Peer Support Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Benefits This position is eligible for a comprehensive benefits package, including employer-paid Gold PPO health insurance with employer contributions toward dependent coverage, employer-paid dental and vision insurance, employer-paid long-term disability insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching, FSA enrollment, and voluntary benefits including Life/AD&D, Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity. Full-time employees also receive paid time off, paid sick leave, 1 paid personal day, and 11 paid holidays.

About Painted Brain The mission of Painted Brain is to create lasting community-based solutions to mental health challenges and the impact of social injustice through arts, advocacy, and enterprise. Painted Brain is an innovative, peer-run mental health organization that integrates arts, technology, and community-based support to promote recovery, wellness, and social connection. Painted Brain defines a peer as an individual with lived experience of mental health challenges and/or trauma, including experiences related to social injustice, interpersonal violence, and societal exclusion. We serve diverse and historically underserved communities, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), LGBTQ+ individuals, justice-involved individuals, people experiencing mental health and substance use challenges, individuals experiencing homelessness or housing instability, and low-income individuals and families. Through peer support, creative expression, advocacy, and workforce development, Painted Brain empowers individuals to build meaningful connections, develop skills, access resources, and pursue their personal recovery and wellness goals. 

Position Summary  Under the supervision of the Clinical Supervisor, the Peer Support Specialist provides non-clinical support to individuals, families, and groups through outreach, peer support, advocacy, and resource navigation. The Peer Support Specialist uses personal lived experience to build trusting relationships, promote mental health and wellness, and help participants achieve their goals. Services may include one-on-one and group peer support, community outreach, referrals, and case management support. The Peer Support Specialist works with team members and community partners to connect participants with resources and services. This position also requires accurate and timely documentation of participant services and outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

Peer Support and Engagement

• Conduct community outreach to engage participants and connect individuals and families with mental health resources and services.
• Provide one-on-one and group peer support services to promote mental health, recovery, wellness, and social connection.
• Build trusting relationships with participants by drawing upon personal lived experience to foster hope, empowerment, and recovery.
• Facilitate peer-led groups, workshops, and community activities.

Advocacy and Resource Navigation

• Provide individual and community-level advocacy to address barriers to care and promote access to services.
• Assist participants with resource navigation, referrals, linkage to services, and follow-up.
• Provide non-clinical case management support, including service coordination and assistance with participant goals.
• Represent Painted Brain and build relationships with community organizations, government agencies, and service providers, including travel to partner locations as needed.

Program Support and Collaboration

• Collaborate with internal teams, supervisors, county departments, and community partners to coordinate participant services and program activities.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of participant interactions, outreach, services, referrals, and outcomes using Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems and other designated platforms.
• Participate in team meetings, supervision, training, and other program activities as needed.  

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; advanced education in related fields is a plus.
• Peer Training & Certification: Must meet at least one of the following:
  • Certification as a Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist (CMPSS).
  • Completion of an 80-hour Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist training program (Certificate of Completion required).
  • Peer Support Specialist training or certification in progress.
• Personal Lived Experience: Self-identification as having experience with the process of recovery from a mental health condition or substance use disorder, either as a consumer of these services or as the parent, caregiver, or family member of a peer.

Other Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required

• Strong communication and listening skills, with empathy, patience, and the ability to connect with others quickly.
• Ability to build trust, maintain professional boundaries, and provide respectful, culturally responsive support to people from diverse backgrounds.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, including the ability to maintain accurate records.
• Ability to protect private information and follow HIPAA requirements.
• Comfortable using Google Workspace, mobile devices, and digital tools for communication and data collection.
• Knowledge of the California Human Services landscape, community mental health systems, forensic treatment services, and trauma-informed care practices. 
• Ability to work well with team members, community partners, and participants in different settings, including in-person and remotely.
• Professional, flexible, and able to adapt to different programs and participant needs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to communicate in more than one language.
• Experience in case management, service coordination, or community resource navigation.
• Experience leading peer support groups, workshops, or mental health activities. 
• Experience working with LGBTQ+ communities and/or justice-involved individuals. 
• Experience using Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems to document participant services and activities. 

Work Environment

• This position requires a mix of remote work, in-person community engagement, and occasional travel to multiple locations as needed.
• Ability to work some evenings and weekends as needed.
• Follow safety standards and protocols.
• Regular and predictable attendance is required.
• Employees may be asked to perform other duties as assigned.

General Travel Expectations

• Ability to travel locally to various locations as needed, typically within 10-50 miles of the primary work location. Painted Brain does not provide transportation; however, mileage reimbursement is available for eligible work-related travel.
• Travel may be required on short notice and may include evenings or weekends.

Physical Requirements  

• Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to travel to community locations and participate in outreach activities.
• Ability to lift and carry materials weighing up to 20 pounds.
• Ability to use computers, mobile devices, and other equipment needed for the job.
• Ability to communicate effectively with participants, coworkers, and community partners.
• Ability to follow safety procedures and respond appropriately to emergencies.

Mental Requirements  

This position requires the ability to manage changing priorities, respond to interruptions, process information, and work effectively in a busy environment. Employees may occasionally encounter challenging situations or behaviors when working with participants. 

The requirements above are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required for successful performance of the essential duties. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. We know that not everyone will meet every qualification listed. If you are interested in this role and believe you would be a good fit, we strongly encourage you to apply, even if you don't meet all of the requirements. 

Painted Brain is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer 

Offers of employment at Painted Brain are contingent upon verification of any required degrees, licenses, or certifications and completion of any applicable criminal background check following a conditional offer of employment. Background check results will be evaluated in accordance with applicable law. For positions requiring driving, employees must maintain a valid driver’s license, an acceptable driving record, and current proof of automobile insurance throughout employment.