Reentry Peer Support Specialist
Lake Elsinore, CA
Full Time
Experienced
Reentry Peer Support Specialist
Reentry Peer Support Specialist Location: On-site – Lake Elsinore, CA
Schedule: Full-Time, to start (Hours Vary)
Compensation: $26.00/hr
Reports To: Reentry Program Manager
Reentry Peer Support Specialist Location: On-site – Lake Elsinore, CA
Schedule: Full-Time, to start (Hours Vary)
Compensation: $26.00/hr
Reports To: Reentry Program Manager
Position Summary
The Reentry Peer Support Specialist is a non-clinical peer role that provides lived-experience-based support to justice-impacted individuals participating in The Happier Life Project’s reentry programs. This position supports engagement, stabilization, and successful community reintegration by building trusting relationships, offering encouragement and accountability, and assisting participants in navigating reentry-related challenges. The role complements parole supervision, case management, and/or clinical services.Key Responsibilities
- Provide non-clinical, peer-based support to justice-impacted participants using lived experience
- Build trust and rapport with participants to support engagement in reentry services
- Support participants in navigating housing, employment, recovery, community-based services, and obtaining vital documents
- Assist participants with understanding and following through on their Individual Action Plans
- Provide encouragement, motivation, and practical problem-solving support
- Support participants in attending appointments, meetings, and required services as appropriate
- Facilitate or co-facilitate individual and group peer support activities
- Model pro-social behavior, accountability, and recovery-oriented decision-making
- Assist participants in navigating challenges related to parole compliance without acting in an enforcement role
- Maintain appropriate professional boundaries and confidentiality
- Document peer support services and participant engagement in accordance with program and grant requirements
- Collaborate with program leadership, housing navigator and workforce engagement specialists, and outreach coordinator to provide person-centered support
- Participate in supervision, team meetings, and required trainings
- Perform other duties as assigned to support program goals and operations
Minimum Qualifications
- Peer Support Specialist and/or Credible Messenger certification
- High school diploma/GED required
- Minimum of 2 years’ experience working with justice-impacted populations, peer support, recovery services, or reentry programs
- Lived experience with justice-involvement and parole supervision strongly preferred
- Strong understanding of reentry challenges and barriers
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to build rapport with diverse populations
- Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team
- Strong organizational and documentation skills
- Valid California driver’s license, reliable transportation, and ability to travel locally
- Ability to lift up to 30 pounds
- Flexibility to work evenings or weekends as needed
Preferred Qualifications
- Associate’s degree in human services, psychology, sociology, criminal justice, or a related field
- Experience providing peer support in justice-involved or reentry settings
- Familiarity with trauma-informed and recovery-oriented approaches
- Bilingual English/Spanish preferred
Work Environment
This position requires regular travel to community locations, program sites, and justice-involved settings. Work hours may vary based on program needs, including evenings and weekends.Apply for this position
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