Certified Peer Support Specialist/Trainee (Parent Partner)

Certified Peer Support Specialist/Trainee (Parent Partner)

Salary

$42,036.80 - $68,598.40 Annually

Location

Throughout Riverside County

Job Type

Regular

Job Number

26-79726-05-EM

Department

Behavioral Health

Opening Date

05/21/2026

Closing Date

6/11/2026 10:00 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

For questions regarding this position, please contact the Recruiter listed in the Supplemental Information section.

ABOUT THE POSITION

Riverside University Health System - Behavioral Health is seeking Multiple Certified Peer Support Specialist/Trainee - Parent Partners to support a variety of programs. This recruitment will be used to fill current and future vacancies across multiple locations throughout Riverside County.

In this role, Peer Support Specialists/Trainee Parent Partners provide support, encouragement, and guidance to parents and primary caregivers of children or youth receiving behavioral health services, drawing on their own lived experience supporting their own children, foster children, or children in their care through behavioral health recovery. They assist parents and primary caregivers with navigating services, accessing community resources, developing coping strategies, and working toward personal goals. Incumbents share their experiences, when appropriate, to inspire hope, promote resilience, and strengthen engagement in treatment. They also collaborate with clinical teams by offering the parent or caregiver perspective, advocate for the childrens needs, support system navigation, and complete required documentation while participating in ongoing training and supervision.

Competitive candidates will possess current or previous experience as a parent or primary caregiver of a child or youth who is receiving, or has received, behavioral health services for at least one year.

Application Information:

• Applicants will complete a questionnaire covering personal experience, work history, and qualifications. The most competitive candidates, based on relevant skills and experience, will be referred for interviews.
• Applicants will receive email notification when their application is no longer under consideration due to candidate pool expiration.
• Applications may remain active for up to six (6) months
• Applications will be reviewed in the order in which they are received.
• Some positions may require a law enforcement background investigation which requires completion of an extensive questionnaire, meeting with a background investigator, and submitting several references.

Schedule: Work Schedules vary depending on program and operational needs.

Hourly Salary Range:

Peer Support Specialist Trainee : $20.2151-$27.7092

Certified Peer Support Specialist : $24.2363-$32.9854

A valid California Driver's License and CalMHSA Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Certification may be required depending on the specific position and program assignment.

Meet the Team!

Riverside University Health System - Behavioral Health is a leading provider of mental health and substance use services in Riverside County. With a dedicated team of professionals, including psychiatrists, clinicians, peer specialists, and paraprofessionals, RUHS-BH serves over 45,000 individuals annually.

We are committed to delivering culturally competent, evidence-based care across all ages. Our programs, including Mental Health Services, Substance Use Services, and the Public Guardian's Office, address the diverse needs of our community.

At RUHS Behavioral Health, you'll join a compassionate, innovative team where your skills make a real difference. We offer opportunities for growth, collaboration, and meaningful impact.

If you're passionate about advancing your career while improving mental health in Riverside County, RUHS Behavioral Health is the place for you!

For more information, please visit www.ruhealth.org/behavioral-health

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Provide meaningful self-disclosure of lived experience as a parent/primary caregiver of a child or youths behavior health-related recovery and resiliency to families served in the system of care (required by State Certification).
• In a training capacity, inform, train, support, and empower families and caregivers of children and youth who directly or indirectly receive behavioral health services.
• Communicate, represent and promote the parent and caregivers perspective within the behavioral health system.
• Facilitate self-help groups for youth, family members, and caregivers.
• Attend and participate in special events, conferences, workshops, and trainings within the behavioral health system and in the community.
• Develop activities, programs and resources which support families and caregivers in achieving their goals.
• Support the appropriate recognition, acceptance and understanding of social and cultural factors in the provision of behavioral health services.
• Develop effective working relationships with agencies and organizations to advocate for consumer, family and caregiver empowerment.
• Help prepare and support clients, families and caregivers at progress consultation meetings and at a variety of formal and informal hearings.
• Help parents and primary caregivers and those who support them to articulate their needs.
• Focus on and is sensitive to parent and caregiver satisfaction with the services received and general satisfaction with behavioral health services.
• Document all activities as required, following appropriate Medi-Cal billing practices.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Peer Support Specialist Trainee Recruiting Guidelines:

Education: Possession of a high school diploma, G.E.D. equivalency or high school proficiency certificate is required.

Experience: Current or previous recovery experience as a parent or primary caregiver of a child or youth who has received behavioral health services for at least one year.

Other Requirements:

• Medi-Cal Peer Support Certification must be obtained within two (2) years of the employee start date. Failure to obtain a Medi-Cal Peer Support Certification may lead to termination.

• Possession of a valid California Drivers License may be required.

• Spanish Bilingual exam may be required.

Knowledge of: The basic needs and difficulties faced by ethnically diverse consumers, caregivers and families of behavioral health and/or substance abuse consumers; the public and/or private agency services available for families, children and adults with serious behavioral health needs, such as schools, social services and other systems.

Ability to: Learn the basic principles of the behavioral health system and effectively work within the system; represent and advocate for the consumer perspective within the community and behavioral health system; understand the cultural and social factors affecting behavior patterns; effectively communicate the workings of the behavioral health system to service consumers, parents, family members, and caregivers; establish and maintain working relationships with a wide range of community agencies and organizations; obtain and record accurate information for case documentation and other reports.

Certified Peer Support Specialist Recruiting Guidelines:

Education: Possession of a high school diploma, G.E.D. equivalency or high school proficiency certificate is required.

Experience: Current or previous recovery experience as a parent or primary caregiver of a child or youth who has received behavioral health services for at least one year.

AND

California State Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Certification.

A valid Medi-Cal Peer Support Certification must be obtained prior to the employment start date. Employees holding a Medi-Cal Peer Support Certification must be re-certified every two (2) years. Failure to maintain a valid Medi-Cal Peer Support Certification may lead to termination.

Other Requirements:

• Possession of a valid California Drivers License may be required.

• Spanish Bilingual exam may be required.

Knowledge of: The needs and difficulties faced by ethnically diverse consumers, families and caregivers of behavioral health and/or substance abuse consumers; the public and/or private agency services available for families, children and adults with serious behavioral health needs, such as schools, social services and other systems; the self-help and consumer oriented treatment models; and methods to effectively communicate with consumers, families and caregivers, the community and the behavioral health treatment team.

Ability to: Understand the principles of the behavioral health system and effectively work within the system; effectively represent and advocate for the consumer perspective within the community and behavioral health system; understand and articulate the cultural and social factors affecting behavior patterns; effectively communicate the workings of the behavioral health system to service consumers, parents, family members and caregivers; establish and maintain strong working relationships with a wide range of community agencies and organizations; obtain and record accurate information for case documentation and other reports.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to remain standing for long periods, with or without reasonable accommodation, depending on departmental needs.
• Must be able to independently lift and move items weighing up to 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation, depending on departmental needs.

Application Status: To confirm your application was received or check on the status of your application, log-in to www.GovernmentJobs.com, click on your name in the upper right corner, and click on "Applications & Status."

Sign Up for Job Alerts: Go to www.RC-HR.com, click on "Careers," click on "County Job Openings," and click on "Subscribe to Job Alerts" icon.

For questions regarding this recruitment:

Please contact Edgar Manzo at (951) 955 - 0951 or EMCardenas@rivco.org.

Please allow 1-2 business days for a response to general inquiries.

____

APPLICATION INFORMATION

Veterans Preference

The County has a Veterans Preference Policy applicable to new hires. To qualify, attach the required documents to your job application. Documents include a copy of your (or your spouses) Member-4 Form DD-214 indicating dates of service. For spousal preference, and as applicable, the following documents: a copy of your marriage certificate, spouses death certificate, a letter of spouses disability and/or letter of service-related death (if available) from the U.S. Veterans Administration. For privacy reasons, it is recommended that you remove your social security information from the document(s). A Human Resources Representative will review the materials and determine if you qualify for veterans preference. For complete details and documentation requirements, please review the Veterans Preference Policy, C-3 here: https://rivcocob.org/board-policies

Reasonable Accommodations

The County of Riverside is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the recruiter for the position noted above. For additional information and/or to obtain the appropriate form for requesting a reasonable accommodation, please visit the Disability Access Office web page located at: https://rc-hr.com/disability

Proof of Education

If using education to qualify or when requested by the recruiter, upload a copy of any license(s), official/unofficial transcript(s), degrees, and/or related employment documents to your NeoGov account at the time of application and before the closing date. Official or unofficial transcripts will be accepted.

If your education was completed outside of the United States, you will need to provide a copy of your Foreign Education Equivalency evaluation from a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or Association of International Credential Evaluators, Inc. (AICE).

Work Authorization Requirement

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application. The County of Riverside does not participate in visa sponsorship programs, including H1-B visas, and will not provide sponsorship for any employment-based visas.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The County of Riverside is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of the County of Riverside to provide equal employment opportunities for all qualified persons. All applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition (cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, or denial of medical and family care leave, or any other non-job-related factors.

Pre-Employment

All employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of pre-employment requirements including a criminal background investigation, which involves fingerprinting. (A felony or misdemeanor conviction may disqualify the applicant from County employment). A pre-employment physical examination and background check may be required.

Probationary Period

As an Approved Local Merit System, all County of Riverside employees, except those serving "At Will," are subject to the probationary period provisions as specified in the applicable Memorandum of Understanding, County Resolution, or Salary Ordinance. Temporary and Per Diem employees serve at the pleasure of the agency/department head.

General Information

Current County of Riverside and/or current employees of the hiring department may receive priority consideration. Qualified candidates may be considered for future County vacancies.

Job postings may close without notice based on application volume. Submit your complete application by the recruitment close date; no late applications are accepted. Ensure all relevant experience/education is reflected on your application/resume, as a failure to demonstrate position requirements may disqualify applicants. A description of job duties directly copied from the job classification or job posting will not be considered.

Please read and follow any special application instructions on this posting. Click the Apply link located on this page to submit your application. For additional instructions on the application process, examinations, Veterans preference, pre-employment accommodation or other employment questions, please refer to our web site, www.rc-hr.com.

If you are experiencing technical problems, you may contact the governmentjobs.com applicant support desk Monday through Friday, 6 am to 5 pm Pacific Time at support@governmentjobs.com or toll-free 1-855-524-5627.

BENEFIT PROGRAM: UPE..

MEDICAL/DENTAL/VISION INSURANCE: A choice of different medical, dental and visions plan are available to elect. The County provides a Flexible Benefit Credit contribution as governed by the applicable LIUNA Memorandum of Understanding to contribute towards the cost of these plans.

Note: Employees on assignment through the Temporary Assignment Program (TAP) receive different benefits. See the list here.

MISCELLANEOUS RETIREMENT: County of Riverside has three retirement Tiers through the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS).

• Tier I (Classic Member - Formula 3% @ 60): Applicable to current and former County of Riverside local miscellaneous employees hired prior to 08/24/2012 and did not withdraw CalPERS contributions. The employee contribution is eight (8%) percent.
• Tier II (Classic Member - Formula 2% @ 60): Applicable to local miscellaneous employees 1) hired after 08/23/2012 through 12/31/2012; 2) Previously employed with another CalPERS contracting public agency or a reciprocal retirement system, with a break in service of less than six months between the separation date with the previous employer and the appointment date with the County of Riverside. The employee contribution is seven (7%) percent.
• Tier III (PEPRA New Member - Formula 2% @ 62): Applicable to CalPERS local miscellaneous new members hired on or after the implementation of the Public Employees Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA) which took effect January 1, 2013. Effective July 1, 2023 employee contributions are 7.25% and will increase to 7.75% effective July 1, 2024.

A new member is defined as any of the following:

• A new hire who enters CalPERS membership for the first time on or after January 1, 2013, and who has no prior membership in any California Public Retirement System.
• A new hire who enters CalPERS membership for the first time on or after January 1, 2013, and who was a member with another California Public Retirement System prior to that date, but who is not subject to reciprocity upon joining CalPERS.
• A member who first established CalPERS membership prior to January 1, 2013, and who is rehired by a different CalPERS agency after a break in service of greater than six (6) months.

CalPERS refers to all members that do not fit within the definition of a new member as "classic members".

Contribution rates are subject to change based on the County of Riverside annual actuarial valuation.

Note:

This summary is for general information purposes only. Additional questions regarding retirement formulas can be sent to retirement@rivco.org or by calling the Benefits Information Line at (951) 955-4981,

Option 2.

If you have prior service credit with another CalPERS agency or within agencies, please contact CalPERS at (888) 225-7377 to determine which retirement tier would be applicable to you. CalPERS is governed by the Public Employees Retirement Law. The Retirement Law is complex and subject to change. If theres any conflict between this summary and the law, the law will prevail over this summary.

DEFERRED COMPENSATION: Voluntary employee contribution with a choice between two 457 deferred compensation plan options.

VACATION ACCRUAL (Bi-Weekly Accrual):

0 < 3 year = 80 Hours (10 Days)

4 < 9 years = 120 Hours (15 Days)

10 or more years = 160 Hours (20 Days)

Maximum Vacation leave accumulation is 480 hours.

SICK LEAVE: Four (4) hours Sick Leave accrual per pay period with unlimited accrual.

HOLIDAYS: Normally 12 paid holidays per year

BEREAVEMENT LEAVE: Allowed 5 days (3 days are County paid; 2 additional days can be taken from accrued Sick Leave balance)

BASIC LIFE INSURANCE: Equal to one times annual base salary not to exceed $50,000 of term life coverage. Premiums are paid by the County. Additional Supplemental Life plan is available for employee purchase.

DISABILITY:

Employees contribute to State Disability Insurance (SDI), which provides wage replacement benefits for those unable to work due to non-work-related illness, injury, or pregnancy. SDI also includes Paid Family Leave benefits. The wage replacement rate, as defined by current law, is between 60-70% of wages earned during the SDI eligibility period. Benefits can be coordinated with other available leave balances to provide up to 100% of regular pay.

POST RETIREMENT MEDICAL CONTRIBUTION: A monthly contribution is made by the County towards retiree health insurance offered through the County as governed by the applicable Memorandum of Understanding.

OTHER: There may be other benefit provisions as specified in the applicable Memorandum of Understanding. Please contact the recruiter listed on the job posting directly for more information.

01

Are you a current regular, part time, temporary, per diem, or seasonal employee with the County of Riverside?

• Yes
• No

02

Please confirm whether you are 18 years of age or older.

• Yes
• No

03

Do you possess a valid California Drivers License?

• Yes
• No

04

Whats the highest level of education youve completed?

• None
• High School Diploma/GED
• I have my Associates Degree
• I have my Bachelors Degree
• I have my Masters Degree
• I have my Doctorates Degree

05

Do you possess a CALMHSA Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Certificate?

• Yes
• No

06

Please include your CALMHSA Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist certification number if applicable. EX: MPSS-XXXXXX. If not applicable, please type N/A.

07

I acknowledge that if I am hired at the Trainee Level, I am required to obtain the Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Certification within two (2) years of my start date. I understand that failing to meet this requirement may result in termination.

• Yes
• No

08

What is your Spanish bilingual level?

• I am not bilingual in Spanish.
• I speak Spanish, but cannot read or write.
• I can speak, read, and write in Spanish.

09

I am comfortable sharing aspects of my lived experience as a parent partner or primary caregiver of a child or youth who has received behavioral health resources in a way that supports others.

• Yes
• No

10

How many years of experience do you have working as a Certified Peer Support Specialist?

• None
• Less than one year
• One year but less than two years
• Two years but less than three years
• Three years but less than four years
• Four years but less than five years
• Five years or more

11

Please select the locations you are interested in throughout Riverside County.

• Western Region (Riverside, Moreno Valley, Corona and surrounding cities.)
• Desert ( Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Indio and surrounding cities.)
• Mid-County Region ( Hemet, Perris, San Jacinto and surrounding cities.)
• Southern Region ( Lake Elsinore, Temecula, Murrieta, and surrounding cities.)

12

How many years of experience do you have working in a healthcare setting, such as a medical office, hospital, medical clinic, patient care center, etc.?

• None
• Less than one year
• One year but less than two years
• Two years but less than three years
• Three years but less than four years
• Four years but less than five
• Five years or more

13

Do you acknowledge that you can meet the physical requirements of standing for long periods and lifting up to 15 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation, as needed by the department?

• Yes, I acknowledge and can meet these requirements.
• No, I am unable to meet these requirements.

14

Do you have experience supporting individuals or families who are navigating eating disorders, whether in a professional, volunteer, or personal support capacity?

• Yes, I have direct experience in a professional or volunteer role.
• Yes, I have supported individuals or families informally.
• No, but I am familiar with eating disorder support needs.
• No, I do not have experience in this area.

15

Do you feel comfortable working in a fast-changing, team-based program where responsibilities may shift and cross-training is part of the role?

• Yes, I enjoy dynamic environments and adapting to new responsibilities.
• Yes, I can adapt with support and clear communication
• I prefer more predictable, structed roles but can adjust when needed.
• No, I am not comfortable with frequent changes or shifting duties

16

Please select the option that best reflects the number of years you have been a parent or primary caregiver of a child or youth who has received behavioral health resources. This information helps us confirm eligibility for the Peer Support role.

• None.
• Less than one year
• One year but less than two years
• Two years but less than three years
• Three years but less than four years
• Four years but less than five years
• Five years or more

17

Do you feel comfortable providing outreach services-such as meal support, attending family nights, and participating in community activities-both in the clinic and in community settings like homes or schools?

• Yes.
• No.

18

What types of behavioral health services did your child or youth participate in, and how did you support them through those services? Please describe the kinds of services involved and the length of time you were involved, without sharing diagnoses or clinical details.

19

How would you draw from your lived experience as a parent or caregiver to support, empower, and inspire others in a Peer Support role?

20

I certify that the information I have provided regarding my lived experience is accurate to the best of my knowledge. I understand that incomplete or inaccurate information may affect my eligibility for this position.

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer County of Riverside

Address County Admin. Center P.O. Box 1569

4080 Lemon St., 7th floor

Riverside, California, 92502-1569

Phone Contact Recruiter for Job Information

Website http://www.rc-hr.com