Peer Specialist Behavioral Health Bridge Housing (BHBH)

Background

Since 1976, St. Joseph Center has been meeting the needs of low-income and homeless individuals and families in Venice, Santa Monica, Mar Vista, and surrounding communities.  The Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community organization that assists people without regard for religious affiliation or lack thereof through comprehensive case management and integrated social service programs.  The Center enjoys broad-based community support as well as a sponsored relationship with its founders, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet.  St. Joseph Center serves approximately 6,000 individuals annually.

Brief Description of Principal Activities

Multifaceted intervention, prevention, and education services are carried out at four sites on the Westside of Los Angeles.  St. Joseph Center’s integrated programs provide clients with concentrated and coordinated access to services according to the nature of their needs.

Job Summary

In partnership with the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health through the Behavioral Health Bridge Housing (BHBH) Program, St. Joseph Center will provide interim housing opportunities designed to meet the immediate needs of individuals experiencing homelessness who are living with behavioral health conditions and/or substance use disorders. The BHBH Program offers a safe, private, and secure environment where participants are empowered to stabilize, build self-sufficiency, and transition from homelessness to permanent housing.

Under the supervision of the Program Manager, the Peer Specialist serves as a vital member of a multidisciplinary team, working alongside social service professionals and paraprofessional staff to deliver high-quality, client-centered care. This role supports individuals experiencing homelessness and behavioral health challenges by drawing on lived experience to foster trust, engagement, and empowerment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Peer Support and Client Empowerment

• Share personal recovery experiences to inspire hope and motivate clients on their recovery journeys.
• Provide one-on-one and group peer support sessions focused on empowerment, wellness, and resilience.
• Facilitate or co-facilitate recovery and wellness groups using evidence-based peer support practices.
• Help clients develop self-advocacy skills and connect with support networks.
• Assist clients in navigating behavioral health, substance use treatment, housing, and community resources.
• Advocate for clients’ needs and preferences within the multidisciplinary team and community systems.
• Provide extra support and assistance to homeless clients, accessing community resources and services.

Client Engagement and Relationship Management

• Establish and maintain professional, positive relationships with clients, staff, and community providers.
• Conduct interactions with clients and other professionals in a respectful, courteous, and professional manner.
• Listen attentively to client complaints and suggestions; address concerns fairly and professionally, coordinating with the immediate supervisor as needed.
• Perform wellness checks on new referrals and existing clients to monitor wellbeing and service needs.
• Assist clients in maintaining cooperative and effective relationships with case managers, landlords, and other service providers.
• Assist in outreach efforts to engage clients who are disengaged or hesitant to participate in services.

Collaboration and Team Participation

• Collaborate closely with social workers, counselors, case managers, and other staff to coordinate holistic, client-centered care.
• Participate in care planning meetings, contributing client perspectives to ensure individualized approaches.
• Participate actively in staff meetings, trainings, conferences, program evaluation, and program development.

Program Coordination and Activities

• Coordinate social, educational, and recreational activities to promote community engagement and wellness.
• Initiate and facilitate peer-led groups and events to foster peer support and recovery.

Compliance and Professional Standards

• Adhere to Housing First principles, trauma-informed care, and harm reduction models in all advocacy and client interactions.
• Maintain accurate documentation of peer support activities, client interactions, and wellness checks in compliance with agency policies and Department of Health Services regulations.
• Uphold confidentiality, professional boundaries, and ethical standards in all aspects of peer support work.
• Work flexible hours, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends, to meet client needs and program requirements.

Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned. The duties and responsibilities listed are designed to provide typical examples of the work performed; not all duties and responsibilities assigned are included here, nor is it expected that all similar positions will be assigned every duty and responsibility.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

Required:

• Lived experience with recovery from mental health and/or substance use challenges, homelessness, or other life disruptions, with the ability to draw from that experience to support and inspire clients.
• Ability to maintain healthy boundaries and demonstrate recovery-oriented behavior in interactions with clients and staff.
• Familiarity with the Housing First, harm reduction, and trauma-informed care models of service.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations, including those impacted by homelessness, incarceration, and systemic barriers.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and motivate clients while working as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Ability to conduct wellness checks, facilitate peer-led groups, and assist in outreach and engagement efforts.
• Comfortable working in fast-paced environments and able to adapt to shifting priorities or crisis situations.
• Ability and willingness to work flexible hours, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.

Preferred:

• Certification as a Certified Peer Specialist (CPS), Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS), or another DHCS-recognized peer credential.
• Completion of peer training through a CalMHSA-approved provider or similar organization.
• Experience working in homeless services, behavioral health, substance use treatment, or supportive housing programs.
• Knowledge of local Los Angeles County resources, behavioral health systems, and housing support.
• Bilingual or multilingual proficiency is a plus (especially Spanish, ASL, or languages commonly spoken by local clients).

Education:

• GED, high school diploma, or equivalent required.

Direct Reports:

• This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities. 

Computer Skills:

• Proficiency in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Ability to use widely supported internet browsers.
• Basic computer literacy for documentation and communication (e.g., email, case notes).

Certificates, Licenses and Registrations:

• Valid California Class C Driver License or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions.
• Valid automobile liability insurance.

Travel Requirements:

• Travel to other SJC sites as needed.

Work Environment:

The work environment will be primarily Center based. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, sit, walk, stoop, talk, hear, reach above and below shoulders; use hand and finger dexterity, keyboarding and making and receiving telephone calls. The employee may be required on occasion to lift and/or carry up to 20 lbs.

 Status: Full time/Exempt

Salary: DOE

Employment with St. Joseph Center is contingent on completion of satisfactory background check.

For consideration, please submit cover letter and resume. St. Joseph Center is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. All applicants for employment are invited to voluntarily self-identify their gender, race, ethnicity, and veteran status, by completing the EEO Information. Providing your EEO Information is voluntary and refusal to self-identify will not subject applicants to any adverse treatment. Similarly, applicants who do self-identify will not be subject to any adverse treatment based on the information they provide.

St. Joseph center invites you to review the current "EEO is The Law" poster as part of the application process. A link to the current poster is located here.

 https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf