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AltaMed·Santa Ana, California
Peer Support Specialist · $25 - $25/hr
Computed from live listings
Shaded band: the middle 50% of 43 posted behavioral health roles in Santa Ana, California rates. This role sits in the 29th percentile.
Pay for this role is about 22% below the Santa Ana, California median for behavioral health roles.
The Peer Support Specialist delivers peer support services in an outpatient setting to clients with drug or alcohol dependencies. They collaborate with patients to define treatment goals and foster a sense of belonging to promote recovery and wellness.
Grow Healthy If you are as passionate about helping those in need as you are about growing your career, consider AltaMed.
At AltaMed, your passion for helping others isn’t just welcomed – it’s nurtured, celebrated, and promoted, allowing you to grow while making a meaningful difference.
We don’t just serve our communities; we are an integral part of them.
By raising the expectations of what a community clinic can deliver, we demonstrate our belief that quality care is for everyone.
Our commitment to providing exceptional care, despite any challenges, goes beyond just a job; it’s a calling that drives us forward every day.
Job Overview The Peer Support Specialist is responsible for delivering peer support services in an outpatient setting to clients suffering from drug or alcohol dependencies.
The Specialist possesses a deep understanding of the concepts of hope, recovery, and wellness, and can effectively advocate for the rights and needs of individuals facing mental health and addiction challenges.
The Specialist demonstrates compassion and respect while utilizing a combination of psychiatric rehabilitation skills and addiction recovery principles to promote recovery.
The Specialist collaborates with the patient to define treatment goals and treatment success measures, using evidence-based outcome measures.
Through fostering connection and a sense of belonging, the Specialist works with clients as equals, encouraging self-direction, wellness, and recovery.
Lastly, the Specialist may attend various conferences/workshops concerning mental health or substance use treatment and may be involved in multidisciplinary projects.
Minimum Requirements High School Diploma or equivalent education required.
Associate’s degree preferred.
Have Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Certification (CMPSS) with the California Mental Health Services Authority (CalMHSA) and maintain CMPSS certification in good standing throughout employment OR Must obtain Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Certification (CMPSS) within 1 month of hire and maintain the certification in good standing with the California Mental Health Services Authority throughout employment.
Must have lived experience with the process of recovery from a mental illness or substance use disorder, required.
Minimum of 2 years of work experience in substance dependence, mental health, or the healthcare field is preferred.
Strong understanding of addiction recovery practices and trauma-informed care, preferred.
Candidates must have a high school diploma or equivalent and possess a Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Certification (CMPSS). Lived experience with mental illness or substance use disorder recovery is required for this role.
Minimum of 1 year of healthcare experience is preferred.
Bilingual Spanish is preferred.
Valid BLS certification or higher, following the American Heart Association (AHA) or the American Red Cross guidelines.
Compensation $25.00 - $25.00 hourly Compensation Disclaimer Actual salary offers are considered by various factors, including budget, experience, skills, education, licensure and certifications, and other business considerations.
The range is subject to change.
AltaMed is committed to ensuring a fair and competitive compensation package that reflects the candidate's value and the role's strategic importance within the organization.
This role may also qualify for discretionary bonuses or incentives.
Benefits & Career Development Medical, Dental and Vision insurance 403(b) Retirement savings plans with employer matching contributions Flexible Spending Accounts Commuter Flexible Spending Career Advancement & Development opportunities Paid Time Off & Holidays Paid CME Days Malpractice insurance and tail coverage Tuition Reimbursement Program Corporate Employee Discounts Employee Referral Bonus Program Pet Care Insurance Job Advertisement & Application Compliance Statement AltaMed Health Services Corp. will consider qualified applicants with criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act and City of Los Angeles Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers.
You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you.
After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if AltaMed Health Service Corp. is concerned about a conviction directly related to the job, you will be given a chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report.
Market context
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.