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Peer Support Specialist

Acadia·El Cajon, California

$25 - $27/hr·Other·Full Time·On Site·0-2 yrs
·Posted 9 days ago
Practice for this role

About the role

Provide peer support and guidance to patients recovering from Opioid Use Disorder to break down barriers to treatment. Act as a liaison between patients, clinical teams, and community resources to assist with housing, employment, and medical care.

Outpatient MAT Opioid Treatment Program (OTP) Seeking

  • Peer Support Specialist- Medi-Cal Peer
  • Support
  • Specialist (CMPSS)
  • Certification required
  • Full
  • Time
  • Schedule:
  • Monday -
  • Friday, 5:30
  • AM - 2:00
  • PM
  • Our
  • Benefits: Semi-Annual Bonus Program Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance Competitive 401(k) plan Paid vacation and sick time Early morning hours offering a great work/life balance
  • Opportunity for growth that is second to none in the industry
  • Our
  • Team: El Cajon Comprehensive Treatment Center (CTC), located in El Cajon, CA, is part of Acadia Healthcare's Comprehensive Treatment Centers, the leading provider of medication-assisted treatment in the nation. Our clinical team provides compassionate, high-quality counseling and therapy to patients who are seeking recovery from Opioid Use Disorder.
  • Your
  • Job as a
  • Peer
  • Support
  • Specialist/Recovery
  • Coach: Peer Support Specialist supports and assists patients in their recovery from Opioid Use Disorder to break down barriers to treatment and bridge together the varying entities that help an individual maintain productive, long-term recovery. Additionally, the Peer Support Specialist will assist the patient in developing skills and enhancing strengths to avoid relapse and successfully navigate the full continuum of care and the road to long-term recovery.
  • Job
  • Responsibilities: Provides peer support to clinically complex patients, drawing on common experiences as a peer; validates each individuals’ experiences and provides guidance and encouragement to these individuals to take responsibility and actively participate in their own recovery Engages patients referred to treatment at the initial point of contact, clinic or other community provider, to expedite screening for the appropriate level of care. Acts as advocate and mentor to patients in recovery to promote decision making, empowerment and engagement Acts as a role model for patients by sharing effective coping techniques and self-help strategies to promote personal growth and development in handling internal and external stressors, positive health, wellness and lifestyle choices Provides peer support knowledge related to treatment including methadone, buprenorphine or extended-release naltrexone injection maintenance treatment. Acts as a liaison between patients, clinical team and community resources including but not limited to: Assisting patients in seeking and receiving services to meet their individual social needs and provides support to facilitate patient success to maintain recovery Assisting in the process of acquiring housing, necessities and skills needed to maintain daily and monthly household responsibilities and independent living Assisting patients in establishing a relationship with a primary care provider or additional medical care in a coordinated/team approach Serving as linkage between patients and employers in the area to assist patients in obtaining and maintaining gainful employment Assisting patients with acquiring and developing life and social skills, education and other needs identified by the individual to promote quality of life after recovery Serves as consultants and subject matter experts in MAT and patient participation in community support groups such as Narcotics Anonymous and Celebrate Recovery. Updates healthcare team on a regular basis as to the patient’s status, including, but not limited to changes in mood or functioning, medical issues and all crisis and health and safety issues Documents all “no shows,” and communicates all difficulties contacting patients with appropriate office staff Documents services provided regularly, concisely, and completely in accordance with clinical standards and policy guidelines Attends all office trainings as well as regular clinical supervision sessions with assigned supervisor Preforms other duties as assigned Compensation for roles at El Cajon, CA CTC varies depending on a wide array of factors including but not limited to the specific location, role, skill set, and level of experience. As required by local law, El Cajon CTC provides a reasonable hourly range of compensation for roles that may be hired in California as set forth below.

Role Location

  • California
  • Calculated
  • Salary
  • Range for role: $25.00 - $27.00 per hour. Eligible positions may qualify for student loan forgiveness through HRSA, depending on clinic site eligibility.
  • Check your eligibility here: HRSA Eligibility

Required Education & Qualifications

  • High School Diploma or GED required; college degree preferred No previous work experience in the field is required, although highly preferred. Prefer direct experience in substance use disorder (SUD) through personal life experiences, instruction/internships, or similar practicum through education or certification process.
  • Ideal
  • Experience: Personal or professional experience in addiction recovery, ideally with lived experience and a demonstrated commitment to supporting others in their recovery journey. Familiarity with Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) approaches, including methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone, and the ability to support individuals engaged in MAT services. Experience facilitating peer-led support groups or one-on-one recovery coaching, focusing on empowerment, motivation, and goal setting. Understanding of recovery-oriented and evidence-informed practices, such as Motivational Interviewing (MI), wellness planning, and relapse prevention support (note: not expected to provide clinical therapy). Basic documentation skills, including progress notes and recovery plan updates, in accordance with organizational guidelines and peer support best practices. Awareness of confidentiality and privacy standards, including HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2, as they relate to peer support and behavioral health settings. Demonstrated ability to work within a multidisciplinary care team, collaborating with counselors, nurses, case managers, and medical staff to support holistic recovery.
  • Accepted
  • Certifications: Certified Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist (CMPSS) is required. Peer Recovery Mentor (CPRM II) Professional Recovery Coach (PRC) CCAR Recovery Coach Professional (RCP) We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment regardless of an individual’s characteristics protected by applicable state, federal and local laws. #LI-CTC

Requirements

Requires a High School Diploma or GED and a mandatory Certified Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist (CMPSS) certification. Lived experience in addiction recovery and familiarity with Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) are highly preferred.

  • high school
  • bachelor degree
  • professional certificate
  • Case Management
  • Patient Advocacy
  • Documentation
  • HIPAA Compliance
  • Crisis Intervention
  • Motivational Interviewing
  • Patient Engagement
  • Peer Support
  • Community Resource Linkage
  • Relapse Prevention
  • Recovery Coaching
  • Medication-Assisted Treatment Knowledge

Benefits

  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Medical Insurance
  • Paid Vacation
  • Sick Time
  • 401(k) Plan
  • Student Loan Forgiveness
  • Semi-Annual Bonus Program

Posting details

Employment type
Other, Full Time
Work arrangement
On Site
Experience
0-2 yrs
Salary
$25 - $27/hr
Location
El Cajon, California
Posted
Jul 19, 2026
Application
Employer website
Acadia logo

Hiring organization

Acadia

Headquartered in Franklin, Tennessee, Acadia Healthcare was established in January 2005 to develop and operate a network of behavioral health facilities across the country. Acadia Healthcare’s mission is to create a world-class organization that sets the standard of excellence...

Salary listed on 136 jobs
IndustryMental Health Care
TypePublic Company
Size10,001+ employees
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Market context

California peer support roles stay in demand

In California, Peer Support Specialist roles are typically tied to behavioral health, recovery, and community-based service programs, where employers look for candidates with lived experience plus formal certification. This role is competitive because it requires a DHCS-approved Certified Peer Support Specialist credential, at least one year of full-time community-based experience, and a valid California driver’s license with a clean record. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then confirm your certification, driving eligibility, and background-check readiness before applying.

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