Peer Support Specialist I/II

County of San Mateo, CA Overview San Mateo County Health's Behavioral Health and Recovery Services is seeking compassionate, recovery-oriented Peer Support Specialists to support adults navigating mental health and/or substance use recovery. This is an opportunity to use lived experience, peer mentorship, and recovery-focused support to help individuals build stability, independence, wellness, and connection within their communities. Assignments Older Adult System of Integrated Services (OASIS) – 1 Part Time, Regular SB43 Specialty Program – 1 Full Time, Regular South County Adult Outpatient Services – 1 Full Time, Regular Travel throughout the County and surrounding Bay Area may be required depending on assignment. Responsibilities Provide peer‑based recovery support, encouragement, and mentorship using lived experience. Build supportive relationships with clients and promote hope, self‑advocacy, and wellness. Assist clients in accessing behavioral health, substance use, medical, housing, benefits, vocational, educational, and community resources. Support individuals in developing independent living, recovery, and wellness skills. Assist clients with navigating County systems, appointments, transportation, and telehealth services. Provide field‑based outreach and engagement services. Facilitate or co‑facilitate support groups and recovery‑focused activities. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, hospitals, clinics, community providers, and other partners. Participate in case conferences, treatment planning, and team meetings. Assist with documentation, data tracking, and reporting activities. Support clients experiencing social isolation, housing instability, hospitalization, or other complex barriers to care. Ideal Candidate Possesses lived experience as a consumer of mental health services and can draw upon their recovery journey. Understands recovery‑oriented and trauma‑informed approaches to care. Builds trust and effectively engages individuals from diverse communities and backgrounds. Connects clients to behavioral health, housing, medical, and community resources. Works effectively both independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams. Adapts to a variety of program settings, including clinic‑based, field‑based, and community‑based work. Demonstrates strong communication, organization, and problem‑solving skills. Has experience supporting individuals experiencing complex behavioral health and social service needs. Experience working with adults and older adults, co‑occurring disorders. Experience in field‑based outreach, housing instability, or multidisciplinary behavioral health setting is highly desirable depending on assignment. Bilingual skills are highly desirable for some assignments. Rewarding Aspects of the Job Make a meaningful impact supporting individuals on their recovery journey. Build experience supporting diverse Adult System of Care programs and populations. Strengthen skills in advocacy, engagement, communication, case management, and peer counseling. Expand collaboration across multidisciplinary teams, hospitals, and community partners. Develop expertise navigating behavioral health, housing, and social service systems. Help individuals build greater stability, independence, wellness, and community connection. Distinguishing Characteristics Peer Support Specialist I ($31.78 – $39.72 hourly): entry‑level class learning program operations and peer support practices, working under close supervision. Peer Support Specialist II ($35.09 – $43.85 hourly): experienced‑level class independently performing the full range of duties with greater judgment and discretion. Requirements Peer Support Specialist I: Proof of completion of peer‑support specialist training and, within eighteen (18) months from hire, obtain certification as a Medi‑Cal Peer Support Specialist. Peer Support Specialist II: Certification as a Medi‑Cal Peer Support Specialist issued by the California Mental Health Services Authority (CMHSA). Must meet experience requirements established by the funding source of assignment. Some positions may require possession of a valid California driver license or equivalent. The County of San Mateo is an equal opportunity employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr