FCNI is a community focused non-profit based in San Luis Obispo, CA. We work in partnership with San Luis Obispo County agencies and other community-based organizations to provide hope, stability, support, and empowerment to those in need. Our mission could not be accomplished without the dedication, passion, and commitment of our incredible team. Our employees are truly our most valuable asset. The collective sum of the individual differences, life experiences, knowledge, inventiveness, innovation, self-expression, unique capabilities and talent that our employees invest in their work represents a significant part of not only our culture, but our reputation and our collective achievements as well.
We are looking for a Peer Specialist to join our team! The Peer Specialist provides support, guidance and advocacy to individuals who are navigating interaction with the legal system, i.e., CWS, Probation, and/or engagement with Mental Health, Substance Abuse, and/or Special Education supports. As someone who has navigated similar struggles, the Peer Specialist utilized their personal journey to inspire hope, promote empowerment, and facilitate stability. The Peer Specialist builds trusting relationships, provides direct peer support services, and collaborates with clients and treatment teams to promote successful outcomes.
Anticipated start date: June 8, 2026
COMPENSATION
- Peer Specialist I: $21.50 - $32.30 per hour
- Peer Specialist II: $26.70 - $40.10 per hour
- Full Time, Non-Exempt classification per FLSA
- Spanish Bilingual differential - 10% increase on the employee's hourly base rate of pay
- Mileage reimbursement $0.725 cents per mile
BENEFITS
- Eligible to enroll into benefits on the 1st of the month following 60 days of employment. These are all high quality and comprehensive plans.
- FCNI will cover 75% of employee's premium and 60% of employee's dependent’s premium on the primary plan offered-Cigna PPO Health Benefit, Vision and Dental PPO.
- HSA & AFLAC plans available
- 403(b) plan which allows employees to contribute a portion of their salary pre-tax toward their retirement with a monthly employer match. Eligibility provisions apply.
- 13 paid holidays annually
- 17 days of PTO accrued annually (increases after 3 years of service)
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
Peer Specialist I: High School diploma or equivalent required, Associate or Bachelor’s degree preferred. Direct experience working in and/or being the recipient of services from Behavioral Health, Social Services, Juvenile Justice and/or special education required. Former recipient of FCNI services is desired
Peer Specialist II (MHRS):Associate degree required and six (6) years full-time equivalent experience in a Behavioral Health setting as a specialist in the fields of physical restoration, social adjustment, or vocational adjustment OR Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, or a related field preferred and four (4) years full-time equivalent experience in a Behavioral Health setting as a specialist in the fields of physical restoration, social adjustment, or vocational adjustment - Must be computer literate with proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and knowledge of database and reporting tools
- Excellent communication skills (verbal, written, and interpersonal)
- Excellent time management, organizational and multi-tasking skills
High level of accuracy and attention to detail - Ability to maintain discretion and confidentiality with sensitive information
RESPONSIBILITIES
Support clients in navigating complex systems to access agency services and community resources, including housing, employment, education, health and mental health services.
Educate clients about their rights and options. Empowering clients to make informed decisions and assert their needs to access individualized services that enhance movement toward self-sufficiency.
Provide expertise and life skills coaching on topics related to the client’s needs and goals, including psychoeducation on mental health and substance use topics, such as symptom management, relapse prevention, and developing healthy coping skills.
Provide emotional support, active listening and validation to clients in distress, connecting them with appropriate services as needed.
Helping clients develop coping strategies, safety plans, and crisis management techniques to navigate challenging situations and prevent escalation.
Work collaboratively with treatment teams to integrate peer support into client case plans to contribute a peer perspective and advocate for client-centered care.
Maintain
accurate and timely documentation of peer support activities, client interactions, and progress and complete required documentation in accordance with agency policies, confidentiality standards, and regulatory requirements. - Provide advocacy and “peer voice” to state and county-level advisory boards, governmental agencies, or legislative groups responsible to make decisions regards or affecting services provided to youth and families.
Other duties and projects as assigned
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
- Frequent driving:
- Must be able to safely operate a motor vehicle during daytime and nighttime hours.
- Must be able to drive safely in various weather and lighting conditions
- At times, must be able to lift 15 pounds
- Must be able to access and navigate each department at the organization's facilities
- Requires the ability to work in various environments beyond a traditional office setting, including community locations, school sites, and client home-based settings.
All FCNI Staff may be required to perform tasks or responsibilities beyond those explicitly outlined herein. Staff are expected to be flexible and adaptable to changing organizational needs, evolving contractual obligations, and/or as new projects emerge. This may include changes to work hours resulting from time sensitive duties/client needs, unexpected events, or to support operational efficiency. Flexibility in work hours may include evenings or weekends and the ability to adjust hours to accommodate team meetings, client services, and other operational requirements. Depending on position and program assignment, this may include participation in 24/7 after-hours on-call support services.
Equal Employment Opportunity
FCNI provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, genetics, or any other characteristic protected by law. In addition to federal law requirements, FCNI complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.