Peer Support Specialist

*Location:*  Palmdale, California*Working hours:* Full Time, Monday through Friday, 2 Evenings weekly approximately 5pm –9pm, weekends as needed.*About Us:* We are a compassionate organization dedicated to supporting the personal growth and development of all Parents, Children, and Youth through trusted programs that promote broad engagement and strengthen families. We offer a welcoming environment where parents, caregivers, and their children can receive support, guidance, and resources to help them navigate personal concerns and challenges. Learn more about Parents Anonymous®:  more about the CA and National Parent and Youth Helplines: more about the United Mental Health Promoters (UMHP) program:Overview: *Parents Anonymous® Inc. is looking for enthusiastic, caring, and culturally responsive Peer Support Specialists for the UMHP program to conduct outreach and education to targeted populations. You will serve as a link between the community, the Department of Mental Health and other community programs to promote mental wellness. You must be a Peer to be considered for this position. The definition of Peer is listed below.A Peer is an individual who is self-identified as having lived experience with the process of recovery from mental illness, substance use disorder, or both, either as a consumer of these services or as the parent or family member of the consumer.*Key Responsibilities:** Identify as a Peer and utilize your Peer Story for outreach, community engagement and linkages, and client support services.* Apply the 17 Peer Support Competencies in 1:1 Peer Support and Group Interactions with ages birth to 5, DCFS, juvenile justice, elderly 65+, the unhoused population, transitional age youth, and LGBTQIA+ communities.* Foster peer support in drop-in groups for peers such as trauma-informed activities (art, dance, drumming circles, mindfulness activities, etc.).* Educate the populations listed above in Mental Health Awareness, COVID Prevention, Domestic Violence Prevention, and Community Violence Prevention.* Plan and actively engage in outreach activities through in person outreach and virtual outreach to peers and organizations in targeted areas.* Promote all Evidence Based Parents Anonymous® Programs through outreach and peer support with diverse parents, children and youth.* Create and maintain partnerships with other community-based organizations in an effort to expand community linkage.* Advocate and embrace the vision, mission, and goals of Parents Anonymous®.*Qualifications** MUST VERIFY THAT YOU ARE A PEER (WITH LIVED EXPERIENCE): A Peer is an individual who is self-identified as having lived experience with the process of recovery from mental illness, substance use disorder, or both, either as a consumer of these services or as the parent or family member of the consumer.* Must work 2 evenings a week and weekend hours as needed.* Bilingual (English and Spanish) required.* Must be at least 18 years old.* Must have at least a high school diploma. Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, or related field is a plus.* Must have some experience working directly with diverse Parents, Children & Youth up to 25.* Must embrace and reflect the Mission, Vision, and Principles of Parents Anonymous® Inc.* Must embrace the philosophy and theory of change of Parent Anonymous® including mutual support, parent leadership, shared leadership®, and personal growth and change.* Must have well-developed computer skills.* Must be able to work at community outreach events on weekends as needed.* Must be culturally responsive, responsible, and seek assistance from supervisor when work challenges arise.* Must have a smartphone.* Must have a working vehicle, a valid driver’s license, and have the ability to go to work and outreach in the surrounding area.* Willing to attend 80 hours of training and pass the Medi-Cal Certification of Peer Support Specialists.Job Type: Full-timePay: $26.00 - $27.00 per hourBenefits:* Dental insurance* Health insurance* Life insurance* Paid time off* Retirement plan* Vision insuranceApplication Question(s):* Can you speak, read, and write in Spanish in a professional setting?* How many years of professional experience do you have in mental health outreach or social services? Please explain.* Do you have lived experience with the process of recovery from mental illness, substance use disorder, or both, either as a consumer of these services or as the parent or immediate family member of the consumer?* Are you a Certified Peer Support Specialist? If so, at what agency did you receive your certification?* This position requires you to work two evenings a week from 5-9pm. Does that work for you and your schedule?* Are you fully vaccinated for COVID-19, including at least 1 booster?* Do you have any family members currently employed by the company, or have you been referred by a current employee? If yes, please provide their name and relationship.Education:* High school or equivalent (Required)Ability to Commute:* Palmdale, CA 93550 (Required)Work Location: In person

Created: 2025-08-12