Peer Specialist

Buckelew Programs is the leading provider of behavioral healthcare services in the North Bay, providing compassionate mental health, supported housing, and substance use treatment. Join our team and play a meaningful role in making a real impact!

We are hiring a new Peer Specialist for the Marin Assisted Independent Living (MAIL) program.  In this role, you will provide direct support to clients living independently in the community or within a Buckelew housing environment. You will play a key role in promoting client recovery, self-sufficiency, and independence through the provision of daily living assistance. Working both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team, you will serve clients in the field. This is a full-time position, working Tuesday - Saturday, 9 am - 5 pm, and includes thirty minute paid meal breaks.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Administrative Responsibilities

• Collaborate effectively as part of a team, maintaining prompt and clear communication with colleagues.
• Meet program monthly billing and documentation standards within required timeframes for all peer specialist support services provided. 
• Maintain accurate, timely, and complete client records for peer specialist support services provided using the designated Electronic Health Record (EHR) system.
• Complete and maintain timely, accurate documentation including client notes, mileage logs, and other required records.

Client Support Responsibilities

• Provide peer support services grounded in lived experience to promote recovery, hope, self-advocacy, and empowerment.
• Teach and assist clients with activities of daily living, adapting support to their individual needs and readiness levels.
• Monitor and report on client well-being, including mood and behavior. Ensure and model adherence to agency safety protocols.
• Support clients with meal planning, grocery shopping, and meal preparation, offering skill-building assistance as appropriate.
• Provide medication prompts, ensure proper storage, monitor adherence, and support timely refills as required by program guidelines.
• Provide client transportation using personal or agency vehicles; support clients in learning and using public transportation.
• Assist clients with attending and coordinating medical appointments.
• Facilitate peer-led groups and activities focused on recovery, community integration, and skill development.

Household and Maintenance Responsibilities

• Perform general housekeeping tasks (e.g., vacuuming, dishwashing, dusting) as needed.
• Conduct basic maintenance tasks (e.g., replacing light bulbs, checking smoke detectors) and report major repair needs to the supervisor.
• Maintain adequate household supplies and restock as needed.

Program Quality and Compliance

• Deliver services that align with program goals, emphasizing client progress and satisfaction.
• Comply with all legal, regulatory, and contractual standards (e.g., CARF, Medi-Cal, HUD) and maintain program certifications and licensing requirements.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Active Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Certification required.
• Experience working with individuals with mental health and/or substance use disorders preferred.
• Understanding behavioral health recovery models, wellness planning, and peer support best practices.
• Ability to write clear, objective, and Medi-Cal-compliant progress notes.
• Experience with EHR systems is strongly preferred.

Professional Requirements

• Fluent in English; bilingual in English and Spanish preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain professional boundaries, exercise sound judgment, and work independently in a calm, organized, and empathetic manner.
• Interest and comfort in working with individuals with behavioral health needs.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills; ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) at a basic to intermediate level.
• Must be a dependable, flexible, and collaborative team player.
• Valid California driver’s license, an insurable driving record, and access to a personal, insured vehicle required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to perform intermittent physical activities including sitting, standing, driving, talking, listening, seeing, bending, squatting, reaching, lifting (up to 30 lbs.), and using hands for grasping or typing.
• Capacity for sustained physical activity such as driving, writing, standing, or computer work.

BENEFITS

Medical, dental, vision and life and long-term disability insurance, Employee Assistance Program, flexible spending accounts for health, dependent and transit costs, retirement savings plan with company match, eligibility for loan forgiveness, continuing education credits available through our learning management system, discount program, paid meal breaks and generous paid time off.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating a workplace that celebrates diversity, promotes equality, and fosters inclusion. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.