Certified Peer Support Specialist Jobs in USA 2025

This position is anticipated to receive a salary range increase in addition to performance-based merit increases. Salary may be subject to negotiation within the aforementioned range, contingent upon the qualifications of the successful candidate and the position’s requirements, provided that adequate authorization is obtained.

This recruitment is available to the public for a minimum of five (5) business days and will remain open until 11:59 p.m. (PST) on the day the County’s needs are satisfied. Applications are encouraged to be submitted immediately.

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The current and future Certified Peer Support Specialist (Mental Health Worker III) positions will be filled from the open eligible list established by this recruitment. This recruitment may also be employed to cover positions in lower classifications and/or similar positions throughout the County.

THE AGENCY

The County of Orange Health Care Agency (HCA) is a dynamic organization that is committed to the development and maintenance of an environment that fosters the attainment of optimal health for individuals, families, and communities. The Agency Director has established a new and dynamic executive team that is dedicated to addressing the health needs of the diverse Orange County community. This team is organized into five (5) service areas: Administrative Services, Behavioral Health Services, Correctional Health Services, Specialized Medical Services, and Public Health Services.

THE DEPARTMENT

The following service areas are included in the Behavioral Health Services (BHS) Division: Adult and Older Adult Behavioral Health, Children and Youth Services, Quality Management Services, Mental Health Services Act Office, Data Analytics and Evaluation, Crisis and Acute Care Services, Substance Use Services, and Forensics and Justice Involved. All eligible county residents in need of treatment for alcohol and other substance abuse and mental health care are provided with a culturally competent and client-centered system of behavioral health services by these service areas.

THE PROGRAMS

Crisis and Acute Care Services offers responsive services to adults and adolescents who are experiencing a behavioral health crisis. The following services are available: mobile mental health-Crisis Assessment Team (CAT), Psychiatric Emergency Response Team (PERT), OC Links (24/7 Resources line), Crisis Stabilization Units (CSU), Crisis Residential Programs, and In-home Crisis Stabilization services, as well as inpatient psychiatric hospital services and the coordination of 9-8-8.

THE OPPORTUNITIES

The Crisis Assessment Team (CAT) program is currently experiencing vacancies.
The Certified Peer Support Specialist (Mental Health Worker III) who is assigned to CAT will function as a Client or Family Peer Support Specialist. Their responsibilities will include providing peer support, crisis intervention, and assistance to individuals who are experiencing a behavioral health crisis.

The Certified Peer Support Specialist will provide assistance to all populations, including Children & Youth and Adults & Older Adults. The Certified Peer Support Specialist will act as a Parent or Youth Partner when responding to crisis inquiries for Children and Youth. As a Parent Partner, they will collaborate with youth and their families to offer peer support services. This may involve assisting the parent or guardian in comprehending and navigating the crisis, such as obtaining mental health services and community resources. Additionally, referrals and connections to resources, transportation assistance, and other pertinent obligations will be furnished during the crisis.

The Certified Peer Support Specialist works in conjunction with other providers of mobile crisis response teams, such as behavioral health clinicians and mental health specialists. They will be instrumental in providing peer support, sharing their lived experiences, and aiding in the deescalation of crisis situations for individuals who are experiencing behavioral health crises.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS & CORE COMPETENCIES

The optimal candidate must be a Certified Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist as certified by the California Mental Health Services Authority. Furthermore, the optimal candidate must have at least one of the following options: lived experience with a mental health condition and be willing to self-identify and share their experiences to aid clients and their family members in their recovery journey.

• An individual who has received mental health services in the past or is currently receiving them
• As a parent or caregiver who is advocating for a child or adolescent who is currently or has previously received mental health services
• Assisting an adult family member in the process of mental health recovery

Mental health rehabilitation encompasses the recovery from conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, severe depression, Serious Emotional Disturbance (for adolescents), and other similar conditions. It excludes cognitive disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, and developmental disorders. Lived experience with the Juvenile Justice or Child Welfare System, either directly or as a parent/caregiver, is highly desirable for certain Parent/Youth Partner positions.

Experience working with the target population (adults, elderly adults, or children/youth and their parents/caregivers) is highly desirable.

It is also highly desirable to possess bilingual skills in the following languages: Arabic, Farsi, Korean, Vietnamese, and Spanish. The candidates who are chosen for these positions must also have a legitimate California driver’s license, as they will be required to travel to various locations within the community to attend client appointments and provide services.

Knowledge and Experience of Certified Peer Support Specialist Jobs in USA 2025

Furthermore, the optimal candidate will have a wealth of knowledge and/or experience in the following competencies:

Professional and Technical Expertise

• Comprehension of peer support practices and the concepts of resilience and recovery in the context of behavioral health
• Delivering client services in the community or field
• Offering clients consistent and reaffirming support, guidance, and tangible assistance
• Comprehending and employing crisis protocols to assist clients in managing acute episodes of psychological, emotional, and behavioral distress
• Conducting non-clinical assessment services and interventions, providing advocacy and support, and deescalating the crisis are all methods of crisis management.
• Assistance in the development and activation of self-management plans, psychiatric advance directives, relapse prevention strategies, and crisis prevention strategies for clients
• Providing consultations, modeling, and promoting knowledge of personal recovery and resilience when appropriate to assist in the education of clients, family members, parents/caregivers (Children & Youth), and team members in recovery principles.
• Attending meetings with clients, family members, and parents/caregivers (Children & Youth) to evaluate requirements and provide support in the development and execution of crisis safety plans.
• Utilizing a computer to generate reports, document data, complete program forms, and monitor referrals and linkages

Building and Maintaining Relationships

• Creating a safe and welcoming environment by establishing meaningful relationships with clients, family members, and parents/caregivers
• Fostering trust with the target demographic by maintaining consistent communication with clients
• Recognizing the importance of each individual’s recovery experience and serving as a role model for clients, family members, and parents/caregivers
• Offering support and direction to clients, family members, and parents/caregivers, as well as providing assistance

Oral Communication | Listening

• Building relationships with participants, referral sources, and treatment team members while effectively communicating issues
• Employing language that is person-centered, recovery-oriented, and respectful in written and verbal interactions with clients, their family members, community members, and others
• Delivering information in a manner that is both plain and concise, whether in person or in writing
• Varying the manner and tone to align with the purpose and audience, while delivering the appropriate quantity of information within the allotted time
• Detecting subtleties in tone and meaning and being attentive to nonverbal cues and body language
• Ensuring the confidentiality of clients, records, and information

Customer Focus | Teamwork

• Offering customized companion assistance
• Participating in collaborative meetings with other service providers, team members, and peer support specialists to exchange information, deliberate on best practices, and present case studies
• Collaboration and coordination with other providers, community organizations, family members, and other natural supports to attain shared objectives
• Creating and evaluating recovery objectives; assist in the removal of obstacles to access
• Assuring customers who are experiencing distress or crisis

Benefits of Certified Peer Support Specialist Jobs in USA

• Personal Satisfaction: CPSS positions provide a distinctive opportunity to assist others in their recovery journeys, resulting in a profound sense of purpose and satisfaction.
• Peer support services are in high demand: The demand for peer support personnel has increased as a result of the expanding recognition of mental health issues and substance use disorders.
• Salaries that are Competitive: CPSS positions generally provide competitive compensation, with a range of $30,000 to $50,000 per year, and opportunities for development based on experience and certifications, although salaries may differ by state and employer.
• Appreciation of Lived Experience as a Strength: It is the core qualification of CPSS roles to celebrate and value lived experience, transforming personal challenges into professional assets.
• Contribution to the Promotion of Mental Health Awareness: By normalizing conversations and advocating for recovery-focused narratives, CPSS professionals are instrumental in diminishing the stigma associated with mental health and substance use.
• Promising Job Prospects: The U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and other agencies prioritize peer support, which guarantees a consistent demand for CPSS positions.
• Adaptable Scheduling: Numerous positions provide part-time, full-time, and flexible schedules to facilitate personal obligations.
• Possibility to Establish Relationships: The responsibilities of CPSS positions include the cultivation of a supportive and collaborative environment by establishing strong, trust-based relationships with clients.
• Impact on the Development of Policies and Programs: By sharing their experiences and insights, CPSS professionals frequently assist in the development of recovery-focused programs and policies.
• Leadership as a Means of Empowerment: By serving as a mentor and role model, CPSS personnel are able to inspire others to pursue recovery and wellness by leading by example.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

For additional information regarding the minimum qualifications for the position of Mental Health Worker III, please click here.NOTE: An agency that is a member of the National Association of Credential Services (N.A.C.E.S.) is required to evaluate the U.S. equivalency of foreign degrees.

Physical Characteristics

Demonstrate adequate vision to read standard text and a computer monitor; speak and hear plainly and understandably in person with individuals and groups, as well as over the telephone. possess the physical mobility to stand, recline, walk, kneel, and bend regularly in order to complete daily tasks and access a standard office environment; possess the manual dexterity to repeatedly use their hands, arms, and shoulders to operate a keyboard, use office equipment, and write. Capacity to operate a motor vehicle.

Mental Requirements

The capacity to independently reason logically in order to analyze data, reach conclusions, and make recommendations; the capacity to remain composed and appropriately focused in challenging situations that involve conflict, complex issues, controversy, and diverse stakeholder groups and interests; and the capacity to manage emotional interactions in a calm and effective manner.

Environmental Conditions

Interacting with clients and their family members in the field who are experiencing behavioral health crises and elevated emotional states will be necessary. The position is predominantly field-based, involving the response to behavioral health crises in a variety of contexts, including the community, schools, and the family. The position necessitates shift work, which may include weekends and evenings, to guarantee continuous assistance to individuals in crisis.

RECRUITMENT PROCESS

Qualified applicants will be identified through the screening of all application materials by Human Resource Services (HRS). Qualified applicants will be directed to the subsequent phase of the recruitment procedure subsequent to the screening. The status of all registrants in the procedure will be communicated to them via email.

Application Screening (Refer/Non-Refer)

Applications and supplemental responses will be reviewed for the qualifications that are most essential and highly desirable for the successful completion of the responsibilities of this position. Applications that satisfy the qualifications specified in the job announcement will be directed to the subsequent phase.

Structured Oral Interview | SOI (Weighted 100%)

A council of job knowledge experts will interview and evaluate applicants. The rating of each applicant will be determined by their responses to a succession of structured queries that are intended to ascertain their qualifications for the position. The competencies that are being evaluated are as follows:

• Professional & Technical Expertise (17.71%)
• Building & Maintaining Relationships (17.71%)
• Oral Communication (17.71%)
• Listening (17.25%)
• Customer Focus (15.20%)
• Teamwork (14.43%)

The aforementioned selection procedures may be altered in accordance with the County’s requirements. Candidates will be informed of any modifications to the selection process.

Eligible List

HRS will compile a list of candidates who are eligible for the position upon the conclusion of the assessment. Candidates who are included on the eligible list may be invited to participate in a selection interview in order to be considered for current and future positions.

Veterans Employment Preference Policy (VEPP)

The County is dedicated to ensuring that veterans and their eligible spouses are given preferential consideration in the employment process. Eligible participants will be granted the opportunity to participate in interviews during the selection process for paid internships and employment opportunities. To evaluate the policy, please click here (Download PDF reader).

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

EMAIL NOTIFICATION:

During the recruitment procedure, email serves as the primary method of notification. Please ensure that the email address you provide is accurate and that you are using only one email account when submitting our application.

Please be advised that user accounts are intended for a single individual and should not be shared with anyone else. Your status in the recruitment process for any positions for which you apply may be compromised if you submit multiple applications with multiple identities.

As the recruitment process advances, candidates will receive email notifications regarding their status through the GovernmentJobs.com website. Please verify your email folders, including spam and junk folders, and/or approve emails that conclude with “governmentjobs.com” and “ocgov.com.” Please ensure that your profile at www.governmentjobs.com is updated in the event that your email address changes.

For specific information pertaining to this recruitment, please contact Rasika Wijayaweera at 714 834-7877 or at RWijayaweera@ochca.com.

EEO INFORMATION

Orange County, an equal employment opportunity employer, encourages applicants from a variety of backgrounds to submit applications.

Advantages of Non-Management
In addition to the County’s standard suite of benefits, which includes a variety of health plan options, annual leave, and paid holidays, we also provide an exceptional selection of benefits, including a Health Care Reimbursement Account, 457 Defined Contribution Plan, and Annual Education and Professional Reimbursement. The Orange County Employees Retirement System (OCERS) offers employees a retirement plan.

• For additional information regarding Defined Benefit Pensions and OCERS Plan Types/Benefits, please refer to the following link.
• http://www.ocers.org/active-member-information
• For information regarding the benefits that are provided to County of Orange employees, please click here.

Frequently Asked Questions: