Peer Support Specialist

Program: MAT SOR IV - Southern California Reports To: Program Manager Location: Los Angeles County Employment Type: Part-time, non-exempt Hours: Up to 30 hours per week Funding Duration: Nine months About Painted Brain The mission of Painted Brain is to create lasting community-based solutions to mental health challenges and the impact of social injustice through arts, advocacy, and enterprise. Painted Brain is an innovative, peer-run mental health organization that integrates arts, technology, and community-based support to promote recovery, wellness, and social connection. Painted Brain defines a peer as an individual with lived experience of mental health challenges and/or trauma, including experiences related to social injustice, interpersonal violence, and societal exclusion. We serve diverse and historically underserved communities, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), LGBTQ+ individuals, justice-involved individuals, people experiencing mental health and substance use challenges, individuals experiencing homelessness or housing instability, and low-income individuals and families. Through peer support, creative expression, advocacy, and workforce development, Painted Brain empowers individuals to build meaningful connections, develop skills, access resources and pursue their personal recovery and wellness goals. Position Summary Under the proposed supervision of the MAT Program Manager, the Peer Support Specialist provides non-clinical, peer-led substance use prevention, education, community engagement, and referral navigation in Los Angeles County. The position uses lived experience to build trust, reduce stigma, and support each participant’s self-determined recovery and wellness goals. The specialist collaborates with county agencies, street medicine teams, healthcare providers, and community partners. This position contributes to the program-wide goal of 60 outreach and education activities across Los Angeles, Alameda, and Contra Costa counties, with regional assignments established by the Program Manager. Key Responsibilities Peer Support and Engagement - Conduct community outreach and education on opioid, stimulant, and polysubstance use; overdose awareness; stigma reduction; and recovery resources using project- approved materials. - Facilitate peer-led workshops, presentations, and outreach at schools, parks, libraries, food pantries, community events, and with street medicine teams, as assigned. - Draw on lived experience and peer engagement skills to build trusting relationships, promote hope, maintain mutual respect, and support participant choice. - Use motivational interviewing skills within training and role boundaries; respect medication-supported recovery, abstinence, and other self-directed recovery pathways. Advocacy and Resource Navigation - Help participants identify goals, address barriers to care, and connect with behavioral healthcare, substance use treatment, Medication for Addiction Treatment (MAT), including Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD), primary care, housing, and recovery supports. - Coordinate referrals, linkage, and follow-up with the Community Health Worker and partner organizations; maintain current resources for the assigned service area. - Build relationships with county agencies, healthcare providers, street medicine teams, and community organizations serving Los Angeles County. Program Support and Collaboration - Document outreach, participant engagement, education, referrals, and outcomes accurately and promptly in designated systems; follow confidentiality, consent, and data protection procedures. - Provide information to the Program Analyst and Program Manager for UCLA quarterly data reporting, narrative reports, evaluation, and sustainability planning. - Complete assigned training in substance use prevention, overdose awareness, motivational interviewing, recovery support, and referral navigation; participate in supervision and team planning. - Perform other duties as assigned that are consistent with the role and support the organization’s needs. Qualifications - Experience in peer support, community outreach, substance use recovery support, or related community-based services, including relevant paid or volunteer experience. - Personal lived experience: Self-identification as having experience with recovery from a mental health condition or substance use disorder, as a consumer of services or as a parent, caregiver, or family member of a peer. - Ability to engage diverse communities respectfully, facilitate education, maintain boundaries and confidentiality, and complete clear documentation. Other Knowledge Skills and Abilities Required - Strong communication, listening, organization, and time management skills; ability to build rapport and maintain accurate records. - Ability to provide respectful, culturally responsive, trauma-informed support to diverse communities, including people experiencing substance use challenges, housing instability, or barriers to services. - Ability to protect private information and follow applicable confidentiality requirements and Painted Brain procedures. - Comfort using Google Workspace, mobile devices, and digital tools for communication and data collection. - Ability to work collaboratively with supervisors, the Clinical Director, project consultants, staff, participants, and community partners. Preferred Qualifications - California Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist certification; completion of an 80-hour peer training program or training/certification in progress is also valued. - Substance use prevention or recovery training, CADC experience or credential, and motivational interviewing skills. - Relevant language skills and experience facilitating groups, workshops, or community presentations. - Knowledge of treatment, recovery, housing, and community resources in Los Angeles County; experience with electronic documentation systems. Work Environment Work includes in-person community outreach and education, partner meetings, and documentation. Worksite and any remote-work arrangement will be finalized before posting. Occasional evenings or weekends may be required for scheduled activities. Employees follow safety protocols and maintain regular and predictable attendance. General Travel Expectations Local travel throughout Los Angeles County is required. Employees must be able to reach assigned community sites and partner locations. Eligible work-related mileage is reimbursed under Painted Brain policy. Schedules are coordinated with the supervisor to balance travel, outreach, and documentation. Physical Requirements With or without reasonable accommodation, perform community outreach; sit, stand, or walk as activities require; use computers and mobile devices; communicate with participants and partners; and move outreach materials weighing up to 20 pounds. Follow safety procedures and respond appropriately to emergencies. Mental Requirements Manage changing priorities, interruptions, and information in a busy environment. Respond professionally to challenging situations, maintain boundaries, and seek supervisory support as needed. The requirements above are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required for successful performance of the essential duties. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. We know that not everyone will meet every qualification listed. If you are interested in this role and believe you would be a good fit, we strongly encourage you to apply, even if you don't meet all of the requirements. Painted Brain is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer Offers of employment at Painted Brain are contingent upon verification of any required degrees, licenses, or certifications and completion of any applicable criminal background check following a conditional offer of employment Background check results will be evaluated in accordance with applicable law. For positions requiring driving, employees must maintain a valid driver’s license, an acceptable driving record, and current proof of automobile insurance throughout employment.