Peer Support Specialist

Felton Institute responds to the needs of our community by providing innovative, evidence-informed social services that transform lives. Our organization offers 50+ programs that address mental health, the unhoused, early care and education, those impacted by the justice system, transitional age youth, as well as aging adults. Our programs combine the latest scientific research with cultural sensitivity and a deep commitment to supporting and reflecting the communities we serve. Felton offers a dynamic, challenging, and supportive work environment where we encourage the use of professional development, that staff can utilize throughout their career.

AB 109-Post Release Community Supervision (PRCS) Program is designed to offer reentry services for adults under the supervision of Alameda County Probation Department, ACPD, and who experience behavioral health concerns that are on the Moderate to Severe Mental Health continuum. Working in close collaboration with Deputy Probation Officers (DPOs) and other County Identified partners and/or stakeholders, the Felton SMI Case Manager & Peer Support team will implement both case management and engagement strategies that are relevant to the situational, cultural. and behavioral health needs of the PRCS participant. For this specific population, the most common of these behavioral factors include anxiety disorders, depression, crimongenic thinking, and anti-social behavioral patterns. SMI case management and Peer staff shall engage Participants “where they are” with respect to their community location, their need for clinical service/support, and their phase in the recovery process.

The Peer Support Specialist will adhere to the principles of Motivational Interviewing, Harm Reduction, Trauma-informed care, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Thinking For Change, and Recovery-and-Wellness in order to engage high-need adult probation clients in therapeutic interventions to help identify problems that can have regular occurrences and vary in severity and frequency, thus linking clients with the appropriate social and behavioral services and supporting them on their path to recovery and re-integration.

In partnership with an Outreach Specialist, the Peer Support Specialist engage potential clients prior to their release, when applicable, and immediately after their release in areas the client is most comfortable in the community. The Clinical Case Manager will perform comprehensive client assessments, establish Individualized Intervention Plans that will guide service provision, and develop crisis prevention and intervention plans. These activities may include coordinating mental health, social work, client advocacy, educational, healthcare, vocational, housing, transportation, respite care, and recreational services; facilitating groups/workshops in the community and maintaining the appropriate caseload ratio.

Peer Support Specialist will adhere to laws regarding confidentiality and reporting requirements, and will maintain accurate, detailed observation and progress records for electronic data entry. Additional duties may be assigned as needed in order to meet the requirements of the program.

Reports to: Program Director

Job Type: Full Time

Work Schedule: Onsite

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Salary Range: $65,000 - $70,000 Annually (DOE)

Benefits (subject to election and eligibility): Fully-Paid Medical and Dental Plans; Health Reimbursement Card, Paid Time Off (personal, vacation, and sick time), 403B with company match.

Candidates should apply for the position at our career page “careers.felton.org” OR directly email resumes to “jobs@felton.org”.