Peer Support Specialist - Crisis Stabilization Unit
Company : Prime Healthcare Services
Location : Chula Vista, CA, 91911
Job Type : Contractor
Date Posted : 4 January 2026
Overview
Join an award-winning team of dedicated professionals committed to our core values of quality, compassion and community! Paradise Valley Hospital, a member of Prime Healthcare, offers incredible opportunities to expand your horizons and be part of a community dedicated to making a difference. Paradise Valley Hospital is the South Bay’s oldest hospital, the second oldest hospital in all of San Diego County, and the largest employer in National City. For more than 100 years, Paradise Valley Hospital has served San Diego faithfully, proud of our heritage and providing numerous programs and services to meet the changing needs of our community. Our 291-bed, acute care hospital featuresthe San Diego Spine & Joint Center, a highly credentialed acute rehabilitation center, our Paradise Health & Senior Center, a fully equipped and modern cardiac catheterization lab, and comprehensive inpatient and outpatient surgical services, and 24-hour emergency services. In addition to our healthcare services, we offer comprehensive behavioral health services on the hospital campus and Bayview campus in Chula Vista. Services include psychiatric continuum of care for adult patients, inpatient services, and intensive outpatient services. Learn more at https://www.paradisevalleyhospital.net/.
Responsibilities
The Peer Support Specialist role is to offer support to CSU clients from the unique perspective of someone who has been there; by bridging the gap between client needs and programs’ ability to meet those needs. Contributes to the programs productivity and documentation requirements.
Qualifications
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, TRAINING
1. High School Graduate
2. Current BCLS certificate
3. Assaultive Behavior Training
4. Minimum of one (1) year full time firsthand experience as a person experiencing mental illness and/or cared for a family member who is receiving or has received Mental Health services.
5. Bilingual /Bi-cultural(Spanish Language) preferred
Pay Transparency
Paradise Valley Hospital offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package that provides employees the flexibility to tailor benefits according to their individual needs. Our Total Rewards package includes, but is not limited to, paid time off, a 401K retirement plan, medical, dental, and vision coverage, tuition reimbursement, and many more voluntary benefit options. A reasonable compensation estimate for this role, which includes estimated wages, benefits, and other forms of compensation, is $21.00 to $22.08. The exact starting compensation to be offered will be determined at the time of selecting an applicant for hire, in which a wide range of factors will be considered, including but not limited to, skillset, years of applicable experience, education, credentials and licensure.
Employment Status
Per DiemShift
VariableEqual Employment Opportunity
Company is an equal employment opportunity employer. Company prohibits discrimination against any applicant or employee based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age (subject to applicable law), disability, military status, genetic information or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. The Company also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories. Know Your Rights: https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2022-10/EEOC_KnowYourRights_screen_reader_10_20.pdf
Privacy Notice
Privacy Notice for California Applicants: https://www.primehealthcare.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Notice-at-Collection-and-Privacy-Policy-for-California-Job-Applicants.pdf
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Frequently asked questions
Peer Support Specialists in crisis stabilization units focus on immediate emotional and practical assistance for individuals facing acute mental health episodes. Unlike general peer roles, they often work in fast-paced hospital environments where quick rapport and crisis intervention skills are essential.
Besides a high school diploma and BCLS certification, bilingual Spanish skills significantly enhance employability in Chula Vista due to the area's diverse population. Additional assaultive behavior training also prepares candidates to manage challenging crisis situations effectively.
Starting as a Peer Support Specialist can lead to roles in case management, recovery coaching, or supervisory positions. Gaining certifications and experience in crisis intervention broadens opportunities, especially in integrated healthcare systems like Prime Healthcare Services.
Prime Healthcare Services offers comprehensive orientation and ongoing training tailored to crisis support roles. This includes skills development for documentation, client engagement, and cultural competency, ensuring Peer Support Specialists are well-prepared for their unique responsibilities.
Working at Prime Healthcare means joining one of the region's oldest hospitals with strong community ties. The role emphasizes bridging client needs with program resources, supported by extensive behavioral health services and a collaborative team environment.
Hourly pay ranges from approximately $21.00 to $22.08, supplemented by a flexible benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401k, and tuition reimbursement. This total compensation reflects experience, training, and bilingual abilities valued in the local market.
Chula Vista’s diverse community requires Peer Support Specialists to demonstrate cultural sensitivity and often bilingual communication. The area's emphasis on family and community health shapes a collaborative approach to client support and recovery.
Crisis support workers in the South Bay encounter a higher volume of acute cases due to socioeconomic factors and population density. This demands strong resilience, quick decision-making, and familiarity with local resources tailored to community needs.
A frequent misunderstanding is that Peer Support Specialists only provide emotional support; however, they also play vital roles in documentation, program coordination, and bridging treatment gaps, requiring both lived experience and professional skills.
Prime Healthcare offers variable per diem shifts for Peer Support Specialists, allowing flexibility that suits diverse lifestyles. This scheduling adaptability supports both professional growth and personal commitments, a key benefit for those balancing multiple priorities.