Certified Peer Support Specialist/Trainee

Salary: Depends on Qualifications
Location : Indio
Job Type: Regular
Job Number: 25-79725-EM-Desert
Department: Behavioral Health
Opening Date: 02/10/2025

ABOUT THE POSITION
The Riverside University Health System's Behavioral Health Department is seeking multiple Bilingual and Non-Bilingual Certified Peer Support Specialists/Trainees. This postingwill be used to fill current and future vacancies for Consumer, Parent Partner, and Family Advocate openings. Positionsthroughout the desert region.

• Consumer: Has personal recovery experience from mental health or substance abuse, for at least 1 year.
• Family Advocate: Has experience guiding family members through their mental health or substance recovery journey for at least 1 year (can be friend that they consider to be family).
• Parent/Partner: Has direct experience as a parent/foster parent assisting their children through their mental health recovery for at least 1 year.

In order to be considered, candidates must be able to share personal experiences with others.

HOW IT WORKS
- Applicants will answer questions about personal experience, work experience, and qualifications.
- The most competitive applicants (based on specialized skills) will be referred
for interviews.
- Applicants will receive email notification once their application is no longer being
considered due to Candidate Pool expiration.

Some positions may require a law enforcement background investigation which requires completion of an extensive questionnaire, meeting with a background investigator, and submitting several references.

Competitive candidates will possess current or previous experience as a consumer, family advocate or parent partner of mental health or substance recovery services.

Schedule: Schedules vary depending on location and department needs.

Peer Support Specialist Trainee Salary Range: $19.43-$26.64

Certified Peer Support Specialist Salary Range: $23.30-$31.71

Valid California Driver's License and CALMHSA MEDI-CAL PEER SUPPORT SPECIALIST CERTIFICATION may be required at various locations.
Under direction, provide information, support and assistance and advocacy for recipients, and/or caregivers/family members of consumers of mental health services and to provide feedback and perspective to the mental health system relative to the impact and effectiveness of the services provided and to do other work as required.

Incumbents in this class perform the full journey level scope of assignments in the Mental Health Peer Specialist series and report to either a program supervisor or a regional manager; team with mental health professionals in the provision of consumer treatment, directly assist consumers and families/caregivers in the utilization of appropriate community resources, provide education and information to consumers and the community; and provide a unique consumer perspective to the mental health team.

Incumbents in this class provide a full range of information, training, support, encouragement, advocacy, service effectiveness assessment and related services in order to assist the consumer and family/caregiver in coping with immediate situations. The consumer and family/caregiver perspective is provided in the development of programs and services and in formulation of treatment strategies. Incumbents of this class do not attempt to modify or change the consumer's personality structure. Classes in this series differ from those in the Clinical Therapist series in that the latter, due to advanced education and experience, use independent judgment in making diagnoses, developing treatment plans, and providing a wide range and variety of mental health services including psychotherapy. This series differs from the Behavioral Health Specialist series in that the latter provides general counseling, initial assessment and case management. In contrast, this series provides information and assistance based on the unique perspective of being a recipient of or having been closely associated with the direct receipt of mental health services.
"Applications will be reviewed in the order of when it was received"

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Peer Support Specialist Trainee
• Provide meaningful self-disclosure of personal lived experience of behavior health-related and/or substance abuse-related recovery and resiliency to the people served in the system of care (required by State Certification).
• In a training capacity, inform, train, support, and empower consumers, families and caregivers who directly or indirectly receive behavioral health services.
• Communicate, represent and promote the consumer, families and caregivers' perspective within the behavioral health system.
• Facilitate self-help groups for consumers, youth, family members, and caregivers.
• Attend and participate in special events, conferences, workshops, and trainings within the behavioral health system and in the community.
• Develop activities, programs and resources which support consumers, families and caregivers in achieving their goals.
• Support the appropriate recognition, acceptance and understanding of social and cultural factors in the provision of behavioral health services.
• Develop effective working relationships with agencies and organizations to advocate for consumer, family and caregiver empowerment.
• Help prepare and support clients, families and caregivers at consumer progress consultation meetings and at a variety of formal and informal hearings.
• Help consumers and those who support them to articulate their needs.
• Focus on and is sensitive to consumer, family and caregiver satisfaction with the services received and general satisfaction with behavioral health services.
• Assist and promote consumers and those who support them in support networks and activities.
• Document all activities as required, following appropriate Medi-Cal billing practices.
Certified Peer Support Specialist
• Provide meaningful self-disclosure of personal lived experience of behavioral health-related or substance abuse-related recovery and resiliency to the people served in the system of care (required by State Certification).
• Inform, train, support, and empower consumers, families and caregivers who directly or indirectly receive behavioral health services.
• Communicate, represent and promote the consumer, families and caregivers' perspective within the behavioral health system.
• Facilitate self-help groups for clients, youth, family members, and caregivers.
• Attend and participate in special events, conferences, workshops, and trainings within the behavioral health system and in the community.
• Develop activities, programs and resources which support consumers, families and caregivers in achieving their goals.
• Supports the appropriate recognition, acceptance and understanding of social and cultural factors in the provision of behavioral health services.
• Develop effective working relationships with agencies and organizations to advocate for consumer, family and caregiver empowerment.
• Help prepare and support clients, families and caregivers at consumer progress consultation meetings and at a variety of formal and informal hearings.
• Help consumers and those who support them to articulate their needs.
• Focus on and is sensitive to consumer, family and caregiver satisfaction with the services received and general satisfaction with behavioral health services.
• Assist and promote consumers and those who support them in support networks and activities.
• Document all activities as required, following appropriate Medi-Cal billing practices.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Peer Support Specialist Trainee Recruiting Guidelines:
Mental Health Peer Specialist Trainee : $19.43-$26.64
Education: Possession of a high school diploma, G.E.D. equivalency or high school proficiency certificate is required.

Experience: Depending on the assignment, current or previous recovery experience as a consumer of behavioral health and/or substance abuse services or as a family member/caregiver of a former or current behavioral health and/or substance abuse consumer.

Medi-Cal Peer Support Certification must be obtained within two (2) years of the employee start date. Failure to obtain a Medi-Cal Peer Support Certification may lead to termination.

License/Certificate: Possession of a valid California Driver's License may be required.

Knowledge of: The basic needs and difficulties faced by ethnically diverse consumers, caregivers and families of behavioral health and/or substance abuse consumers; the public and/or private agency services available for families, children and adults with serious behavioral health needs, such as schools, social services and other systems.

Ability to: Learn the basic principles of the behavioral health system and effectively work within the system; represent and advocate for the consumer perspective within the community and behavioral health system; understand the cultural and social factors affecting behavior patterns; effectively communicate the workings of the behavioral health system to service consumers, parents, family members, and caregivers; establish and maintain working relationships with a wide range of community agencies and organizations; obtain and record accurate information for case documentation and other reports.
Certified Peer Support Specialist Recruiting Guidelines:Mental Health Peer Specialist : $23.30-$31.71
Education: Possession of a high school diploma, G.E.D. equivalency or high school proficiency certificate is required.

Experience: Depending on the assignment, current or previous recovery experience as a consumer of behavioral health and/or substance abuse services or as a family member/caregiver of a former or current behavioral health and/or substance abuse consumer.

AND

California State Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Certification.

A valid Medi-Cal Peer Support Certification must be obtained prior to the employment start date. Employees holding a Medi-Cal Peer Support Certification must be re-certified every two (2) years. Failure to maintain a valid Medi-Cal Peer Support Certification may lead to termination.

License/Certificate: Possession of a valid California Driver's License may be required.

Knowledge of: The needs and difficulties faced by ethnically diverse consumers, families and caregivers of behavioral health and/or substance abuse consumers; the public and/or private agency services available for families, children and adults with serious behavioral health needs, such as schools, social services and other systems; the self-help and consumer oriented treatment models; and methods to effectively communicate with consumers, families and caregivers, the community and the behavioral health treatment team.

Ability to: Understand the principles of the behavioral health system and effectively work within the system; effectively represent and advocate for the consumer perspective within the community and behavioral health system; understand and articulate the cultural and social factors affecting behavior patterns; effectively communicate the workings of the behavioral health system to service consumers, parents, family members and caregivers; establish and maintain strong working relationships with a wide range of community agencies and organizations; obtain and record accurate information for case documentation and other reports.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Questions: For further information regarding this posting, contact the recruiter:
Edgar Manzo at: emcardenas@Rivco.org
APPLICATION INFORMATION

Veteran's Preference
The County has a Veterans Preference Policy applicable to new hires. To qualify, upload a copy of your (or your spouse's) Member-4 Form DD-214 indicating dates of service, and a copy of your spouse's letter of disability (if applicable) with your application. For privacy reasons, it is recommended that you remove your social security information from the document(s). A Human Resources Representative will review the materials and determine if you qualify for veterans' preference. The Veterans Preference Policy, C-3 is available here:
Reasonable Accommodations
The County of Riverside is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the recruiter for the position noted above. For additional information and/or to obtain the appropriate form for requesting a reasonable accommodation, please visit the Disability Access Office web page located at:
Proof of Education
If using education to qualify or when requested by the recruiter, upload a copy of any license(s), official/unofficial transcript(s), degrees, and/or related employment documents to your NeoGov account at the time of application and before the closing date. Official or unofficial transcripts will be accepted.

If your education was completed outside of the United States, you will need to provide a copy of your Foreign Education Equivalency evaluation from a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services () or Association of International Credential Evaluators, Inc. ().
Work Authorization Requirement
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application. The County of Riverside does not participate in visa sponsorship programs, including H1-B visas, and will not provide sponsorship for any employment-based visas.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The County of Riverside is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of the County of Riverside to provide equal employment opportunities for all qualified persons. All applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition (cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, or denial of medical and family care leave, or any other non-job-related factors.
Pre-Employment
All employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of pre-employment requirements including a criminal background investigation, which involves fingerprinting. (A felony or misdemeanor conviction may disqualify the applicant from County employment). A pre-employment physical examination and background check may be required.
Probationary Period
As an Approved Local Merit System, all County of Riverside employees, except those serving "At Will," are subject to the probationary period provisions as specified in the applicable Memorandum of Understanding, County Resolution, or Salary Ordinance. Temporary and Per Diem employees serve at the pleasure of the agency/department head.
General Information
Current County of Riverside and/or current employees of the hiring department may receive priority consideration. Qualified candidates may be considered for future County vacancies.
Job postings may close without notice based on application volume. Submit your complete application by the recruitment close date; no late applications are accepted. Ensure all relevant experience/education is reflected on your application/resume, as a failure to demonstrate position requirements may disqualify applicants. A description of job duties directly copied from the job classification or job posting will not be considered.
Please read and follow any special application instructions on this posting. Click the 'Apply' link located on this page to submit your application. For additional instructions on the application process, examinations, Veteran's preference, pre-employment accommodation or other employment questions, please refer to our web site,
If you are experiencing technical problems, you may contact the governmentjobs.com applicant support desk Monday through Friday, 6 am to 5 pm Pacific Time at support@governmentjobs.com or toll-free 1-855-524-5627.
BENEFIT PROGRAM: UPE
MEDICAL/DENTAL/VISION INSURANCE: A choice of different medical, dental and visions plan are available to elect. The County provides a Flexible Benefit Credit contribution as governed by the applicable LIUNA Memorandum of Understanding to contribute towards the cost of these plans.

Note: Employees on assignment through the Temporary Assignment Program (TAP) receive different benefits. See the list
MISCELLANEOUS RETIREMENT: County of Riverside has three retirement Tiers through the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS).

• Tier I (Classic Member - Formula 3% @ 60): Applicable to current and former County of Riverside local miscellaneous employees hired prior to 08/24/2012 and did not withdraw CalPERS contributions. The employee contribution is eight (8%) percent.
• Tier II (Classic Member - Formula 2% @ 60): Applicable to local miscellaneous employees 1) hired after 08/23/2012 through 12/31/2012; 2) Previously employed with another CalPERS contracting public agency or a reciprocal retirement system, with a break in service of less than six months between the separation date with the previous employer and the appointment date with the County of Riverside. The employee contribution is seven (7%) percent.
• Tier III (PEPRA New Member - Formula 2% @ 62): Applicable to CalPERS local miscellaneous new members hired on or after the implementation of the Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA) which took effect January 1, 2013. Effective July 1, 2023 employee contributions are 7.25% and will increase to 7.75% effective July 1, 2024.

A new member is defined as any of the following:

1. A new hire who enters CalPERS membership for the first time on or after January 1, 2013, and who has no prior membership in any California Public Retirement System.
2. A new hire who enters CalPERS membership for the first time on or after January 1, 2013, and who was a member with another California Public Retirement System prior to that date, but who is not subject to reciprocity upon joining CalPERS.
3. A member who first established CalPERS membership prior to January 1, 2013, and who is rehired by a different CalPERS agency after a break in service of greater than six (6) months.

CalPERS refers to all members that do not fit within the definition of a new member as "classic members".

Contribution rates are subject to change based on the County of Riverside annual actuarial valuation.
Note:

This summary is for general information purposes only. Additional questions regarding retirement formulas can be sent to or by calling the Benefits Information Line at (951) 955-4981,
Option 2.

If you have prior service credit with another CalPERS agency or within agencies, please contact CalPERS at (888) 225-7377 to determine which retirement tier would be applicable to you. CalPERS is governed by the Public Employees' Retirement Law. The Retirement Law is complex and subject to change. If there's any conflict between this summary and the law, the law will prevail over this summary.
DEFERRED COMPENSATION: Voluntary employee contribution with a choice between two 457 deferred compensation plan options.

VACATION ACCRUAL (Bi-Weekly Accrual):

0 < 3 year = 80 Hours (10 Days)
4 < 9 years = 120 Hours (15 Days)
10 or more years = 160 Hours (20 Days)

Maximum Vacation leave accumulation is 480 hours.

SICK LEAVE: Four (4) hours Sick Leave accrual per pay period with unlimited accrual.

HOLIDAYS: Normally 12 paid holidays per year

BEREAVEMENT LEAVE: Allowed 5 days (3 days are County paid; 2 additional days can be taken from accrued Sick Leave balance)

BASIC LIFE INSURANCE: Equal to one times annual base salary not to exceed $50,000 of term life coverage. Premiums are paid by the County. Additional Supplemental Life plan is available for employee purchase.

DISABILITY:
Employees contribute to State Disability Insurance (SDI), which provides wage replacement benefits for those unable to work due to non-work-related illness, injury, or pregnancy. SDI also includes Paid Family Leave benefits. The wage replacement rate, as defined by current law, is between 60-70% of wages earned during the SDI eligibility period. Benefits can be coordinated with other available leave balances to provide up to 100% of regular pay.

POST RETIREMENT MEDICAL CONTRIBUTION: A monthly contribution is made by the County towards retiree health insurance offered through the County as governed by the applicable Memorandum of Understanding.

OTHER: There may be other benefit provisions as specified in the applicable Memorandum of Understanding. Please contact the recruiter listed on the job posting directly for more information.
01

Are you a current regular, part time, temporary, per diem, or seasonal employee with the County of Riverside?

• Yes
• No

02

Are you currently 18 years of age or older?

• Yes
• No

03

What's the highest level of education you've completed?

• None
• High School Diploma/GED
• I have my Associate's Degree
• I have my Bachelor's Degree
• I have my Master's Degree
• I have my Doctorates Degree

04

Do you possess a valid California Driver's License?

• Yes
• No

05

What is your Spanish bilingual level?

• I am not bilingual in Spanish
• I speak Spanish, but cannot read or write
• I can speak, read, and write in Spanish

06

Do you posses a California State Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Certificate?

• Yes
• No

07

I understand that if I am hired at the Trainee Level, the Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Certification must be obtained within two (2) years of the employee start date. Failure to meet the requirement can and may lead to termination.

• Yes
• No

08

I am willing to share my own personal experiences as a Consumer, Family Advocate or Parent Partner of Behavior Health Services.

• Yes
• No

09

Please select the option(s) the best describe your experience

• Consumer - Has personal experience from mental health or substance abuse for at least 1 year
• Family Advocate - has experience guiding family members through their mental health or substance abuse recovery for at least 1 year. (Friend of the family may be considered.)
• Parent Partner - Direct experience as a parent/foster parent assisting children through their mental health or substance abuse recovery for at least 1 year.
• None of the above

10

How many years of experience do you have working as a Certified Peer Support Specialist?

• None
• Less then 1 year
• More than 1 but less than 2 years
• More than 2 but less than 3 years
• More than 3 but less than 4 years
• More than 4 but less than 5 years
• 5 years or more

11

Please select the option(s) below that best describes the population that you have experience working with.

• Adolescence (Children under 18)
• Young Adult ( 18-25 years of age)
• Adult (25-65 years of age)
• Geriatric ( 66 years or older)
• Homeless
• None of the above

12

How many years of experience do you have working in a healthcare setting, such as a medical office, hospital, medical clinic, patient care center, etc.?

• None
• Less than 12 months
• 1 year or more but less than 2
• 2 years or more but less than 3
• 3 years or more but less than 4
• 4 years or more but less than 5
• 5 years or more

13

Are you interested in a 4/10 Schedule from Wednesday - Sunday (9:30 AM - 8:00 PM)?

• Yes
• No

14

Have you completed any Family to Family classes? If so, please list the class name. Please type N/A if not applicable.
15

How many years of lived experience do you have either receiving or assisting others with behavior health and/or substance abuse services?

• None
• Less then 1 year
• 1-2 years
• 3-5 years
• 5 years or more

16

Please describe in detail your personal experience as a Consumer, Family Advocate or Parent Partner. Please include the years in recovery and the recovery services used. Failure to elaborate your experience may result in disqualification.
17

Do you Have Peer Employment Training?

• Yes
• No

18

Do you have expereince with the TAY (Transitional Aged Youth) program?

• Yes
• No

19

Would you be interested in a 4/10 or a 9/80 schedule?

• 4/10
• 9/80
• Both

Required Question

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