Peer Advocate

Program Type:  Mental Health — Peer Support Services

Schedule:  Monday – Friday | 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Employment Type:  Part-Time (20 hours/week)

POSITION OVERVIEW

We are seeking a passionate and dedicated Peer Advocate to join our mental health services team in Los Angeles, CA. This part-time afternoon position is designed to provide peer-based support to individuals living with mental health challenges, co-occurring disorders, and/or histories of homelessness during high-need afternoon and evening hours.

As a Peer Advocate, you will draw upon your own lived experience with mental health recovery to inspire hope, build connection, and support clients on their personal recovery journeys. This role is grounded in the principles of peer support — mutuality, self-determination, and empowerment — and serves as a bridge between clients and the clinical care team. Your unique perspective as someone with lived experience is the foundation of this position and a core part of our service model.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide one-on-one and group peer support to individuals with mental health and/or co-occurring needs during afternoon/evening hours
• Draw on personal lived experience with mental health recovery to build authentic, trusting relationships with clients
• Model recovery, resilience, and healthy coping strategies for clients navigating their own mental health journeys
• Assist clients in identifying personal recovery goals and developing self-advocacy skills
• Support clients in accessing community resources including mental health services, housing, benefits, and social supports
• Accompany clients to appointments, service referrals, or community activities as needed
• Facilitate peer support groups and recovery-oriented activities during scheduled hours
• Collaborate with case managers, mental health clinicians, and employment specialists to provide coordinated, wraparound care
• Maintain accurate and timely case notes, documentation, and client records in compliance with agency standards
• Assist in crisis de-escalation by providing peer-informed support and connecting clients to appropriate resources
• Participate in team meetings, trainings, and supervision as required
• Maintain professional boundaries while fostering genuine, empowering relationships with a diverse client population

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

• Lived experience with mental health recovery, co-occurring disorders, and/or homelessness — this is a core qualification for this role
• High school diploma or equivalent; relevant education or training in peer support, human services, or a related field preferred
• Certification as a Peer Support Specialist (or willingness to obtain certification upon hire)
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds
• Ability to work effectively with individuals experiencing mental illness, homelessness, and/or substance use disorders
• Commitment to the principles of recovery, self-determination, and trauma-informed care
• Proficiency in basic documentation and ability to maintain client records

Preferred:

• California Peer Support Specialist certification or completion of a recognized peer support training program
• Experience providing peer support in a Drop-In Center, outreach, or community mental health setting in Los Angeles
• Knowledge of Los Angeles County mental health resources and social service systems
• Familiarity with LA County Department of Mental Health (DMH) programs and protocols
• CPR/First Aid certification

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This position operates in a community-based mental health setting in Los Angeles, CA, serving a high-need population during afternoon and evening hours. Candidates must be comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and be deeply committed to a trauma-informed, recovery-oriented, and client-centered approach to care. The Peer Advocate role requires emotional resilience, strong boundaries, and the ability to leverage personal experience in a professional context. All staff are expected to demonstrate dignity, respect, and compassion toward every client at all times.