Peer Coach

Position Title: Peer Coach

Location: Peer Connections West County, San Pablo, CA

Reports To: Program Director

Employment Type: Full-time (40 hours per week)

Compensation: $23.00 - $26.00 per hour (commensurate with experience)

Organization Overview:

Mental Health Connections, based in Concord, CA, is a nonprofit organization committed to supporting individuals in achieving mental health wellness and recovery. Our Peer Connections Centers provide participants with skills, resources, and community to thrive in all aspects of life.

We are currently seeking dedicated and passionate Peer Coaches for our Peer Connections West County site in San Pablo, CA. This role is ideal for individuals with lived experience in mental health and recovery who are eager to use their expertise to inspire and support others.

Position Summary:

The Peer Coach provides recovery-oriented support, advocacy, and training to program participants seeking to regain confidence, build life skills, and achieve personal wellness goals. The role involves direct engagement with participants, group facilitation, and collaboration with the Program Director and other staff to deliver impactful services aligned with the Peer Recovery Model.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• • Participant Support:
  • Build positive relationships with program participants to support their mental health wellness and recovery.
  • Provide one-on-one peer counseling, utilizing lived experience to model effective coping techniques and self-help strategies.
  • Assist participants in identifying strengths, setting goals, and overcoming barriers to wellness.
  • Facilitate peer support groups to foster community, inclusion, and personal growth.
  • Encourage participants to develop natural supports and meaningful connections.
  • Program Development:
  • Collaborate with the Program Director and other staff to develop meaningful program curriculum.
  • Lead and participate in wellness groups, workshops, and activities that teach life skills, such as budgeting, maintaining hygiene, managing health concerns, and navigating daily life.
  • Engage participants in program activities, curriculum learning, and group discussions.
  • Outreach and Advocacy:
  • Conduct outreach to referral sources to promote awareness and increase attendance.
  • Advocate for the needs and rights of program participants.
  • Link participants to appropriate community resources to support their recovery journey.
  • Operational Support:
  • Assist in the daily operations of the Peer Connections Center, ensuring the safety and smooth running of all activities.
  • Support outings, events, and special activities to promote participant engagement.
  • Assist participants with finding transportation services when needed as needed.
  • Collect and report data as assigned.
  • Additional Responsibilities:
  • Plan, shop for, and prepare meals collaboratively.
  • Drive Peer Connection Centers vehicles as directed.
  • Adhere to all policies, procedures, and ethical standards of Mental Health Connections.
  • Perform other duties as assigned by the Program Director.

Qualifications:

• • Education and Certification:
  • High School Diploma or equivalent (required).
  • S.P.I.R.I.T Certification and/or Medi-Cal Peer Certification (preferred).
  • Completion of Peer Employment Training (highly desirable).
  • Experience:
  • Lived experience in mental health and/or substance use recovery (required).
  • Minimum 3 years of experience in mental health support roles (preferred).
  • Minimum 2 years of experience facilitating groups (preferred).
  • Skills and Abilities:
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Publisher, PowerPoint, and Zoom.
  • Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Strong organizational and time management skills.
  • Ability to teach recovery tools and self-advocacy techniques.
  • Ability to maintain appropriate boundaries with participants and colleagues.
  • Licenses and Transportation:
  • Valid California Driver’s License, a reliable vehicle with current registration, and insurance (required).
  • Language:
  • Spanish proficiency (highly desirable).