At Janus Perinatal Center, we are dedicated to supporting pregnant and parenting individuals and their families on their journey toward health, wellness, and recovery. As part of Janus, a trusted community provider since 1976, our Perinatal Center offers compassionate, evidence-based services that promote healthy pregnancies, positive birth outcomes, family stability, and long-term recovery.

We believe every individual deserves to be treated with dignity, respect, and understanding. Our team fosters an inclusive and supportive environment where clients are empowered to achieve their goals while building healthy futures for themselves and their children. If you are passionate about helping families thrive and want to make a meaningful impact in your community, we invite you to join our dedicated team.

The schedule for this position is Friday - Monday 2:45pm - 11:15pm. Please note this location will be moving to Watsonville at the end of the year.

You must have a valid California Driver License, and been in possession of this license in good standing for the past three years.

Position Summary

As a Peer Support Specialist, you will play a vital role in supporting pregnant and parenting clients as they navigate recovery, wellness, and family-centered care. Drawing on your lived experience, you will provide encouragement, mentorship, advocacy, and practical support to help clients engage in treatment, access community resources, and progress toward self-defined recovery goals.

You will work collaboratively with clients and multidisciplinary care teams to foster hope, resilience, empowerment, and lasting change. This role requires a strong commitment to person-centered care, cultural humility, confidentiality, and trauma-informed practices.

Key Responsibilities

• Empower clients to access, engage in, and maintain substance use disorder treatment and recovery services.
• Provide regular one-on-one peer support, encouragement, and recovery coaching.
• Assist clients in developing individualized recovery, wellness, and family-support plans.
• Connect clients with community resources, including healthcare, prenatal care, parenting support, housing, nutrition assistance, childcare resources, and support groups.
• Help coordinate medical appointments, behavioral health services, and other recovery-related services.
• Promote healthy lifestyle choices, wellness practices, and self-care strategies.
• Support clients in identifying strengths, overcoming barriers, and developing coping skills.
• Monitor client progress toward recovery and wellness goals.
• Collaborate with clinical and case management staff to ensure coordinated care.
• Document services, referrals, and client interactions in the electronic health record (EHR).
• Assist with program data collection, outcome tracking, and reporting requirements.
• Participate in team meetings, trainings, and professional development opportunities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Key Qualifications

• Empower individuals to access or maintain SUD treatment, recognizing the validity of “multiple pathways to self-defined recovery.”
• Explore all resources to help someone achieve recovery, including healthy nutrition.
• Meet with clients regularly to offer one-on-one support and counseling.
• Develop recovery plans, coping methods, and rehabilitation strategies with the client.
• Arrange medical appointments, therapy sessions, support groups, and other resources to aid the client.
• Monitor the client’s behavior, schedule, medication, and activities.
• Report any unusual behavior, conflicts, or recovery deviations to relevant professionals and assist with data-tracking requirements related to peer support care.
• Coordinate the client’s logistics, such as medical appointments and therapy sessions.
• Conduct assessments and provide feedback to the client, medical professionals, and the family.
• Generate recovery reviews and performance documents to track the rehabilitation process and support program enrollees in care plan goal completion.
• Use eHR for data entry and care coordination/referral documentation.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Government-issued photo identification.
• Self-identify as an individual with lived experience in recovery from substance use and/or behavioral health challenges.
• Demonstrated commitment to recovery and wellness.
• Willingness to appropriately share personal recovery experiences to support and inspire others.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Basic computer skills and ability to document services electronically.
• Commitment to following the California Department of Health Care Services Code of Ethics for Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialists.

Preferred

• Experience working with pregnant and parenting individuals and families.
• Knowledge of community resources and family support services.
• Bilingual English/Spanish.
• Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Certification or willingness to complete required training and certification.

Pay & Benefits

At Janus, compensation is part of a comprehensive total rewards package designed to support your professional growth and personal well-being. Pay is determined based on qualifications, experience, education, and job-related skills.

What We Offer

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid holidays and generous paid time off
• Retirement benefits
• Employee Assistance Program and mental health support services
• Professional development and certification opportunities
• Collaborative, mission-driven work environment
• Opportunities to make a meaningful difference in the lives of families and children
• Supportive leadership and career growth opportunities

Equal Employment Opportunity

Janus maintains and promotes a workplace free from discrimination and harassment and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, disability, medical condition, sex, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.