The Riverside University Health System's Behavioral Health Department is seeking multiple Bilingual Certified Peer Support Specialists/Trainees for the CARESLINE program, which serves as Riverside County's access center connecting MediCal Members to Mental Health and Substance Use services. This position represents an important component of the county's mental health service delivery system, utilizing individuals with lived experience to support others in their recovery journey.
Role and Responsibilities of Certified Peer Support Specialists
The Certified Peer Support Specialist/Trainee position involves several key responsibilities aimed at helping individuals navigate the mental health and substance use services system. These professionals work directly with members to facilitate access to care and provide support throughout their recovery process.
Primary duties include:
- Working with members to help bridge them to necessary services
- Advocating for member needs with substance use and mental health providers
- Following up with members post-hospitalization and after missed appointments
- Assisting members with any barriers to treatment
- Providing transportation when needed
- Securing releases of information from members and their medical providers
- Facilitating support groups
- Answering calls in a high-volume call center
- Assisting with care coordination through the Managed Care plan
- Maintaining accurate and timely documentation in Electronic Health Records
- Helping members with MediCal benefits
Unique Value of Lived Experience in Peer Support
What distinguishes Peer Support Specialists from other mental health professionals is their unique perspective derived from personal recovery experience. As specified in the position requirements, incumbents must have personal recovery experience from mental health or substance abuse for at least one year and be able to share these experiences with others.
The position description emphasizes that "The consumer and family/caregiver perspective is provided in the development of programs and services and in formulation of treatment strategies." This lived experience approach creates a different therapeutic relationship compared to other mental health professionals:
- Peer Support Specialists do not attempt to modify or change a consumer's personality structure
- They provide information and assistance based on their unique perspective as recipients of mental health services
- Their role differs from Clinical Therapists, who use advanced education and experience to make diagnoses and develop treatment plans
- They also differ from Behavioral Health Specialists, who provide general counseling, initial assessment, and case management
The CARESLINE Program
CARESLINE is Riverside County's Access center specifically designed to connect MediCal Members with Mental Health and Substance Use services. The program functions as a critical entry point into the behavioral health system for county residents.
The Peer Support Specialists working within CARESLINE engage in various activities:
- Answering questions and providing information about services
- Helping members navigate the sometimes complex system of care
- Connecting members with appropriate resources
- Providing ongoing support throughout the treatment process
- Following up to ensure continuity of care
Qualifications and Requirements
Candidates for the Certified Peer Support Specialist/Trainee position must meet several requirements to be considered:
- Personal recovery experience from mental health or substance abuse for at least one year
- Ability to share personal experiences with others
- Current or previous experience as a consumer, family advocate, or parent partner of mental health or substance recovery services
- Computer and typing skills (ranging from beginner to excel level)
- Ability to sit for extended periods of time
- Understanding that the position involves working in a call center environment, facilitating groups, and following up with members
The position may require a law enforcement background investigation, including completion of an extensive questionnaire, meeting with a background investigator, and submitting several references.
Employment Details and Benefits
The Certified Peer Support Specialist/Trainee position with Riverside University Health System's Behavioral Health Department offers:
- Competitive salary depending on qualifications
- Regular employment status
- Comprehensive benefit package including medical, dental, and vision insurance options
- Flexible Benefit Credit contribution toward the cost of these plans
- Participation in the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) with three different retirement tiers available
The Riverside University Health System – Behavioral Health Department describes itself as "a leading provider of mental health and substance use services in Riverside County" that serves over 45,000 individuals annually. The department is committed to delivering culturally competent, evidence-based care across all ages.
Application Process
The application process for the Certified Peer Support Specialist/Trainee position includes several steps:
- Initial application review in the order received
- Evaluation based on specialized skills and experience
- Potential referral for interviews
- Background investigation for selected candidates
Applicants must provide detailed information about their personal experience as a consumer of mental health or substance recovery services. The position description specifically notes that "Failure to elaborate your experience may result in disqualification."
The county emphasizes that applications will be reviewed based on the quality of responses to questions about personal experience, work experience, and qualifications. A competitive background may include specialized skills and relevant experience in the behavioral health field.
Organizational Context
Riverside University Health System's Behavioral Health Department operates as part of a larger professional team that includes psychiatrists, clinicians, peer specialists, and paraprofessionals. This multidisciplinary approach allows for comprehensive service delivery to county residents.
The department's commitment to culturally competent, evidence-based care aligns with current best practices in behavioral health services. By incorporating peer specialists into the care team, the department recognizes the value of multiple perspectives and approaches to recovery.
Impact and Reach
With services to over 45,000 individuals annually, the Riverside University Health System's Behavioral Health Department represents a significant resource for mental health and substance use services in the region. The inclusion of Certified Peer Support Specialists in the CARESLINE program enhances the department's ability to provide person-centered, recovery-oriented care.
The peer support model recognizes that recovery is not only clinical but also involves personal growth, community integration, and meaningful daily activities. Peer specialists, with their unique understanding of both the challenges and triumphs of recovery, are positioned to support these dimensions of wellness in ways that clinical staff alone may not be able to provide.
Conclusion
The Certified Peer Support Specialist/Trainee position within Riverside County's CARESLINE program represents a vital component of the county's behavioral health services. By leveraging the lived experience of individuals in recovery, these specialists provide a unique form of support that complements traditional clinical services.
The position requires personal recovery experience, strong communication skills, and a commitment to helping others navigate the mental health and substance use services system. For individuals with lived experience who are interested in supporting others in their recovery journey, this opportunity offers a pathway to meaningful employment within the behavioral health field.
As the field of behavioral health continues to evolve, the integration of peer support specialists into care teams represents an important development that recognizes the multifaceted nature of recovery and the value of diverse perspectives in service delivery.