Peer Support Specialist I (601)

Description

Kings View is a nonprofit leader in providing behavioral health services to the underserved community, is currently seeking a Peer Support Specialist I to join our mission to provide compassionate services to those with limited resources. Our ideal candidate will have a passion to promote social justice and societal awareness, respect for human dignity, and lead with integrity while listening and responding to the community in need.

Peer Support Specialist I (601)
Hanford, CA

The Peer Support Specialist I provides recovery-oriented peer support services to adults receiving care through ASOC Adult Recovery. Drawing on lived experience with mental health recovery, this role supports individuals in building hope, self-determination, and meaningful community connections. The Peer Support Specialist I works collaboratively with participants, multidisciplinary staff, and community partners to promote wellness, engagement, and sustained recovery in a person-centered and trauma-informed environment.

How will I contribute

• Provide individual and group peer support services to program participants, using lived experience to build trust, rapport, and mutual understanding.
• Facilitate peer-led groups and recovery-focused activities that support wellness, coping skills, self-advocacy, and personal growth.
• Support participants in identifying strengths, setting recovery goals, and developing individualized recovery and wellness plans.
• Share relevant personal recovery experiences appropriately to model hope, resilience, and recovery strategies.
• Encourage participant engagement in services, community resources, and natural support systems.
• Collaborate with ASOC Adult Recovery staff and community partners to support coordinated, participant-centered care.
• Advocate for participant needs, preferences, and rights within the program and the broader community.
• Maintain accurate, timely documentation in accordance with program requirements, confidentiality standards, and ethical guidelines.
• Participate in team meetings, trainings, supervision, and ongoing professional development related to peer support and recovery services.
• Promote a culture of respect, inclusion, empowerment, and recovery within the program.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the overall functioning and success of the program.
• May encounter risk of working with persons with SMI (serious mental illness) that may include, but not limited to persons in mental health crisis, persons that may be intoxicated or impaired by drugs or alcohol, persons who may be DTO (danger to others), DTS (Danger to Self), or GD (Gravely Disabled). If such situations arise, staff will be required to call local emergency personnel to help deescalate the crisis, use crisis intervention techniques, and consult with supervisor as soon as practically possible.

What I bring

• High School Diploma (or Equivalent)
• Drivers License: Class C
• 1 year of experience working with the public. Must be a current or past consumer of mental health services or a family member of a consumer if program requires.
• Ability to engage consumers and safely de-escalate situations by using specialized tactics, strength-based techniques and adequate and immediate linkage. Basic understanding and appreciation of wellness and recovery principles. Interest in obtaining the knowledge of the philosophy and goals of program assigned, common practices and procedures in wellness and recovery interaction with clients.
• Possess strong note-taking skills and basic computer proficiency, alongside excellent communication and compassionate listening abilities. A capacity to remain calm and self-regulate during crisis situations is essential, as well as the ability to engage consumers and use de-escalation techniques to ensure safety. Proficiency in data entry, with a focus on accuracy and integrity, is crucial. Strong verbal and written communication skills are necessary for collaborating with consumers, families, and professionals, as well as maintaining thorough case records. Critical thinking and problem-solving skills will be key in developing appropriate care plans with the Mobile Crisis Response Team. Additionally, the ability to respond effectively in emergency situations and work both independently and collaboratively within a team is vital.
• Strong desire to help those in need. Understands the importance of empathy, cultural competency, and connection to help callers develop a plan to manage current and future crises. Function autonomously and exercise good judgment and decision-making skills, particularly in a crisis.
• College degree, Substance Abuse clinical experience, Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.

The Benefits

Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance

Life and Long-Term Disability Insurance

401k plan

Vacation time

Twelve (12) Paid Holidays

Education Reimbursement Program up to $1000 per year

Referral Program

Employee Assistance Program

An environment of like-minded people reaching for the same goal

Serving the underserved community

A sense of purpose

Who We Are

Since 1951, Kings View leads the community in providing behavioral health services to the underserved population. We have a strong tradition of commitment, and we focus on serving rural communities where health resources are often limited. Our people treat the community with care and compassion. We stand by our cornerstone and philosophy of valuing each person’s worth, dignity and wholeness in body, mind, and spirit. Our principal core values echo throughout the organization and into our patient-focused programs. At Kings View we are dedicated to continuing our demonstration in the unparalleled commitment to wellness and recovery within each community we serve. Join us and apply today.