San Diego City Wire

The County recently collaborated with the San Diego Workforce Partnership to host a job fair for individuals with a history of incarceration. In the peer support field, backgrounds involving time in jail, substance use, or mental health challenges are termed "lived experience" and considered valuable when combined with specialized training.

A panel of local peer support specialists shared their personal stories and training experiences at the Southeastern Live Well Center in San Diego. This event was part of the County’s Alternatives to Incarceration initiative, which aims to strengthen community-based programs that help prevent recidivism.

Peer specialists often work alongside medical professionals because their similar backgrounds can resonate more with patients than traditional counselors. Kenneth Anderson, a panelist, mentioned that his training not only improved his professional skills but also enhanced his personal life by helping him communicate better about mental health with his son.

A 2022 report by the San Diego Workforce Partnership highlights a significant shortage of behavioral health workers in San Diego County. The report estimates a need for over 5,700 community health workers, social service assistants, and peer support specialists by 2027.

California offers peer support certification, including specialized training for various populations such as the unhoused and justice-involved individuals. The San Diego Workforce Partnership provides a no-cost pathway to certification for qualified individuals.

Representatives from the County Public Defender’s Office, Sheriff’s Department, and Health and Human Services Agency discussed how they integrate peer support into their operations. An employer panel also provided insights into desirable characteristics in peer support applicants. Attendees had opportunities for resume reviews, mock interviews, and interactions with hiring programs.

The field of peer support is expanding across various settings including clinical environments like hospitals and behavioral health programs; social services assisting with resources; community outreach; mobile crisis response; online platforms; and criminal justice agencies.

Agner Medrano, who has two decades of experience in peer support and is affiliated with Victory Outreach church, emphasized the importance of genuine care in this profession. “Do it from your heart because if you don’t, the clients see right through it," Medrano said. "Seeing an individual change their life – to me, that is our paycheck."