Mobile Crisis Outreach Team Pacoima - Peer Support Specialist
Not Disclosed•Full-TimeOn-site
location_on1536, East 77th Street, Florence-Firestone, Firestone Park, Los Angeles County, California, 90001, United States
About the Mission
Sycamores partners with the 988 mental health crisis hotline to provide critical support to individuals experiencing a mental health crisis. While the 988 hotline offers initial phone support and triage, the Sycamores Mobile Crisis Outreach Team (MCOT) responds 24/7, 365 days a year to deliver in-person care. This role is an integral part of a larger ecosystem that includes close partnerships with the 988 call center, law enforcement, psychiatric hospitals, and ambulance transport companies.
About the Role
The Mobile Crisis Outreach Peer Support Specialist is a vital member of the MCOT, responding alongside a clinician to provide timely, on-the-ground support. Utilizing a Sycamores vehicle, the specialist co-responds to calls within the Antelope Valley, San Fernando Valley, or San Gabriel Valley to ensure safety, stabilize crises, and develop safety plans. The role involves evaluating individuals in crisis in the field and coordinating care, including hospital or ambulance transport when clinically necessary.
This position is unique in its reliance on lived experience. The specialist brings first-hand insight as a recipient of mental health services, and/or experience with houselessness and/or system involvement. This perspective is leveraged to guide consumers—including adults, youth, children, and their families—through the recovery process, symptom management, and the pursuit of a satisfying life in society. The specialist advocates for client voice, choice, self-determination, and decision-making in all aspects of treatment and support planning.
The Day-to-Day
You will spend your shifts responding to urgent needs in the community, often driving to locations where individuals require immediate evaluation. The work involves frequent interaction with consumers, co-workers, and community resources to connect individuals with housing, mental health services, medical treatment, and substance abuse support. The role requires physical presence in the office during shifts and the ability to manage de-escalation situations and, if necessary, practice physical intervention for safety according to training and policy.
Hiring Process
All candidates presented with a conditional offer of employment must satisfy a pre-employment background check, drug screen, and health screen. Certification in Peer Support is preferred; however, if not certified upon hire, the specialist must successfully complete the required training and pass the certification examination.
Our Culture & Commitment
Sycamores is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Fair Chance employer. We do not discriminate against any employee or applicant based on race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. We comply with California Government Code Section 12952 regarding employment discrimination and conviction history. We value a diverse workforce and are committed to creating an environment where lived experience is recognized as a valuable asset in the recovery journey.
Work location
Work model: On-site
1536, East 77th Street, Florence-Firestone, Firestone Park, Los Angeles County, California, 90001, United States
Firestone Park, California
Key Responsibilities
- check_circleProvide consultation on community resources including housing, medical treatment, and substance abuse services
- check_circleUtilize lived experience to offer expertise on recovery processes and symptom management to consumers
- check_circleCo-respond to crisis incidents using company vehicles to provide added support and security measures
- check_circleRespond to 988 crisis calls in conjunction with MCOT clinicians to provide timely in-person support
- check_circleAdvocate for client voice, choice, and self-determination in treatment planning and service delivery
- check_circleManage and de-escalate consumers while practicing physical intervention for safety according to policy
- check_circleConduct field evaluations of individuals in crisis to ensure safety and coordinate care with hospitals or ambulances
Requirements
- verified18 years of age
- verifiedHigh school diploma or equivalent
- verifiedLived experience with mental illness or substance use disorder recovery
- verified2 years continuous sobriety if history of substance use
- verifiedValid California driver's license
- verifiedAcceptable driving record
- verifiedProof of auto insurance
- verifiedPre-employment background check, drug, and health screen
Nice to Have
Certification in Peer Support
