Peer Support Specialist – Crisis Stabilization (Youth & Adult Services)

Description

Wellness Equity Alliance (WEA) is a novel national public health organization comprised of a multidisciplinary team of population and public health experts with backgrounds in infectious disease, public health, emergency medicine, primary care, cardiology, pediatrics, psychiatry, community health work (CHW), nursing and advanced practice pharmacy. We work nearly exclusively with underrepresented communities, fundamentally addressing health-care disparities and the social determinants of health (SDoH) that have been amplified during the COVID-19 pandemic, prioritizing the following:

• People experiencing homelessness
• Indigenous communities
• Immigrant communities
• Rural communities
• BIPoC communities
• LGBTQIA communities
• Justice-impacted communities
  
  

The WEA team is diverse, inclusive, and nimble enough to assemble teams of healthcare professionals within days using our proven local staff recruitment models to address population health crises and communicable disease outbreaks. The WEA team’s partnership model is collaborative and allows hospitals, health jurisdictions, state/local government agencies to provide timely care using equity-based strategies for individuals and marginalized communities.

Job Description

The Peer Support Specialist uses their lived experience with mental health challenges, recovery, and/or substance use to provide hope, support, and empowerment to individuals in crisis. Working as a vital member of the crisis stabilization team, this role helps clients build connections, navigate immediate stressors, and move toward recovery and resilience. Services are provided for youth, adults, and families experiencing behavioral health crises, including those with co-occurring substance use needs.

Key Responsibilities

Client Support & Engagement

• Offer compassionate emotional support and share recovery experiences in a way that inspires hope and builds trust.
• Assist individuals in developing coping strategies, grounding skills, and wellness tools during stabilization.
• Promote self-advocacy and client voice in treatment decisions.
• Support youth and families in strengthening communication and natural support networks.
• Encourage engagement in recovery-oriented programming, support groups, and community resources.
  
  

Navigation & Advocacy

• Help clients understand the crisis process and what to expect during and after stabilization.
• Provide guidance in accessing community programs, housing, benefits, and peer-run services.
• Advocate for recovery-focused, culturally responsive care that respects individual choices.
  
  

Collaboration & Team Support

• Work closely with clinicians, case managers, nurses, and psych techs to support safety and stability.
• Participate in team meetings and contribute peer perspective to care planning.
• Assist with warm handoffs to outpatient mental health providers, youth programs, and SUD services.
  
  

Documentation & Communication

• Complete brief, strengths-focused documentation of services provided.
• Maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality while building supportive relationships.
  
  

Requirements

Essential Skills and Qualifications:

• Empathy, active listening, and relationship-building
• Comfort supporting individuals during intense emotional experiences
• Collaborative and recovery-oriented mindset
• Knowledge of coping skills, wellness planning, and peer empowerment
• Cultural humility and respect for lived experience
  
  

Qualifications And Education Requirements

• Completion of approved California Peer Support Specialist Certification (or eligibility in progress).
• Personal lived experience with mental health challenges and/or substance use recovery and a demonstrated recovery journey.
• Ability to use lived experience skillfully and appropriately to support individuals in crisis.
• Strong communication skills with diverse populations, including youth and families.
  
  

Preferred Skills

• Experience in crisis services, youth advocacy, or community behavioral health settings.
• Bilingual capabilities (Spanish preferred).
• Familiarity with local recovery resources, peer support networks, and culturally diverse communities.
  
  

Benefits

• Medical Coverage through WEA’s ICHRA program
• Paid Time Off (PTO) for full-time employees
• Paid Holidays (8 annually after 90 days)
• Paid Sick Leave per state requirements
• Continuing Education (CE) Reimbursement
• Supportive, mission-driven work environment