program

01


What is your highest level of education?

• Some high school
• High school diploma or GED
• Some college
• Associate's degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree
• Doctorate
• None of the above

02


How many years of experience do you have with increasing responsibility in performing advanced journey level or specialized duties in the provision of mental or public healthcare management services, psychiatric social services, public health education services, counseling, nutrition counseling, or substance abuse counseling (i.e., supervisor/lead cashier, lead store clerk, supervisor/lead clerical, etc.) and/or work-like experiences (i.e., volunteering, school activities, intern).

• No experience
• Less than 1 year of experience
• 1 year to less than 2 years of experience
• 2 years to less than 3 years of experience
• 3 or more years of experience

03


Do you possess a Community Health Worker or Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Certificate?

• Yes
• No
• N/A

04


Do you self-identify as having experience with the process of recovery from mental illness or substance use disorder, either as a consumer of these services or as the parent, caregiver or family member of a consumer. If so, are you willing to share your experience's and have a strong dedication to recovery?

• Yes
• No
• N/A

05


What was the best job that you have ever had? What were your responsibilities? Why do you consider it your best job? Is there anything you didn't like about it?
06


Describe a decision that you made that was made based primarily on customer needs and input.
07


Do you have a valid, non-expired California Driver's License or can you obtain one within 6 months?

• Yes
• No

Required Question