Peer Support Specialist I

Description

Peer Support Specialist – CARE COURT
Location: Visalia, 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 I – CARE to support the CARE Court program. This role provides community-based support to individuals experiencing severe mental health and substance use challenges, helping connect them to treatment, recovery, and essential services.

Under the supervision of the Clinical Program Manager, this position provides direct peer support, advocacy, and recovery-oriented services while helping individuals navigate systems of care and improve overall wellness.

Key Responsibilities:

Peer Support & Advocacy:
- Provide direct advocacy, emotional support, and mentoring using lived experience
- Facilitate peer support groups and recovery-oriented activities
- Assist in developing consumer-driven wellness and recovery plans
- Promote engagement and recovery through strength-based approaches

Care Coordination & Resource Linkage:
- Connect individuals to community resources and wraparound services
- Support individuals in accessing behavioral health and social services
- Assist with transportation as approved by supervisor
- Participate in outreach and community engagement activities

Documentation & Compliance:
- Maintain accurate, timely documentation in SmartCare EHR system
- Ensure compliance with agency, HIPAA, COA, CCBHC, and CalAIM standards
- Complete documentation within required timeframes

Team Collaboration:
- Communicate effectively with supervisors and team members
- Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and continuing education
- Collaborate with community partners and service providers

Crisis Awareness & Safety:
- Utilize de-escalation techniques and crisis intervention skills
- Respond appropriately to high-risk situations
- Follow protocols and consult with supervisors when needed

General Duties:
- Maintain professionalism and empathy in all interactions
- Navigate multiple systems for documentation and referrals
- Perform additional duties as assigned

What You’ll Bring:

Required Qualifications:
- High School Diploma or equivalent
- One (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 work independently and as part of a team

Preferred Qualifications:
- Completion of peer training programs (WRAP or similar)
- Crisis counseling or behavioral health experience
- Experience linking individuals to community resources
- Bilingual English/Spanish preferred

Professional Attributes:
- Compassionate and empathetic
- Strong problem-solving and critical thinking 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 involves community-based work, including travel to homes and service locations. The position may involve exposure to individuals experiencing behavioral health crises and requires flexibility, resilience, and professionalism.

Equal Opportunity Employer:
Kings View is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

ADA Statement:
Reasonable accommodations will be provided in accordance with applicable laws.