Peer Advocate - Mental Health Services

JOB DESCRIPTION

Peer Advocate
Program Type: Mental Health - Peer Support Services
Schedule: Monday - Friday | 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM | Part-Time (20 hours/week)
POSITION OVERVIEW

We are seeking a passionate and dedicated Peer Advocate to join The Good Seed team in Los Angeles, CA. This position supports individuals experiencing mental health challenges, co-occurring disorders, and/or histories of homelessness through a trauma-informed, client-centered, and recovery-oriented approach.

The Peer Advocate plays a key role in helping clients navigate their recovery journeys by building authentic connections, promoting self-determination, and empowering individuals to access resources and achieve personal stability and well-being. Drawing from lived experience, this role serves as a bridge between clients and the broader care team while fostering hope, resilience, and independence.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide one-on-one and group peer support during afternoon/evening hours
• Utilize lived experience with mental health recovery to build trusting relationships
• Model recovery, resilience, and healthy coping strategies
• Assist clients in identifying recovery goals and building self-advocacy skills
• Support access to community resources, including mental health services, housing, and benefits
• Accompany clients to appointments, referrals, and community activities as needed
• Facilitate peer support groups and recovery-oriented activities
• Collaborate with case managers, clinicians, and employment specialists for coordinated care
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation and case records
• Support crisis de-escalation and connect clients to appropriate resources
• Participate in team meetings, trainings, and supervision
• Maintain professional boundaries while fostering supportive relationships
• Perform other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

• Lived experience with mental health recovery, co-occurring disorders, and/or homelessness
• High school diploma or equivalent; additional training in peer support or related field preferred
• Certification as a Peer Support Specialist (or willingness to obtain upon hire)
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to work with individuals experiencing mental illness, homelessness, and/or substance use disorders
• Commitment to recovery principles, self-determination, and trauma-informed care
• Basic documentation skills and ability to maintain client records

Preferred:

• California Peer Support Specialist certification or completion of a recognized training program
• Experience providing peer support in community mental health or outreach settings
• Knowledge of Los Angeles County mental health resources and social service systems
• Familiarity with LA County Department of Mental Health (DMH) programs and protocols
• CPR/First Aid certification

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This position operates in community-based and office settings, including client homes, program sites, and partner locations across Los Angeles, CA. The role may require local travel and working in dynamic environments.

Candidates must be able to remain calm and effective in challenging situations while consistently demonstrating professionalism, respect, and a commitment to client-centered care.
COMPANY DESCRIPTION

The Good Seed's mission is to provide specialized, compassionate care and services that promote better health outcomes by addressing the social determinants of health.

We deliver on this mission through four key approaches:

• Intensive care management
• Specialized housing
• Community engagement
• Innovative special projects