Certified Peer Support Specialist (Peer Recovery Navigator)

The Peer Recovery Navigator is a key member of the Street Medicine Team, providing field-based outreach, engagement, and care coordination to individuals experiencing homelessness and substance use disorders. This role combines lived experience-informed peer support with Community Health Worker (CHW) responsibilities to connect patients to essential medical, behavioral health, and social services. The Peer Recovery Navigator will play a critical role in supporting Medications for Addiction Treatment (MAT) expansion, HIV initiatives, and grant-related program activities.

Benefits:

• Free Medical, Dental & Vision
• 13 Paid Holidays + PTO
• 403 (B) retirement match
• Life Insurance, EAP
• Tuition Reimbursement
• SEIU Union 
• Flexible Spending Account
• Continued workforce development & training
• Succession plans & growth within

QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience 

• High School diploma or equivalent GED. Associate Degree in a related field preferred. 
• Must self-identify as a current or past consumer of mental health services or substance use. Having a relative that identifies with the mentioned above also qualifies. 

Interpersonal Skills

• Must possess the ability to speak to individuals on 1:1 basis or in a group

Additional Requirements:

• Reliable transportation and flexibility to travel between Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and Riverside Counties as needed.
• Certified Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist (PSS) required or ability to obtain within 6–12 months of hire OR completion of a state-approved peer support training program and successful certification exam required.
• Must maintain certification and complete continuing education requirements.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Peer Support & Patient Engagement

• Conduct street-based outreach and build trusting relationships with individuals experiencing homelessness and substance use disorders.
• Provide peer support, mentorship, and recovery-oriented guidance based on lived experience (if applicable).
• Support patients in accessing and adhering to treatment plans, including MAT services.
• Accompany patients to appointments when appropriate and provide follow-up support.

Care Coordination & Referrals

• Facilitate referrals to substance use treatment programs, primary care, mental health services, housing resources, and social services.
• Assist patients with navigation of healthcare systems, including enrollment in benefits and linkage to care.
• Collaborate closely with providers, case managers, and community partners to ensure continuity of care.

MAT Program Support

• Support the expansion and delivery of Medications for Addiction Treatment (MAT) services in the field and clinic settings.
• Educate patients on MAT options and reduce stigma associated with treatment.
• Assist with patient tracking, follow-ups, and engagement in MAT services.

HIV Initiative Support

• Conduct outreach, education, and linkage to HIV prevention, testing, and treatment services.
• Support adherence to HIV care plans and coordinate with HIV service providers.

Grant & Program Activities

• Participate in grant-related activities tied to MAT program expansion, including data collection and reporting.
• Attend required meetings such as bi-monthly learning collaboratives and team trainings.
• Assist with completion of program assessments and required deliverables (e.g., baseline and final assessments, semi-annual reports).

Community Health Worker (CHW) Functions

• Provide health education on harm reduction, overdose prevention, chronic disease management, and wellness.
• Conduct basic screenings and assist with health-related social needs assessments.
• Support outreach events, encampment visits, and mobile clinic operations.

Team Support

• Assist the Street Medicine Team with general field operations, including mobile clinic setup and patient flow.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of patient interactions and services provided.
• Participate in team meetings, case conferences, and quality improvement efforts.

St. John’s Community Health is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.