Peer Support Specialist I

Description Peer Support Specialist – Access Location: Tulare, CA Position Type: Full-Time | Non-Exempt Salary Range: $20.00 – $21.22 per hour Join Our Mission At Kings View, every role contributes to something bigger — improving lives and strengthening communities. We are committed to providing behavioral health and social services to those with limited resources, guided by compassion, excellence, and respect. Position Overview: Kings View is seeking a Peer Support Specialist – Access to join the Access Line Team serving individuals of all ages experiencing mental health crisis. This role provides telephonic and electronic support through crisis and community support lines, offering active listening, safety planning, and linkage to appropriate services. As part of a multidisciplinary team, this position responds to a broad range of non-life-threatening mental health situations, conducts intake and needs assessments, coordinates services, and supports continuity of care. Key Responsibilities: Crisis Support & Intervention: - Respond to incoming calls, chats, and texts on crisis and support lines - Provide active listening, emotional support, and collaborative problem-solving - Apply crisis intervention techniques and safety planning - Evaluate need for higher level interventions (e.g., 5150 evaluation) and coordinate response Care Coordination & Advocacy: - Act as liaison between Person Served, family, and treatment providers - Conduct intake assessments and identify service needs - Provide referrals to community and recovery services - Support stabilization and prevent re-hospitalization Documentation & Compliance: - Maintain accurate and timely documentation in SmartCare and other systems - Ensure compliance with HIPAA, COA, CCBHC, and CalAIM standards - Track contacts, collect required data, and complete documentation within required timeframes Team Collaboration & Program Support: - Work closely with Mobile Crisis Response Team and community partners - Participate in outreach events and program activities - Attend required trainings, meetings, and continuing education General Duties: - Meet performance expectations for response and quality metrics - Work flexible schedules including evenings, weekends, and holidays - Navigate multiple systems for documentation and referrals - Perform additional duties as assigned What You’ll Bring: Required Qualifications: - High School Diploma or equivalent - 0–1 year of relevant experience - Valid California Driver’s License (Class C) Required Experience: - Experience working with the public - Lived experience as a consumer or family member (if required by program) Required Skills: - Strong communication and compassionate listening skills - Ability to de-escalate crisis situations - Strong documentation and data entry skills - Ability to multitask and navigate multiple systems - Ability to work independently and as part of a team Preferred Qualifications: - Crisis counseling or behavioral health experience - Experience linking individuals to community resources - Bilingual English/Spanish preferred Professional Attributes: - Compassionate and empathetic - Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills - Ability to remain calm under pressure - Culturally competent and respectful - Strong desire to support vulnerable populations Additional Requirements: - Must meet insurability requirements if applicable - Must be authorized to work in the United States Pre-Employment Requirements: - Background check - Drug screening - Live Scan (DOJ fingerprinting) Work Environment: This role is primarily office-based with high-volume phone and computer use. The position may involve handling emotionally intense situations and requires professionalism, resilience, and adaptability. Equal Opportunity Employer: Kings View is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA Statement: Reasonable accommodations will be provided in accordance with applicable laws. #J-18808-Ljbffr