Peer Support Specialist - Time-Limited



Peer Support Specialist - Time-Limited

Salary

$47,398.50 - $57,604.51 Annually

Location

Santa Rosa, CA

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

23/03-2466-OPSC

Department

Department of Health Services (DHS)

Opening Date

03/16/2023

Closing Date

5/10/2023 11:00 AM Pacific

Bargaining Unit

25

Position Information

Do you have a strong desire to help those in need?
 
 Join the Department of Health Services' Behavioral Health Division
  as a Peer Support Specialist!

Starting salary up to $27.60/hour ($57,604/year), a cash allowance of $600/month, and a competitive total compensation package!*  
 
The County of Sonoma Department of Health Services seeks qualified candidates to fill one full-time, time-limited Peer Support Specialist position in the Behavioral Health Division. The position is currently funded through February 2, 2026.

What We Offer

Working at the County of Sonoma offers expansive opportunities for growth and development, the ability to be a part of a challenging and rewarding work environment, and the satisfaction of knowing you're working to better our communities. You can also look forward to flexible work arrangements and excellent benefits* including:
 
  • Eligibility for a salary increase after 1,040 hours (6 months when working full-time) for good work performance; eligibility for a salary increase for good performance every year thereafter, until reaching the top of the salary range
  • Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals, 12 paid holidays, and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per year
  • County paid 100% premium contribution for the majority of employee-only and employee + family health plan options
  • An annual Staff Development/Wellness Benefit allowance of up to $500 and ongoing education/training opportunities
  • County contribution to a Health Reimbursement Arrangement to help fund post-retirement employee health insurance/benefits
  • Retirement fully integrated with Social Security
  • May be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) of Paid Parental Leave after 12 months of County employment
About the Position

As a member of a multi-disciplinary team, the Peer Support Specialist will provide a variety of supportive services to clients in the Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU). This position engages with clients receiving services within the CSU, creates opportunities for therapeutic interactions via peer support services, and serves as a mentor by assisting clients in finding community resources. The selected individual will receive guidance from the Client Care Manager, Behavioral Health Clinical Specialist, Behavioral Health Clinicians, Psychiatrist, and nursing staff to ensure safe, effective, and coordinated care at the CSU.

Duties for this position include:

  • Advocating on behalf of behavioral health clients and promoting self-advocacy
  • Engaging in structured activities such as group and individual strength-based coaching
  • Educating clients and their families about their conditions and the process of recovery
  • Promoting skill building for clients in the areas of socialization, recovery, self-sufficiency, self-advocacy, development of natural supports, and maintenance of skills learned in other support services
  • Providing a supportive environment in which beneficiaries and their families learn coping mechanisms and problem-solving skills
  • Supporting clients to participate in ongoing services to further their recovery 
  • Assisting with resource navigation and supporting linkages to community resources
  • Collaborating with clients, their families, and others who provide care or support to help them meet their goals
  • Observing and intervening with clients in the CSU
  • Transporting clients to appointments
  • Picking up medications from pharmacies
  • Accompanying clients on walks outside the facility
The ideal candidate will possess lived experience relatable to the services and to the population/clients that we serve. Additionally, they will possess:

  • Personal lived experience in navigating mental health crises
  • Experience providing peer support services in a mental health setting 
  • Knowledge of peer support services, trauma-informed care, recovery-oriented care, and harm reduction strategies 
  • A thorough understanding of the ethics and boundaries involved with the provision of peer support services
  • Strong problem-solving abilities and sound judgment
  • Good interpersonal and communication skills
  • The ability to quickly build trust and rapport with clients 
  • The ability to maintain a calm, professional demeanor during stressful situations
  • Peer Support training and/or certification 
  • Bilingual (English/Spanish) speaking skills are desirable, but not a requirement
The Civil Service title for this classification is Client Support Specialist. 

*Salary is negotiable within the established range. Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice. Additional information can be found in the Service Employees International Union Local 1021 Memorandum Of Understanding (SEIU MOU) and our Employee Benefits Directory.

This employment list may also be used to fill full-time, part-time or extra-help (temporary) positions as they occur during the active status of the list. Qualified County employees who wish to be considered for future positions should consider applying to this recruitment.

APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS REQUIRE THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE BE COMPLETED.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience: Any combination of training and experience that would provide the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and abilities listed. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

An Associate of Arts degree with major course work in community mental health, psychology, sociology, or other related field. Experience as a Client Support Assistant, or the equivalent, may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.

AND

One year experience working as the equivalent of a Client Support Assistant, or one year of paid experience working with adults diagnosed with a serious and persistent mental illness, or children with a serious emotional disturbance that would provide basic understanding of the needs of mental health services programs.

Driver’s License
: Possession of a valid driver's license at the appropriate level including necessary special endorsements, as required by the State of California to perform the essential job functions of the position.

Special Qualifications: Some positions may require the ability to fluently speak and write a language other than English.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Working Knowledge of: Community resources and services available to program clients; techniques of rehabilitation; client legal rights; interviewing techniques, charting and case management documentation; and the use of electronic information equipment and specific systems as used within the department.

Ability to: Develop and maintain the trust and cooperation of clients, their families and other significant care providers; interpret and apply County mental health program policies and procedures; analyze a client situation accurately and adopt an effective course of action; work with clients to resolve conflicts with other staff, care providers or family members; work effectively as a member of a multi-disciplinary team; understand the legal mandates governing the storage of client records and information and the rights of the client to confidentiality; understand and apply the principles and techniques of case management and rehabilitative interventions with clients; coordinate the delivery of mental health services; apply basic interviewing techniques; facilitate group sessions; coordinate the delivery of mental health services; communicate effectively with persons from a variety of social, cultural, and economic backgrounds; evaluate situations and adopt effective courses of action to prevent a crisis; speak and write in at a level necessary to fulfill the job requirements; read, understand, and apply regulations and procedures governing mental health programs.

Selection Procedure & Some Helpful Tips When Applying

  • Your application information and your responses to the supplemental questions are evaluated and taken into consideration throughout the entire selection process.
  • You should list all employers and positions held within the last ten years in the work history section of your application and should be as thorough as possible when responding to the supplemental questions.
  • You may include history beyond ten years if related to the position for which you are applying. If you held multiple positions with one employer, list out each position separately.
  • Failure to follow these instructions may impact your competitiveness in this process or may result in disqualification.
Please visit Getting a Job with the County of Sonoma to review more detailed information about the hiring process, including the application process, examination steps, and department selection process.

APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS REQUIRE THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE BE COMPLETED.

Responses to supplemental questions will be scored using position-specific criteria. Please provide specific and detailed responses of a reasonable length to allow for thorough assessment of your qualifications. Responses which state "See Resume" or "See Application" may be considered insufficient and therefore may not be scored.

The selection procedure will consist of the following examination:

An Application & Supplemental Questionnaire Appraisal Examination (weight 100%). Each application and supplemental questionnaire will be thoroughly evaluated for satisfaction of minimum qualifications and relevance of educational coursework, training, experience, knowledge, and abilities that relate to this position. Candidates possessing the most appropriate job-related qualifications will be placed on an employment list and referred to the department for selection interviews. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

A background investigation is required prior to employment. Candidates referred to departments for a selection interview are typically required to sign authorization and release forms enabling such an investigation. Failure to sign prescribed forms will result in the candidate not being considered further for that vacancy. Reference information will not be made available to applicants.

Additional requirements, such as successful completion of a physical exam, drug screen, etc., may apply, depending on the duties and responsibilities of the position. If you receive a conditional job offer for the position, the requirements upon which the offer is contingent will be outlined in the conditional job letter. You may also review the Job Classification Screening Schedule to determine the requirements for this position.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION – Positions that are assigned to one or more facilities with a COVID-19 vaccine mandate pursuant to the California Department of Public Health must meet all vaccination requirements. Documented proof of vaccination(s) will be required.

HOW TO APPLY

Applications are accepted online at www.yourpath2sonomacounty.org. Paper applications may be submitted by person, fax (707-565-3770), email, or through the mail. All applications and appropriate supplemental information as outlined in the job bulletin must be RECEIVED by the time and date specified on the first page of this job announcement. Applications received after the recruitment closes will not be accepted.

The County of Sonoma values diversity and is dedicated to creating a workplace environment that provides individuals with a sense of belonging. We are committed to having a diverse workforce that is representative of the communities we serve. The County is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer where all aspects of employment are based on merit, competence, performance, and business need.

HR Analyst: DP
HR Technician: RR 

IMPORTANT NOTE: Benefits described herein do not apply to Extra Help positions.

COUNTY OF SONOMA BENEFITS: GENERAL*

These are some of the excellent benefits the County offers:
 
Paid Time Off: Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals; 12 paid holidays, and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per year; and may be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) of Paid Parental Leave after 12 months of County employment.
 
Health Plan: Choice of five health plans (a PPO, EPO, HMO, and two deductible HMOs) with a County contribution toward the premium (the contribution amount varies by bargaining unit. For specific details, please refer to the applicable MOU). A County contribution to a Health Reimbursement Arrangement is available for some bargaining units.

Retirement: Fully integrated with Social Security. For more information regarding eligibility, retirement contributions, and reciprocity with prior public service, please visit https://scretire.org/active-/-deferred/when-you-are-hired.
 
IRS 457 Plan: Pre-tax employee contribution up to the IRS annual maximum.
 
Retiree Medical: County contribution to a Health Reimbursement Arrangement to help fund post-retirement employee health insurance/benefits.

Plus excellent dental, vision, disability, life insurance, professional development, and more.

For answers to specific questions regarding the employment process and more details about benefits or retirement, please contact Human Resources at (707) 565-2331. Additional details about benefit and compensation packages can be found in the MOUs located at https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/administrative-support-and-fiscal-services/human-resources/divisions-and-units/employee-relations/labor-agreements-and-salary-resolution. For specific information about health and welfare benefits including plan options, coverage, and premium amounts go to https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/administrative-support-and-fiscal-services/human-resources or, contact the Human Resources' Risk Management-Benefits Office at benefits@sonoma-county.org or (707) 565-2900.

*IMPORTANT NOTES: Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice.

01
How did you first learn about this opportunity?
  • CalJobs
  • Careers in Government
  • College or University
  • Craigslist
  • DiversityJobs
  • Employee of Sonoma County
  • Facebook
  • Glassdoor
  • Google Jobs
  • GovernmentJobs.com
  • Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Sonoma County
  • Indeed
  • Instagram
  • Job Fair
  • La Voz
  • Latino Service Providers
  • LinkedIn
  • Los Cien
  • Minority Organization or Group
  • Press Democrat
  • sonoma-county.org/www.yourpath2sonomacounty.org
  • Sonoma County Human Resources Office
  • Sonoma County Job Line
  • Start Here!
  • Twitter
  • Veterans Services Office
  • Women's Organization or Group
  • Workplace Diversity
  • Other Internet Site
  • Other Publication
02
Please indicate if you would also be interested in future part-time or extra-help (temporary, intermittent, or seasonal employment) positions should they become available. Check all that apply.
  • I would also like to be considered for future part-time positions
  • I would also like to be considered for future extra-help positions
  • I am only interested in full-time positions
03
This eligible list may be used for future bilingual (English/Spanish) positions. Please indicate if you are interested in bilingual positions, and your level of proficiency.
  • Yes, I have basic (conversational) English/Spanish bilingual skills
  • Yes, I have fluent (reading, writing, and conversational) English/Spanish bilingual skills
  • No, I do not have English/Spanish bilingual skills, and/or I do not wish to be considered for a bilingual position
04
This position is responsible for and required to drive County vehicles. Do you possess a valid current California Class C or higher driver's license?
  • Yes
  • No
05
Do you possess a high school diploma or GED Certificate?
  • Yes
  • No
06
Do you possess an Associate of Arts degree (or higher degree) which included coursework in community mental health, psychology, sociology, or other related fields?
  • Yes
  • No
07
Do you possess a Peer Support Specialist Certification?
  • Yes
  • No
08
Please describe your academic coursework and training in community mental health, psychology, sociology, or a closely related field. List courses completed, any degrees earned, and highlight peer support services training.
09
Please describe your work experience with adults or children diagnosed with a serious and persistent mental illness or serious emotional disturbances.

For each position you list, include:

  • Job title
  • Role and responsibilities
  • Employer's name
  • Employment dates (mm/yr to mm/yr)
10
Please describe your knowledge of community resources and familiarity with the local Sonoma County behavioral health system of care.

Required Question

Agency
County of Sonoma (CA)
Address
575 Administration Drive, Suite 116B

Santa Rosa, California, 95403
Phone
(707) 565-2331