Peer Support Specialist Lead (456) (Personal Services)

Kings View is a nonprofit leader in providing behavioral health services to the underserved community, is currently seeking a driven Peer Support Specialist Lead to join our mission to provide compassionate services to those with limited resources. Our ideal candidate will have a passion to promote social justice and societal awareness, respect for human dignity, and lead with integrity while listening and responding to the community in need.


Peer Support Specialist Lead (456)Tulare, CA

The Lead Peer Support Specialist - Access plays a critical leadership role within the Access Line Team, serving individuals of all ages who are experiencing a mental health crisis. Under the general supervision of the Program Manager, the Lead Peer Support Specialist provides direct peer support services while also mentoring and supporting Peer Support Specialists I/II. This position is responsible for ensuring high-quality peer support interventions, assisting with training and onboarding, modeling best practices, and serving as a liaison between team members, Persons Served, and external partners.

This role includes responding to crisis calls, chats, and texts on designated support lines, as well as participating in mobile outreach efforts. The Lead Peer Support Specialist provides intake and needs assessments, coordinates services and referrals, ensures documentation compliance, and promotes continuity of care. The program operates 24/7/365, and this role requires flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.


How will I contribute

Provide day-to-day guidance and mentorship to Peer Support Specialists.
Support training, onboarding, and skill development for new team members.
Serve as a subject matter resource for peer support principles, trauma-informed care, and recovery-oriented approaches.
Assist the Program Manager with monitoring documentation quality and timeliness.
Act as the point of contact in the field for escalated situations, collaborating with clinical staff and community partners.
Offer direct advocacy, support, and peer-based engagement to individuals in crisis.
Respond to a wide range of non-life-threatening mental health calls and situations, including in-person field response when necessary.
Conduct intakes, complete needs assessments, and coordinate referrals to treatment and recovery services.
Collaborate with individuals to develop and implement personalized safety and recovery plans.
Serve as a liaison between Persons Served, their families, and the Mobile Crisis Response Team.
Maintain accurate and timely clinical documentation in accordance with agency, HIPAA, COA, CalAIM, and CCBHC standards.
Utilize SmartCare and other electronic systems for service documentation, scheduling, and communication.
Track and document all incoming contacts across crisis and community support lines, including follow-up calls.
Maintain high standards for call monitoring, answer rates, and resource linkage.
Participate in or lead community outreach efforts to raise awareness of MCRT services.
Build and maintain strong working relationships with community-based organizations, crisis response agencies, and support networks.
Apply de-escalation and crisis intervention techniques when working with individuals at risk (e.g., DTO, DTS, GD).
Evaluate the need for Welfare & Institutions Code 5150 assessments and coordinate with appropriate clinical staff.
Assist in placing emergency calls when necessary and consult promptly with a supervisor in high-risk scenarios.
Perform other duties as assigned to support the overall functioning and success of the program.
Use of company vehicles may be monitored by in-vehicle dashcam systems for safety, compliance, and operational purposes. These devices may record video, audio, and telematics data during vehicle operation. As a condition of employment in a position that requires driving an agency vehicle, consent to the use of dashcam technology is required. Refusal to consent to dashcam monitoring may disqualify individuals from driving duties or result in reassignment to a non-driving role.
May encounter risk of working with persons with SMI (serious mental illness) that may include, but not limited to persons in mental health crisis, persons that may be intoxicated or impaired by drugs or alcohol, persons who may be DTO (danger to others), DTS (Danger to Self), or GD (Gravely Disabled). If such situations arise, staff will be required to call local emergency personnel to help deescalate the crisis, use crisis intervention techniques, and consult with supervisor as soon as practically possible.

What I bring

High School Diploma (or Equivalent)

Peer Certification
Class C Driving License
2 years of experience as a Peer Support Specialist, and at least 1 year in a leadership, mentoring, or advanced peer role -- or demonstrated experience training or mentoring others in a behavioral health setting. Alternatively, 2 years of peer work experience or completion of a recognized peer training program, such as a certificate of completion for WRAP Seminar I or the Taking Action for Whole Health and Wellbeing Seminar I, may qualify. Must complete advanced training that equips the individual to handle responsibilities independently. If a consumer, the individual must be actively engaged in personal wellness and recovery.
Ability to engage consumers and safely de-escalate situations by using specialized tactics, strength-based techniques and adequate and immediate linkage. Basic understanding and appreciation of wellness and recovery principles. Interest in obtaining the knowledge of the philosophy and goals of program assigned, common practices and procedures in wellness and recovery interaction with clients.
Ability to take clear concise notes. Basic Computer Skills. Strong communication and compassionate listening skills. Ability to self-regulate and utilize calmness to manage crisis situations. Ability to engage consumers and safely de-escalate situations by using specialized tactics, strength-based techniques and adequate and immediate linkage. Effective data entry skills using various electronic systems while maintaining the integrity and accuracy of the data. Strong verbal and written communication skills to collaborate with person served family members and friends as well as other professionals linked to ongoing care and ability to maintain good case records, including documentation and safety planning. Critical thinking and problem solving with the Mobile Crisis Response Team to determine the best care plan for the person served. Ability to react appropriately to emergency situations. Ability to work independently and effectively collaborate as part of a team.
Strong desire to help those in need. Understands the importance of empathy, cultural competency, and connection to help callers develop a plan to manage current and future crises. Function autonomously and exercise good judgment and decision-making skills, particularly in a crisis.
Crisis counseling/mental health experience; experience linking people with needed community resources. Bilingual in Spanish preferred.

The Benefits

Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
Life and Long-Term Disability Insurance
401k plan
Vacation time
Twelve (12) Paid Holidays
Education Reimbursement Program up to $1000 per year
Referral Program
Employee Assistance Program
An environment of like-minded people reaching for the same goal
Serving the underserved community
A sense of purpose

Who We Are

Since 1951, Kings View leads the community in providing behavioral health services to the underserved population. We have a strong tradition of commitment, and we focus on serving rural communities where health resources are often limited. Our people treat the community with care and compassion. We stand by our cornerstone and philosophy of valuing each person's worth, dignity and wholeness in body, mind, and spirit. Our principal core values echo throughout the organization and into our patient-focused programs. At Kings View we are dedicated to continuing our demonstration in the unparalleled commitment to wellness and recovery within each community we serve. Join us and apply today.