Certified Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist

Certified Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist

Position Summary

Transitions Clinic of Sacramento is a low-barrier, harm reduction–based, full scope outpatient addiction treatment clinic serving individuals with substance use disorders and co-occurring needs located in Oak Park, Sacramento. The Certified Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist (CMPSS) uses lived experience, recovery-oriented support, and community knowledge to assist patients in engaging in treatment, navigating systems of care, and building stability in alignment with individualized recovery goals. The CMPSS must be a self-starter with the ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and proactively support patient engagement and clinic operations in a fast-paced outpatient environment. The ideal candidate demonstrates empathy, maintains strong boundaries, and consistently treats all patients with dignity, respect, and unconditional positive regard.

The CMPSS provides non-clinical peer support services in accordance with Medi-Cal, DHCS, HIPAA, and 42 CFR Part 2 requirements. Services are delivered under appropriate supervision and within the defined scope of peer support practice.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Client Engagement & Orientation

· Welcome new and returning patients in a respectful, trauma-informed, and nonjudgmental manner

· Assist clients with clinic orientation and introduction to services

· Support completion of intake paperwork and other required forms

· Explain clinic processes, expectations, patient rights, and available supports in patient-friendly language

· Help reduce barriers to treatment engagement and retention

Peer Support & Recovery Services

· Provide one-on-one peer support and recovery-oriented counseling within scope of practice

· Utilize lived experience appropriately to support hope, engagement, and recovery planning

· Assist clients in identifying recovery goals, strengths, and barriers

· Provide emotional support, encouragement, and motivational guidance

· Support harm reduction, relapse prevention, and wellness strategies

· Maintain professional boundaries and avoid dual relationships

Resource Navigation & Community Linkage

· Maintain and organize clinic resource materials and community resource wall

· Provide referrals and warm hand-offs to community agencies and supportive services including:

o Housing resources

o Behavioral health services

o Food assistance

o Transportation services

o Primary care

o Social services

o Recovery support programs

· Coordinate and document follow-up on referrals and linkage outcomes in EHR

Benefits Enrollment & System Navigation

Assist patients with enrollment and navigation for benefits and services, including:

o Medi-Cal

o CalFresh

o General Assistance

o Social service programs

· Help patients gather documentation and complete applications as appropriate

· Support patients in understanding eligibility and maintaining benefits

Assessment & Eligibility Support

· Assist with completion of non-clinical assessment tools, screenings, and intake-related documentation as directed by supervisory or clinical staff

· Support collection of information related to Medi-Cal eligibility, grant-funded program participation, and other program requirements

· Assist patients in completing grant, funding, and program-related forms and questionnaires

· Maintain confidentiality and professionalism while handling protected health and financial information

Documentation & Compliance

· Complete timely and accurate documentation of peer support services in Practice Fusion EHR

· Maintain confidentiality in compliance with:

o HIPAA

o 42 CFR Part 2

o Clinic policies and procedures

· Participate in supervision, staff meetings, and required trainings

· Maintain Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist certification requirements and continuing education

Required Qualifications

· Current Medi-Cal Certified Peer Support Specialist certification recognized by the State of California

· High school diploma or equivalent required

· Lived experience with recovery and ability to use lived experience appropriately in a professional setting

· Knowledge of recovery-oriented systems of care and harm reduction principles

· Strong interpersonal and communication skills

· Ability to maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality

· Basic computer skills and ability to learn electronic health record systems

· Ability to work effectively with diverse populations

Preferred Qualifications

· Experience working in substance use disorder treatment, behavioral health, or community services

· Knowledge of Sacramento-area recovery and social service resources

· Experience assisting individuals with Medi-Cal or public benefits enrollment

· Experience with electronic health records including SmartCare

· Bilingual or multilingual skills preferred

· Experience in harm reduction or low-barrier treatment settings

Team Contribution

· Collaborate effectively with clinical and administrative staff

· Contribute to a positive, mission-driven team environment

· Perform other duties as assigned to support clinic operations

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

· Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, and use office equipment throughout the workday

· Ability to lift up to 30 pounds as needed

· Ability to interact respectfully with individuals experiencing crisis, substance use, or behavioral health symptoms

· Work is performed in an outpatient medical and behavioral health clinic environment

Work Schedule

This position requires flexibility to support clinic operations, including:

• Monday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM (rotating evening hours required)
• Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Saturday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM (rotating or assigned shifts)

Schedule may vary based on clinic needs. Occasional schedule adjustments may be required.

Compensation and Benefits

• Hourly Range: $22.00 – $24.00 per hour
• Final compensation is determined based on experience, qualifications, certifications, and internal equity
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Ancillary benefits (e.g., life insurance, Employee Assistance Program)
• Paid time off (PTO) and paid sick leave in accordance with California law
• Paid holidays
• Retirement plan options
• Ongoing training and professional development opportunities

Compliance Statement

Transitions Clinic of Sacramento is committed to providing services in accordance with guidance from the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), Medi-Cal requirements, HIPAA, and 42 CFR Part 2 confidentiality regulations.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Transitions Clinic of Sacramento is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating an inclusive, recovery-oriented workplace that values diversity, dignity, and respect for all individuals. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status or disability status.

Transitions Clinic values recovery-oriented and inclusive hiring practices. We recognize that lived experience, including recovery and prior justice system involvement, can provide meaningful perspective in serving our community. Qualified applicants with criminal histories will be considered in a manner consistent with California Fair Chance laws and clinic operational requirements.

Pay: $22.00 - $24.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: In person