Peer Support Specialist 2
SYMBA CENTER·Victorville, California
SYMBA CENTER·Victorville, California
Provide front-line support, advocacy, and guidance to clients at the Wellness Center Campus to help them navigate recovery and wellness. Responsibilities include facilitating self-help groups, managing crises, and coordinating with multi-disciplinary teams to ensure client satisfaction.
Create a welcoming environment for new and returning clients, providing information, training, support, and empowerment. Advocate for clients, promoting services that enhance wellness and recovery. Facilitate self-help groups for clients, youth, family members, and caregivers. Participate in events, conferences, workshops, and training within the mental health system and community. Develop activities, programs, and resources to help clients achieve their goals. Recognize and address social and cultural factors in recovery services related to substance use, behavioral health, and physical health. Build effective relationships with agencies to empower clients and their families/caregivers. Prepare and support clients in case staffing and various hearings. Assist clients and supporters in articulating their needs. Focus on consumer satisfaction with recovery and wellness services. Collaborate as part of the Wellness Team, maintaining open communication and shared decision-making. Communicate shelter rules, set appropriate limits, and intervene in emergencies, including mental health crises. Engage in de-escalation techniques and support individuals in crisis due to mental illness or substance use. Use proactive problem-solving to maintain a safe environment at the Wellness Center. Maintain thorough documentation of incidents and services provided per program guidelines. Provide referrals to social services, housing, and other resources; coordinate with Case Managers on housing plans. Actively participate in multi-disciplinary team meetings. Maintain professional boundaries with clients, avoiding social relationships or exchanges of money/goods. Report any conflicts of interest . Complete intake processes accurately and orient new clients to policies and procedures. Assist with client transportation as needed. Collaborate with program and agency staff to foster a team environment. Model effective communication skills in building relationships with guests and colleagues. Develop good working relationships with other service providers. Participate in the implementation of the Wellness QualificationsEducation & Experience: High School Diploma or equivalent qualification required. Enrollment in Peer Support Specialist Certification is expected by the 90-day employment review. A genuine desire to assist individuals experiencing homelessness, including those with mental illness and/or substance dependency; experience with these populations is preferred. Current or prior experience as a consumer of mental health services, or as a family member/caregiver of a mental health consumer. Valid, unrestricted CA driver’s license. Certification in Basic Life Support (BLS) from the American Heart Association (AHA) or the American Red Cross preferred. Knowledge and proficiency in Google Workspace, including Gmail, Google Docs, Google Sheets, and Google Calendar, is preferred. Must be comfortable working in a transitional housing environment. Must successfully pass a background check.
Requires a high school diploma and a valid CA driver's license, with a preference for lived experience as a mental health consumer or caregiver. Candidates must be enrolled in or obtain Peer Support Specialist Certification within 90 days of employment.
Market context
In California, behavioral-health roles tied to substance use disorder counseling and case management are typically supported by ongoing community and treatment-program demand. These positions are competitive because employers often look for a high school diploma, at least 2 years of SUD counseling or case management experience, and current Registered or Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor status. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to quickly compare fit and note that professional development and paid continuing education are listed as benefits.
