Peer Support Specialist I/II - Transitional Age Youth Team - Spanish Spkg. Prefrd (Open & Promo) Print (https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/sanmateo/jobs/newprint/5016022) Apply  Peer Support Specialist I/II - Transitional Age Youth Team - Spanish Spkg. Prefrd (Open & Promo) Salary $62,961.60 - $86,860.80 Annually Location County of San Mateo, CA Job Type Full-Time Job Number G191B Department Behavioral Health and Recovery Services Opening Date 08/06/2025 Bargaining Unit 08 + Description + Benefits + Questions Description Note: This recruitment schedule was amended on August 27, 2025 to extend the Final Filing Date . This recruitment has been changed to "Continuous." Make a difference in someone's life and in your community! San Mateo County Health's Behavioral Health and Recovery Services Division has a rewarding opportunity for an experienced individual to join our team as a Peer Support Specialist I/II. Be part of our multi-disciplinary team; offer peer supportive and recovery-based services; assist with meeting and engaging mental health consumers in support of their recovery goals; support clients and their families in all phases of recovery; provide wellness/recovery and educational services; lead Wellness and Recovery skill groups; and assist clients in connecting to community-based resources. The current vacancy is a full-time, regular position with the Transitional Age Youth Team at Shasta Clinic in Redwood City. There will be travel throughout the County to transport clients, attend meetings, conduct home visits, and rarely travel to neighboring counties as needed. This Peer Support Specialist I/II will bring their own consumer perspective to help engage clients in their recovery; will provide support and advocacy; support achievement of their goals; and help clients and their families cope with mental illness, co-occurring substance use and/or physical illness. The Peer Support Specialist I/II will work with a culturally diverse population and provide services to clients and families with limited English speaking proficiency. As directed by case managers, the Peer Support Specialist I/II will conduct home visits to provide practical assistance to clients in their homes enabling them to reside in the community; transport clients to and from their medical and/or mental health appointments; assist clients in making follow-up appointments; and make reminder calls about appointments. Additionally, shopping for groceries and other necessities with clients, or purchasing needed items for clinic groups. Working within the multi-disciplinary team, the Peer Support Specialist I/II will assist in activities that enhance wellness and engage clients in their recovery; will assist clients in achieving their goals, obtaining benefits, and accessing medical care; teach and coach clients to access community resources, develop independent living skills such as shopping, using public transportation, and engaging in social and recreational activities; and work with clients to develop Wellness, Recovery Action Plans (WRAP). The Ideal Candidatewill be: + A consumer of mental health services. + Experienced using their knowledge gained through life experience as a consumer of mental health services to provide peer support services for people with mental illness and/or co-occurring challenges of substance use and/or other physical illness. + Educated and/or experienced as a peer coach for people living with mental illness and/or co-occurring challenges of substance abuse and other physical illness. + Knowledgeable about community resources and advocating for resources and services for individuals living with mental illness and/or co-occurring substance abuse and other physical illness and their families. + Effective in written and oral communication and interaction with individuals living with mental illness and/or co-occurring substance abuse and other physical illness and their families and also from diverse communities. + Able to accurately record notes from client contacts through an electronic medical record system. + Experienced in using cross-cultural or bilingual skills to engage a diverse community. + Experienced in driving/transporting clients to appointments. + Basic computer skills. + Have sound judgment with ability to follow chain of command protocols for communication. + Fluency in Spanish is preferred, but not required. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS Peer Support Specialist I ($30.27- $37.83 hourly) is the entry level class in the series. Initially under close supervision, incumbents learn the duties associated with the position and the client population served. Incumbents receive on-the-job training and perform specific assignments of a well-defined and limited nature. As experience is gained, there is greater independence of action within established guidelines. This class is flexibly staffed with Peer Support Specialist II and incumbents may advance to the higher level after gaining experience and demonstrating proficiency which meet the qualifications of the higher-level class. Peer Support Specialist II ($33.42 - $41.76 hourly) is the experienced level class in the series. Employees are able to perform the full range of duties required of the classification and have significant latitude for independent judgment. Employees exercise considerable discretion in determining work priorities as well as methods of completing their assignments. Peer Support Specialist series is distinguished from the Peer Support Worker series in that incumbents in the Peer Support Specialist series are required to maintain a Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist certification issued by CalMHSA. Positions in this series are further distinguished by the ability to meet the lived-experience requirements required by the funding source of assigned unit or program. NOTE: The eligible list generated from this recruitment may be used to fill future extra-help, term, unclassified, and regular classified vacancies. Examples Of Duties Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following: + Develop rapport, establish, and maintain contact with members of the community served and interpret community needs and cultural patterns to professional staff members. + Provide educational services to the clientele served; schedule, arrange, and assist in the facilitation of educational programs and activities to support client health/wellness, recovery, self-sufficiency and other goals. + Prepare various reports or correspondence; maintain accurate notes or files related to client relations and other activities. + May perform a wide variety of general clerical duties; coordinate calendars and make appointments; arrange for necessary materials to be available for operations; respond to requests for information; assist public at front counter and direct public to appropriate locations/staff; order and maintain office and other related supplies. + Act as a peer advocate. + Provide outreach to clients to engage them in services and overcome barriers to participation in mental health services. + Conduct one on one or group sessions with consumers and/or families to collect data for screenings, applications, records, and needs assessments. + Work with case management team to develop and maintain clients’ development plans. + Assist peers and/or family members in tracking and implementing recovery and wellness goals; offer support, encouragement and hope; model effective coping and self-help strategies. + Serve as mentor to teach and show consumers and family members how to function more independently and in finding and accessing community resources. + Monitor cases for assigned client groups. + Develop and/or organize educational and informational materials for outreach activities. + Serve on various related committees and attend meetings. + Assist clients in a wide variety of daily living activities, such as completing applications and forms, providing transportation, and navigating support service systems. + May act as an interpreter in contacts involving non-English speaking residents. + Assist with access/linkage to community resources such as housing, transportation, education and employment. + Perform related duties as assigned. Qualifications NOTE: The level and scope of the knowledge and skills listed below are related to job duties as defined under Distinguishing Characteristics. Knowledge of: + Problems, needs, attitudes and behavior patterns of the client population and of the total community served. + Basic needs and difficulties faced by ethnically diverse consumers, caregivers and families. + Identification of social and community resources and how to connect individuals to these resources. + Techniques for group and individual counseling. + Basic case management processes. + Perform clerical support work with accuracy, speed, and minimal supervision. + Techniques for effectively representing the County in contacts with the general public, other agencies, community groups, and various business, professional, educational, and regulatory organizations. + Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, clientele, and staff. + Basic recordkeeping principles and practices. + Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment and applications related to the work. Skill/Ability to: + Address the client population’s unique needs in a culturally sensitive manner. + Relate and communicate effectively with the community served. + Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective relationships with clients, their families and/or caregivers and others contacted in the course of work. + Learn and understand the organization and operation of the assigned department and program. + Respond to and effectively prioritize multiple phone calls and requests for service. + File materials alphabetically, chronologically, and numerically. + Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing. + Interpret and apply administrative and departmental policies and procedures; interpret agency programs and policies to members of the community served. + Organize, maintain, and update office database and records systems. + Organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines. + Enter and retrieve data from a computer with sufficient speed and accuracy to perform assigned work. + Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines. + Write clear and comprehensive reports. + Maintain confidentiality + Stand and walk for extended periods of time and lift and carry equipment and supplies used in the course of the work. + Complete 20 hours of continuing education every two years to maintain certification. Education and Experience: Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and skills is qualifying. A typical way of gaining the knowledge and skills is: + Peer Support Specialist II: At least one year of experience providing peer support services within the assigned program. Additional Qualifications: + Must meet the experience requirements established by the funding source of assignment. License/Certification: + Peer Support Specialist I: Proof of completion of Peer Support Specialist training AND within eighteen (18) months from date of hire, obtain Certification as a Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist. + Peer Support Specialist II: Certification as a Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist issued by the California Mental Health Services Authority (CMHSA). + Some positions may require possession of a valid California driver license or equivalent. Application/Examination Open & Promotional. Anyone may apply. Current County of San Mateo and County of San Mateo Superior Court of California employees with at least six months (1040 hours) of continuous service in a classified regular, probationary, extra-help/limited term positions prior to the final filing date will receive five points added to their final passing score The examination process will consist of an application screening (weight: pass/fail) based on the candidates' application and responses to the supplemental questions. Candidates who pass the application screening will be invited to a panel interview (weight: 100%). Depending on the number of applicants an application appraisal of education and experience may be used in place of other examinations or further evaluation of work experience may be conducted to group applicants by level of qualification. All applicants who meet the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phase of the examination. All examinations will be given in the County of San Mateo, California and applicants must participate at their own expense. IMPORTANT: Applications for this position will only be accepted online. If you are currently on the County's website, you may click the "Apply" button. If you are not on the County's website, please go to https://jobs.smcgov.org/ to apply. Responses to the supplemental questions must be submitted in addition to our regular employment application form. A resume will not be accepted as a substitute for the required employment application and/or supplemental questionnaire. Online applications must be received by the Human Resources Department before midnight on the final filing date. This is a continuous recruitment which may close at any time. The final filing date will be posted 5 days in advance in the County of San Mateo Human Resources Department. Apply immediately . This recruitment is open on a continuous basis and selections may be made at any time within the process. About the County San Mateo County is centrally located between San Francisco, San Jose, and the East Bay. With over 750,000 residents, San Mateo is one of the largest and most diverse counties in California and serves a multitude of culturally, ethnically, and linguistically diverse communities. The County of San Mateo, as an employer, is committed to advancing equity to ensure that all employees are welcomed in a safe and inclusive environment. The County seeks to hire, support, and retain employees who reflect our diverse community. We encourage applicants with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply. Eighty percent of employees surveyed stated that they would recommend the County as a great place to work. The County of San Mateo is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion at all levels. HR Contact: Carolyn Burns (080625) - Peer Support Specialist (G191) We invite you to explore our Benefits-at-a-Glance (https://www.smcgov.org/sites/default/files/2025-05/Benefits%20at%20a%20Glance%204.29.25.pdf) page for a snapshot of the comprehensive and competitive benefits available to eligible employees of the County of San Mateo. From health and wellness to financial security, our benefits are designed to support you at every stage of your career. (Please note that benefits are subject to change.) In addition to core benefits, the County is proud to offer a variety of wellness and professional development programs to help you grow both personally and professionally. Most of these enriching opportunities are available during work hours and come at no cost to you. As a County employee, you’ll also be covered by the federal Social Security system, earning valuable retirement benefits based on your salary and years of service. 01 IMPORTANT: Applicants for this position are required to submit responses to the supplemental questions below. Your responses will provide detailed information about your background and experience related to this position. This information will weigh heavily in the application screening by the subject matter experts and will also be used in the selection process. Answer the questions completely, paying attention to the multi-parts of the questions. While being thorough and detailed, also be concise. Your strategic use of language as well as neatness, clarity of expression, attention to detail, proper use of grammar and the ability to follow instructions will be considered in the evaluation process. A resume will not be accepted as a substitute for your responses. + I have read and understand this important information. Proceed to supplemental questions. 02 Being a consumer of mental health services is required to be eligible for this position. Are you currently or have you previously been a consumer of mental health services? (A "No" answer to this question will disqualify you from this recruitment.) + Yes + No 03 Proof of completion of Peer Support Specialist training from an approved training provider is required for this classification. Do you have proof of completion of Peer Support Specialist Training? (A "No" answer to this question will disqualify you from this recruitment.) (Please attach the proof of completion of Peer Support Specialist Training to the attachment section of the application.) + Yes + No 04 The ability to obtain Certification as a Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist within eighteen (18) months from the date of hire is required for this classification. Please indicate how you will meet this requirement. + I possess the certification as a Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist. (Please attach a copy of your certification in the attachment section if you select this option.) + I plan to obtain Certification as a Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist within eighteen (18) months from the date of hire. 05 Fluency in Spanish is preferred but NOT required. Are you fluent in Spanish? (You will not be screened out of the process for a "No" answer to this question.) + Yes + No 06 Briefly describe what you have learned from your own recovery experiences that you are willing and able to share with consumers of mental health and/or alcohol and other drug services in order to provide peer support and coaching to aid in their recovery. 07 Describe your knowledge of and experience with community resources for individuals living with mental illness and/or co-occurring issues. Include your role, your responsibilities, and the persons/clients with whom you worked. 08 Describe your experience working with diverse communities, such as bi-cultural, bilingual, LGBTQ. Include your role, your responsibilities, and the diversity of the persons/clients with whom you worked. 09 How did you learn about this position? + County of San Mateo Website + County of San Mateo Job Interest Card Notification + County Hosted Virtual Event + County Hosted Job Fair + CalOpps.org + College/University Career Center + Community-based Organization Posting + Facebook/Instagram + Friend or Relative + GovernmentJobs.com + Indeed + Job Fair + LinkedIn + Professional Publication/Website (Please specify in next question) + X (formerly called Twitter) + Zip Recruiter + Other (Please specify in next question) 10 If you answered, "Professional Publication/Website" or "Other" to the above question, please indicate below how you learned about this position. Your response to this question will help us in better marketing County jobs. Type NA if not applicable. Required Question Employer County of San Mateo Address County of San Mateo Human Resources Department 500 County Center, 4th Floor Redwood City, California, 94063-1663 Phone (650) 363-4343 Website https://jobs.smcgov.org Apply Please verify your email address Verify Email