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Job Description
CAREER DESCRIPTION
PEER SUPPORT SPECIALIST
(Mental Health Worker II)
Salary may be negotiable within the range listed above, based on position requirements and successful candidate's qualifications, subject to appropriate authorization.
This recruitment is open to the public for a minimum of five (5) business days and will remain open on a continuous basis until 11:59 p.m. (PST) on the day the needs of the County are met. Applicants are encouraged to apply immediately.
The first round of consideration will be Friday, October 3, 2025.
The recruitment will establish an open eligible list that will be used to fill current and future Mental Health Worker II positions. This recruitment may also be used to fill positions in similar and/or lower classifications throughout the County.
THE AGENCY
The County of Orange, Health Care Agency (HCA) is a dynamic organization dedicated to creating and supporting an environment that promotes the achievement of optimal individual, family and community health. Under the direction of the Agency Director, a new and dynamic executive team with an organizational structure comprised of five (5) service areas - Administrative Services, Behavioral Health Services, Correctional Health Services, Specialized Medical Services and Public Health Services- is committed to meeting the health needs of the diverse Orange County community.
THE DEPARTMENT
TheBehavioral Health Services (BHS) Division consists of the following service areas: Adult and Older Adult Behavioral Health, Children and Youth Services, Quality Management Services, Mental Health Services Act Office, Data Analytics and Evaluation, Crisis and Acute Care Services, Substance Use Services, and Forensics and Justice Involved. These services provide a culturally competent and client-centered system of behavioral health services for all eligible county residents in need of treatment for alcohol and other drug abuse and mental health care.
THE PROGRAMS
Adult and Older Adult (AOA) provides outpatient, recovery oriented, behavioral health services which emphasize individual needs, strengths, choices, and involvement in service planning and implementation. Adults and Older Adults who have a serious and persistent mental disorder and may have a co-occurring substance use disorder and impairment in their ability to function in the community or who have a history of recurring substantial functional impairment, hospitalization or symptoms can access services.
Children and Youth Services (CYS) provides outpatient behavioral health services to Medi-Cal eligible or uninsured children and youth who need medically necessary treatment to ameliorate their mental and behavioral health conditions. CYS provides case management, assessment, individual, group and family therapy, psychological testing, psychiatric evaluation and medication support, and therapeutic behavioral services to children and youth in Orange County.
THE OPPORTUNITY
The immediate vacancies are within the CYS program.
The Peer Support Specialist assigned to the CYS program will serve as a Parent Partner or Youth Partner. This position will work with children, youth and their families providing peer support services which may include individual and group skill building, referral and linkage to resources, transportation support, and other related duties. They will also work with other disciplines such as Psychiatrists, Clinical Psychologists and Behavioral Health Clinicians and as an adjunct to treatment to assist children and youth to reach their treatment goals and objectives.
Possession of a California Class C Driver License is required for positions in CYS as they will need to drive to various sites in the community to provide services and attend appointments with clients. (add transport) Mileage will be reimbursed for all work-related travel.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS & CORE COMPETENCIES
The ideal candidate will have at least two (2) years of experience providing peer support services in a behavioral health setting on a paid or unpaid basis. A High School diploma or GED (or higher) may be required for some positions, including proof of education if selected for these positions. Additionally, the ideal candidate must have lived experience with a mental health condition by at least one (1) of the following options below and be willing to self-identify and share their experiences to assist consumers and their family members with their recovery journey.- A past or current consumer of mental health services
- Providing support to an adult family member in mental health recovery
- As a parent/caregiver advocating on behalf of child/youth who is receiving or has received mental health services
Mental health recovery refers to recovery from conditions such as major depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, Serious Emotional Disturbance (for youth) and other such conditions. It does not include developmental disorders such as autism or cognitive disorders such as dementia or Alzheimer's Disease. For some Parent/Youth Partner positions, lived experience with the Juvenile Justice or Child Welfare System, either directly or as a parent/caregiver is highly desirable.
Experience working with the target population (children/youth and their parents/caregivers, adults or older adults) is highly desirable. Bilingual skills in the following languages are also highly desirable: Spanish, Vietnamese, Korean, Arabic, and Farsi.
In addition, the ideal candidate will possess extensive knowledge and/or experience in the following competencies:
Professional and Technical Expertise | Using Technology- Understanding of recovery and resilience and peer support practices within the behavioral health context
- Providing client/family and parent/caregiver services in the field/community
- Providing consistent and reinforcing support, guidance and concrete assistance to parent/caregiver
- Working with clients and parents/caregivers on life skills (e.g., coping skills, self-care, budgeting, nutrition, hygiene, managing stress, socialization, accessing and sustaining housing, obtaining transportation assistance)
- Coordinating services with various community resources, including assisting with paperwork needed to access resources
- Promoting knowledge of personal recovery and resilience when appropriate, to help educate clients, family members, parents/caregivers and team members in recovery principles, modeling and providing consultations
- Planning and facilitating meaningful social and recreational activities and projects involving clients and parents/caregivers, maximizing their skills, talents, engagement, and leadership
- Collecting data on intervention activities, client demographics, and outcome measures.
- Meeting with clients, family members and parents/caregivers (children & youth) to assess needs, address barriers to accessing services, and assist in the development and implementation of individualized care plans
- Facilitating and co-facilitating wellness and recovery skills groups to target population
- Attending trainings to increase knowledge and staff capacity about resources, services and how to engage the target population
- Using a computer to complete program forms, prepare reports, log data, and track referrals and linkages
Building and Maintaining Relationships | Professional Impact- Establishing meaningful relationships with clients, family members and parents/caregivers, creating a safe and welcoming space
- Maintaining frequent contact with clients to develop trust with the target population
- Acting as a role model for clients, family members and parents/caregivers, and recognize the value of every individual's recovery experience
- Providing assistance and guidance to clients, family members and parents/caregivers and help develop and assess vocational, educational, and other personal goals; help remove barriers to access
- Attending collaborative meetings with other service providers, team members, and other peer support specialists to share information, discuss best practices, and case conference
Written and Oral Communication | Presentation- Communicating issues effectively while building relationships with participants, referral sources, and treatment team members
- Presenting information clearly and concisely in person and/or in writing
- Delivering the right amount of information in the time given and varies style and tone to fit the purpose and audience
- Maintaining confidentiality of clients, records, and information
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Clickhere to learn more about that minimum qualifications for Mental Health Worker II.
Physical Characteristics
Possess vision sufficient to read standard text and a computer monitor; speak and hear well enough to communicate clearly and understandably in person to individuals and groups and over the telephone; possess body mobility to stand, sit, walk, stoop and bend routinely to perform daily tasks and to access a standard office environment; possess manual dexterity sufficient to use hands, arms and shoulders repetitively to operate a keyboard, utilize office equipment and to write. Ability to operate a motor vehicle.
Mental Requirements
Possess the ability to independently reason logically to analyze data, reach conclusions and make recommendations; possess the ability to remain calm and appropriately focused in rapidly changing and difficult situations involving conflict, complex issues, controversy and diverse stakeholder groups and interests; possess the ability to deal calmly and effectively with emotional interactions.
Environmental Conditions
Will be required to interact with clients/patients in emotional and occasionally hostile situations; work in an office environment and/or a secure facility; drive to community sites and to meetings; occasionally work evenings/weekends to attend meetings/special events.
RECRUITMENT PROCESS
Human Resource Services (HRS) will screen all application materials to identify qualified applicants. After screening, qualified applicants will be referred to the next step in the recruitment process. All applicants will be notified via e-mail of their status in the process.
Veterans Employment Preference
The County is committed to providing a mechanism to give preferential consideration in the employment process to veterans and their eligible spouses and will provide eligible participants the opportunity to receive interviews in the selection process for employment and paid internship openings. Please click here to review the policy.
Application Screening (Refer/Non-Refer)
Applications and supplemental responses will be screened for qualifications that are highly desirable and most needed to successfully perform the duties of this job. Only those applicants that meet the qualifications as listed in the job bulletin will be referred to the next step.
Online Assessment (Weighted 100%)
Candidates who closely match the ideal candidate profile based on the bulletin requirements will be invited to participate in an online assessment. Candidates will be notified of their test date and access code, if applicable. The most successful candidates will be placed on an eligible list.
Based on the County's needs, the selection procedures above may be modified. Candidates will be notified of any changes in the selection procedures.
Eligible List
Once the assessment has been completed, HRS will establish an eligible list of candidates. Candidates placed on the eligible list may be referred to a selection interview to be considered for present and future vacancies.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
EMAIL NOTIFICATION:
Email is the primary form of notification during the recruitment process. Please ensure your correct email address is included in our application and use only one email account.
NOTE: User accounts are established for one person only and should not be shared with another person. Multiple applications with multiple users may jeopardize your status in the recruitment process for any positions for which you apply.
Candidates will be notified regarding their status as the recruitment proceeds via email through the GovernmentJobs.com site. Please check your email folders, including spam/junk folders, and/or accept emails ending with "governmentjobs.com" and "ocgov.com." If your email address should change, please update your profile at www.governmentjobs.com .
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Click here for additional Frequently Asked Questions.
For additional questions regarding this recruitment, please contact the recruiter, Laura Katsis at (714) 834-6724 or lkatsis@ochca.com .
EEO INFORMATION
Orange County, as an equal employment opportunity employer,
encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.
Non-Management Benefits
In addition to the County's standard suite of benefits, such as a variety of health plan options, annual leave and paid holidays--we also offer an excellent array of benefits such as a Health Care Reimbursement Account, 457 Defined Contribution Plan and Annual Education and Professional Reimbursement. Employees are provided a Retirement Plan through the Orange County Employees Retirement System (OCERS).
Please go to the following link to find out more about Defined Benefit Pensions and OCERS Plan Types/Benefits.
http://www.ocers.org/active-member-information
Click here for information about benefits offered to County of Orange employees.
Closing Date/Time: Continuous -
ABOUT THE COMPANY
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County of Orange
Show moreDiscover a Fulfilling Career at the County of Orange
With a population of over 3 million residents and 34 cities, Orange County is a thriving community known for its beautiful beaches, diverse culture, and strong economy. As the third-largest employer in the county, the County of Orange offers over 18,000 employees the opportunity to make a difference in their community and build a fulfilling career in public service.
As a County of Orange employee, you will have the chance to work in a variety of departments, each providing vital services to our community. From law enforcement and healthcare to public works and environmental protection, there is a wide range of career paths to explore. And with opportunities for advancement and professional growth, you can build a long and rewarding career with us.
As a top employer in the region, the County of Orange is committed to providing our employees with excellent benefits, including a competitive salary, flexible work schedules, and outstanding healthcare coverage. We also offer opportunities for career development and training, ensuring that our employees have the skills and knowledge they need to succeed.
Whether you're just starting your career or looking for a new challenge, the County of Orange is a great place to work. With a supportive and collaborative work environment, a commitment to excellence, and opportunities for growth and advancement, we invite you to join our team and make a difference in your community.
Community Impact:
Working for the County of Orange means you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in your community. Whether you're providing critical services to residents, protecting the environment, or maintaining public safety, your work will make a difference in the lives of those around you.
Employee Wellness:
At the County of Orange, we prioritize our employees' well-being. We offer telecommuting options, generous health benefits, and wellness programs to promote work-life balance. We believe that by taking care of our employee’s health and well-being, we can help them excel in their careers while still enjoying their personal lives and taking care of their families.
Innovation:
The County of Orange is committed to embracing new technologies and innovative approaches to service delivery. We encourage our employees to think creatively and find ways to improve our processes and systems. If you're someone who loves to problem-solve and think outside the box, you'll find a supportive and dynamic environment here.
Collaboration:
Collaboration is key to our success at the County of Orange. We value teamwork, communication, and mutual support, and we work together across departments and functions to achieve our goals. If you're someone who enjoys collaborating with others and building strong relationships, you'll find a welcoming and inclusive community here.
Equality:
At the County of Orange, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued and respected. Our Equity Policy reflects this commitment and guides our efforts to promote equity, diversity, and inclusion in everything we do.
Career Advancement:
The County of Orange is dedicated to helping our employees grow and advance in their careers. We offer a variety of training and development opportunities to help our employees reach their full potential. If you're looking for a place to build a long and fulfilling career, the County of Orange is an excellent choice.
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