Find & Apply For Social / Human Services Specialist Jobs in Baldwin Park, California

OVERALL RESPONSIBILITIES

The Peer Support Specialist is responsible for implementing community-based prevention, education, outreach, treatment navigation, referral, and overdose prevention activities under the State Opioid Response (SOR IV) Prevention and Education Project. This position engages individuals, families, community members, and community partners throughout Los Angeles County to increase awareness of opioid, stimulant, and polysubstance use disorders, reduce stigma associated with seeking treatment, improve access to recovery support services, and strengthen connections to behavioral health and substance use disorder treatment programs. The Peer Support Specialist provides prevention education, naloxone training and distribution, treatment referrals, linkage support, and community engagement activities while maintaining accurate documentation and supporting achievement of grant deliverables and performance outcomes. This position serves as a trusted community resource and liaison between community members, service providers, healthcare organizations, educational institutions, and recovery support systems.

DUTIES:

Community Outreach & Engagement Conduct community outreach activities throughout Los Angeles County. Participate in health fairs, community events, educational presentations, resource fairs, and outreach activities. Build relationships with individuals, families, community organizations, schools, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders. Promote awareness of substance use prevention, treatment, recovery services, and available community resources. Serve as an ambassador for Eggleston Youth Centers and the SOR IV Prevention and Education Project. Identify community needs and communicate barriers to treatment and recovery services to program leadership. Prevention Education Provide education regarding opioid, stimulant, and polysubstance use disorders. Deliver prevention, overdose awareness, and recovery-oriented educational presentations. Distribute educational materials and prevention resources to individuals and community partners. Participate in development and dissemination of public awareness and stigma reduction campaigns. Assist with implementation of community prevention initiatives designed to increase awareness and reduce substance-related harms. Treatment Navigation & Referral Services Provide information regarding available behavioral health, substance use disorder treatment, recovery support, and community resources. Assist individuals in accessing treatment services through referrals and linkages to care. Conduct warm handoffs to treatment programs and partner agencies as appropriate. Support individuals in overcoming barriers that interfere with treatment engagement and recovery. Follow up on referrals and treatment connections when appropriate. Maintain knowledge of local treatment providers, Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) services, recovery resources, and support programs. Naloxone Education & Overdose Prevention Provide overdose prevention education information. Conduct naloxone education, training, and distribution activities. Educate community members regarding overdose recognition and response. Maintain documentation related to naloxone distribution and overdose prevention services. Support community efforts to increase access to naloxone and overdose prevention resources. Peer Support & Recovery Services Utilize lived experience, recovery principles, and strengths-based approaches when engaging individuals seeking services. Provide support that promotes recovery capital, wellness, and community connectedness. Assist individuals in identifying personal goals and accessing needed resources. Model recovery-oriented practices and person-centered engagement strategies. Participate in outreach and engagement efforts designed to reduce stigma and increase treatment participation. Documentation & Data Collection Document all outreach, educational, referral, and prevention activities in accordance with grant and agency requirements. Maintain accurate service records and outcome data. Collect and submit required program documentation in a timely manner. Assist with tracking grant deliverables, participant contacts, referrals, educational encounters, and naloxone distribution activities. Support data collection processes used to evaluate program effectiveness and outcomes. Collaboration & Team Participation Participate in staff meetings, trainings, quality improvement activities, and program planning efforts. Collaborate with internal staff, community partners, healthcare providers, educational institutions, and community stakeholders. Participate in Community Advisory Board activities and community engagement events as assigned. Maintain professional relationships with referral sources and community partners. Assist in identifying opportunities to strengthen outreach efforts, partnerships, and service accessibility. Perform related duties and special projects as assigned. Support agency activities consistent with organizational mission, grant objectives, and strategic priorities.

QUALIFICATIONS

High School Diploma or GED required. Peer Support Specialist Certification, Substance Use Disorder Counselor Certification/Registration, or ability to obtain certification as required by program needs. Minimum one (2) year experience in behavioral health, substance use disorder treatment, prevention services, community outreach, peer support, human services, or related field preferred. Knowledge of recovery-oriented systems of care and person-centered service delivery. Knowledge of community resources and referral processes preferred. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse communities. Strong interpersonal, communication, and engagement skills. Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team. Experience conducting outreach, public presentations, community engagement, or prevention activities preferred. Basic computer skills including Microsoft Office applications and electronic documentation systems. Valid California Driver's License and insurable driving record. Successful completion of background clearance and all required agency certifications.

PHYSICAL SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Ability to operate office equipment, mobile devices, and computer systems. Ability to travel throughout Los Angeles County to conduct outreach and attend community events. Capable of standing, walking, lifting materials, and transporting outreach supplies up to 25 pounds. Must communicate effectively in person, virtually, and by telephone. Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends based upon outreach and community event schedules.

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS/INTERACTIONS

Works closely with the SOR IV Prevention & Education Project Director, agency leadership, community partners, treatment providers, educational institutions, healthcare organizations, and community stakeholders. Serves as a community liaison and trusted resource for prevention education, treatment access, and recovery support services. Represents Eggleston Youth Centers at community meetings, outreach events, coalitions, and public education activities. Collaborates with internal and external partners to strengthen prevention, referral, and recovery support networks.

Pay:

$24.00 - $25.00 per hour People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location:

In person