Behavioral Health Peer Specialist
$3,077.04 – $3,677.33 Monthly
Position Information
Examination: Appraisal: (Weight 100%): of training, education, experience, interest and personal fitness for the work based on any combination of the following: Investigation, oral exam and rating of application.
Applicants must attain at least a 70% score on each phase of the examination process.
This position works within the Kern Behavioral Health and Recovery Services Department. For more information about the department, please view their website here.
Minimum Qualifications/Employment Standards:
High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
Must be a current or past consumer of mental health or co-occurring behavioral health services or family member or caregiver of a current or former mental health or co-occurring behavioral health services consumer.
Three (3) months of full time paid experience working in a social service or mental health setting in a capacity requiring interaction with the chronically mentally ill OR 320 hours of volunteer experience completed within a 6-month period if confirmed in writing from a recognized organization.
A valid California Class “C” Driver’s License is required at the time of appointment.
Additional Requirements: Within 120 days of hire incumbents must obtain current certification in the Peer Employment Training (PET) and the Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) training. Certification must be obtained within the time specified or employment will be terminated.
Dependent upon assignment, applicants may be required to pass an extensive background investigation and be fingerprinted. Disqualification for felony, misdemeanor, and traffic offenses will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Incumbents may be required to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Full Job Description: Behavioral Health Peer Specialist
About Kern County
Kern County employees provide opportunities that are purposeful to our community. Every employee and every action contributes to the improvement and strengthening of our county.
To learn more about Kern County, click here
High Performance Culture
Kern County is actively engaged in creating a culture that promotes excellence, innovation and continuous improvement. LaunchKern is Kern County’s continuous improvement initiative based on the principles of Lean Six Sigma. LaunchKern empowers our valued employees to change the way government works by improving their work environment, saving taxpayer dollars and enhancing services to residents.
Growth Mindset
We always encourage our employees to grow and develop. Kern County has a culture of innovation that allows employees to explore creative and more efficient ways to accomplish their work. We provide access to training and continued professional development in an effort to ensure that our employees have opportunities for career growth
Additional Information
Admittance to the examination will require a valid government issued photograph identification. Applicants who are unable to present proper identification must make arrangements with the Human Resources Division prior to the test date.
A background check may be conducted for this classification.
Following an offer of employment, you may be required to submit to post offer medical and drug screening tests at County expense.
Note: Incumbents may be required to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends
Bilingual (English/Spanish) applicants are encouraged to apply. Applicants must submit a bilingual (English/Spanish) certificate before the final filing deadline. Applicants who wish to be considered for bilingual employment must submit a bilingual certificate issued by the Kern County Human Resources Division or its authorized agent, Bakersfield College. Access the following website for information about where to obtain a qualifying certificate. Employees who occupy positions designated as bilingual are paid dependent upon the required level of proficiency.
This examination will establish an eligible list from which immediate appointment(s) will be made. Other permanent and temporary appointments will be made as needed. Successful candidates will remain on the eligible list for a period of twelve-months, unless specified otherwise by the Civil Service Commission. Candidates are encouraged to indicate acceptable geographical locations in which they would accept employment on their application form. Candidates MUST be willing to travel to these locations (areas/district offices).
For more information regarding Kern County’s recruitment process, please see our FAQ page.
Kern County is an ADA compliant and an equal opportunity employer and encourages all qualified individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply.