Client Engagement Counselor – Certified Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist

About the role

CRI‑Help is seeking a Client Engagement Counselor who is a Certified Medi‑Cal Peer Support Specialist to join its substance‑use‑disorder (SUD) treatment team. You will use your lived recovery experience to engage clients, promote self‑determination, and support sustained recovery in a 24/7 clinical environment.

Key responsibilities

• Maintain a schedule of regular peer‑engagement sessions and provide crisis support and recovery coaching as needed.
• Deliver individual and group peer‑support services, including rapport building, skill development, self‑advocacy coaching, relapse‑prevention, and linkage to community resources.
• Oversee the mentorship program in collaboration with the Support Technician Department and Clinical Program Manager.
• Conduct follow‑up surveys with recently discharged clients and complete all required documentation per DMC‑ODS standards.
• Coordinate with clinical staff on client treatment and engagement issues and perform additional duties assigned by the Clinical Director.

Required profile

• Must meet California DHCS requirements for DMC‑ODS Peer Support Specialist services.
• Demonstrated lived experience with substance‑use recovery and sustained recovery as defined by agency and county standards.
• Ability to recognize common patterns among individuals with substance‑use disorders.

Required skills

• Knowledge of California DHCS DMC‑ODS peer‑support guidelines.
• Strong communication and rapport‑building abilities.
• Experience in self‑advocacy coaching and relapse‑prevention strategies.

What we offer

• Full‑time permanent position with a robust benefits package, including 100% employer‑paid medical insurance (additional 40% coverage for dependents).
• 401(k) plan with 4% employer match.
• 12 paid holidays per year (payable even when working on the holiday).
• Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) as a qualifying nonprofit employer.