Peer Support Specialist II (504) (Personal Services)

Kings View is a nonprofit leader in providing behavioral health services to the underserved community, is currently seeking a driven Peer Support Specialist II to join our mission to provide compassionate services to those with limited resources. Our ideal candidate will have a passion to promote social justice and societal awareness, respect for human dignity, and lead with integrity while listening and responding to the community in need.

Peer Support Specialist II (504)Tulare, CA

The Peer Support Specialist II - MCRT is an essential member of the Mobile Crisis Response Team, supporting individuals of all ages experiencing mental health crises. Under the general supervision of the Program Manager, this role involves responding to incoming calls and chats/texts on various crisis and community support lines. The Specialist addresses a broad range of non-life-threatening mental health situations without police or EMS involvement. Key responsibilities include conducting intake and needs assessments, coordinating services, and advocating for community members to ensure continuity of care. This position requires active listening, collaborative problem-solving, and safety planning to effectively assist those in crisis. Flexibility in scheduling is crucial, as the program operates 24/7.


How will I contribute

Provide direct advocacy and support to consumers.
Assist experienced staff in the development of consumer driven wellness and recovery plans.
Complete all documentation within the identified time frame.
Act as liaison between Person Served, their family and Mobile Crisis Response Team.
Communicate pertinent information, both in writing and verbally to supervisor or Designee.
Transport clients when approved by supervisor.
Work closely with all members of the Mobile Crisis Response Team to help prevent re-hospitalization and to promote stabilization.
Weekend and evening hours will be required to meet program needs.
Maintain accurate, written clinical records of services provided per established agency, COA, HIPAA, CCBHC and CalAIMS standards. Complete documentation within established timeframes, including collecting appropriate signatures, registration forms, etc. Sign off, discharge per program plan.
Develop and assist in the implementation of brief life skills coaching of individuals/s, linkage to wraparound services/resources, and compliance planning for no-shows for medication management services.
Coordinate with community partners to identify and attend various outreach events.
Achieve four hours of cultural competency training each fiscal year.
Achieve advanced competence in using our electronic record keeping system. Includes but is not limited to the following: a. Use of SmartCare; b. Effective documentation of services provided; c. Competence in using assigned laptop at remote locations; d. Effective use of One Point, the electronic timecard system.
Answer all contacts on assigned incoming lines, including but not limited to crisis and community support lines, with compassion and in accordance with the organization's training and scope.
Collect and document contacts and all required data in an accurate and timely manner via data collection software program & additional helpline software.
Offer any applicable resources and referrals to clients.
Place outgoing and follow-up calls to designated programs as required.
Apply crisis intervention tools and techniques and make appropriate connections to community safety net programs when needed.
Evaluate consumer for the need of W & I 5150 Codes Evaluation
Assist with placing rescue calls as needed for contacts requiring emergency assistance.
Navigate multiple computer databases to locate and refer contacts to appropriate community resources.
Regularly achieve a satisfactory or above rating for contacts monitored on assigned lines.
Maintain and meet expectation rating for answer rates across all lines.
Attend mandatory quarterly staff meetings and complete required trainings, workshops, and continuing education to remain knowledgeable about best practices, policies, and protocols.
May encounter risk of working with persons with SMI (serious mental illness) that may include, but not limited to persons in mental health crisis, persons that may be intoxicated or impaired by drugs or alcohol, persons who may be DTO (danger to others), DTS (Danger to Self), or GD (Gravely Disabled). If such situations arise, staff may be required to call local emergency personnel to help deescalate the crisis, use crisis intervention techniques, and consult with supervisor as soon as practically possible.
Perform additional responsibilities as they develop and are assigned.

What I bring

High School Diploma (or Equivalent)
Class C Driving License
2 years experience in peer work or completion of a peer training program or certificate of completion for WRAP Seminar I or certificate of completion for Taking Action for Whole Health and Wellbeing Seminar I. Must complete advanced training that equips the individual to handle responsibilities independently. Must be engaged in personal wellness and recovery if a consumer.
Ability to engage consumers and safely de-escalate situations by using specialized tactics, strength-based techniques and adequate and immediate linkage. Basic understanding and appreciation of wellness and recovery principles. Interest in obtaining the knowledge of the philosophy and goals of program assigned, common practices and procedures in wellness and recovery interaction with clients.
Possess strong note-taking skills and basic computer proficiency, alongside excellent communication and compassionate listening abilities. A capacity to remain calm and self-regulate during crisis situations is essential, as well as the ability to engage consumers and use de-escalation techniques to ensure safety. Proficiency in data entry, with a focus on accuracy and integrity, is crucial. Strong verbal and written communication skills are necessary for collaborating with consumers, families, and professionals, as well as maintaining thorough case records. Critical thinking and problem-solving skills will be key in developing appropriate care plans with the Mobile Crisis Response Team. Additionally, the ability to respond effectively in emergency situations and work both independently and collaboratively within a team is vital.
Strong desire to help those in need. Understands the importance of empathy, cultural competency, and connection to help callers develop a plan to manage current and future crises. Function autonomously and exercise good judgment and decision-making skills, particularly in a crisis.
College degree, Substance Abuse clinical experience, Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.

The Benefits

Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
Life and Long-Term Disability Insurance
401k plan
Vacation time
Twelve (12) Paid Holidays
Education Reimbursement Program up to $1000 per year
Referral Program
Employee Assistance Program
An environment of like-minded people reaching for the same goal
Serving the underserved community
A sense of purpose

Who We Are

Since 1951, Kings View leads the community in providing behavioral health services to the underserved population. We have a strong tradition of commitment, and we focus on serving rural communities where health resources are often limited. Our people treat the community with care and compassion. We stand by our cornerstone and philosophy of valuing each person's worth, dignity and wholeness in body, mind, and spirit. Our principal core values echo throughout the organization and into our patient-focused programs. At Kings View we are dedicated to continuing our demonstration in the unparalleled commitment to wellness and recovery within each community we serve. Join us and apply today.