Samantha worked a series of minimum-wage jobs, including her role as a shift lead at Denny’s. For nearly two decades, she found herself trapped in a cycle of low-paying jobs, with little opportunity for advancement. After being released from custody, Samantha was on probation, and her criminal record frequently hindered her ability to find meaningful employment. Nevertheless, she applied for the Peer Support Training Project. After successfully completing the training, she secured an internship and, subsequently, employment with Peer Professionals of California. Below Samantha lets us in on her career transformation and how her life experiences influences her work.
For nearly two decades, I found myself trapped in a cycle of low-paying jobs with little opportunity for growth. I worked a series of minimum-wage jobs, including as a shift lead at Denny’s. I had been on probation after being released from custody, and my criminal record often stood as a barrier to finding meaningful employment. I thought I’d never break out of the cycle of minimum-wage jobs. Living in a sober living facility, I felt isolated and uncertain about my future. However, my turning point came when a fellow resident returned from an outreach event with news of job postings. Intrigued, I scanned a QR code and, on the very last day to register, applied for the Peer Support Training Program.
The program offered a comprehensive 80-Hour Certified Medi-Cal Peer Support Training offered by NAMI (National Alliance of Mental Illness) designed to prepare individuals to sit for the Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Certification exam. The training was delivered via Zoom, providing the flexibility I needed while working late-night shifts. The curriculum covered a wide range of topics, including effective communication techniques, trauma-informed care and leveraging lived experiences to connect with clients.
Throughout my training and beyond, I found unwavering support from my mentors and program coordinators. Anytime I needed help, they were just a call or email away. Even after graduation, I could still contact [SDWP program specialist] Stephanie for guidance and resources.
After completing my coursework, SDWP set me up with an internship at Peer Professionals of California where I learned how to use my own experiences to build rapport and let clients know they’re not alone. Before I was always on the client’s side of the chair, and being on the provider’s side has been a great experience for me.
I’ve been able to grow alongside the organization, from building scripts and role-playing scenarios to working directly with clients. I now serve as a supervisor at Peer Professionals of California, overseeing peer support specialists and housing navigators while also working as a behavioral health technician at a detox facility in the evenings. My current roles allow me to use my lived experiences to help others navigate challenges and achieve stability.
What I learned is a significant difference between a peer support specialist (PSS) and a case manager. A PSS will teach their client how to advocate for themselves and work alongside them. In contrast, a case manager typically advocates on their behalf or provides guidance without ongoing collaboration. We are committed to working with our clients through the steps they need to take to progress in their recovery.
Although the work is demanding, I find it deeply rewarding. My heart is in this field. I’m inspired by the people I work with and want to be a source of support for others, just as my mentors were for me.