Peer Partner I

Overview

Schedule: Monday through Friday, from 830am to 5pm, including one late shift 1230pm to 9pm.

Compensation We Offer

• The initial compensation for this position ranges from $21 - $25.83 per hour; depending on experience, location, and internal equity considerations.
• 8% License Differential for LMFT, LCSW, LPCC, PsyD. and select Peer Certifications.*
• 7.5% Bilingual Differential for qualified positions*
  
  

Benefits We Offer

• Benefits Eligibility starts on day ONE
• We provide a robust benefits package which includes medical, dental, vision, See our Benefits Page HERE.
• 401K Employer Match up to 4%
• Competitive Time Off Plans
• Must meet eligibility requirements based on employment status
  
  

Pay Range

$21 - $25.83

Job Summary

About Program

Recovery Education Institute (REI) provides Peer Workforce Development Services to individuals and their family members within Orange County’s Behavioral Health Services system of care, supporting recovery, educational advancement, and pathways to meaningful employment in the Behavioral Health Field.

Peer Partners are individuals who have relevant experience with a particular challenge or issue and provide support, guidance, and mentorship to others facing similar circumstances. They offer empathy, understanding, and practical advice based on their own experiences to help others navigate their own challenges. Peer Partners play a vital role in promoting recovery, empowerment, and community connection for individuals in need of support.

Responsibilities

• Provides peer-based support and mentorship to individuals facing similar life challenges.
• Shares personal experiences in a respectful and supportive manner to foster hope and connection.
• Builds trusting, non-judgmental relationships to support individuals in their recovery or growth journey.
• Offers guidance, encouragement, and practical strategies for navigating systems and life challenges.
• Assists individuals in identifying strengths, setting goals, and developing self-advocacy skills.
• Connects individuals to community resources, support groups, and relevant services.
• Encourages empowerment, resilience, and personal responsibility.
• Collaborates with service providers and team members as part of a holistic support network.
• Maintains appropriate boundaries and confidentiality in all peer interactions.
• Documents interactions and progress in accordance with program guidelines.
  
  

Qualifications

• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.
• High School Diploma or GED required, or equivalent combination of education and experience (two years of relevant experience equals one year of education) to include: directly related experience as a recipient of behavioral health services, recovery services, or systems involvement (mental health, substance use, foster care, etc.) is required.
  
  

Job Competencies

• Relevant experience overcoming one or more challenges (e.g., mental health, substance use, homelessness, or system involvement).
• Strong ability to build trust and rapport through empathy and shared experience.
• Effective verbal communication and active listening skills.
• Ability to share personal experiences in a supportive, respectful, and appropriate way.
• Understanding of recovery principles, empowerment, and self-determination.
• Knowledge of local resources, services, and peer support tools.
• Cultural humility and sensitivity when working with diverse populations.
• Ability to maintain appropriate boundaries and confidentiality.
• Dependability and consistency in providing peer support.
• Basic organizational and time management skills.
• Willingness to work collaboratively with staff, providers, and other peers.
• Openness to feedback, supervision, and continued learning.
• Familiarity with note-taking or documentation practices (as required by the program).
  
  

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop; kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Level of Contract with Children

• May/will have unsupervised contact with children.
• Requires full background check and TB exam.
• Current First Aid/CPR Certification.
  
  

Driving Privileges

• May be called upon to drive on agency business. Needs acceptable MVR and appropriate insurance coverage.
  
  

EEOC

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, which includes providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with a disability. We will consider for employment, qualified Applicants with Criminal Histories in a manner consistent with ordinance 184652 Sec.189.04 (a) and San Francisco Police Code, Article 49. Section 4905.