Peer Support Specialist- Certified

Description

Summary

Peer Specialists are individuals who have previously been mental health consumers; who have participated in their own recovery, or have lived experience by living with a loved one who is a mental health consumer. Peer specialists have their own unique recovery orlived experience story, and appropriately shares it with our clients to promote consumer mental health recovery and reduce stigma.  Peer Specialists instill hope by showing consumers that recovery is possible and providing a level of authentic empathy that is best achieved through those common experiences. Peer Specialists are fully integrated team members who provide highly individualized services in the community and promote consumer self-determination and decision-making, and have an innate ability to build trust and relationships with consumers.

Pay : $22-$23 / hr

Essential Duties / Responsibilities

Carry out duties as a member of the team, under the direction of the team leader. Specific job responsibilities will vary depending on education and experience.

Provide work-related supportive services. Transport clients to foster community relationships and involvement. Use of  personal vehicle is required.

Perform mentoring and problem solving as well as offer encouragement in the clinic, activity center or in the field.

Provide practical help and mentoring, advocacy, coordination, side-by-side individualized support, problem solving and direct assistance to help consumers obtain the necessities of daily living.

Coordination of social and group activities.

Facilitation of groups and / or assignments as required by Lead Peer Specialist, Clinical Manager or Program Director.

Develop effective working relationships with agencies and organizations to advocate for consumer and family / caregiver empowerment.

Document all activities as required.

Maintain and ensures HIPAA, ethical standards and professional boundaries with all staff and clients.

Other duties assigned or necessary to support the program and / or the company.

Recovery Requirements

Provide the best customer care possible.

Identify and build upon the strengths of clients, coworkers, and the communities we serve.

Support clients’ steps towards Recovery and Wellness.

Create an organizational culture that respects and celebrates the diversity of our clients.

Value learning as an ongoing process that enables us to better service our consumers and establishes our leadership in the industry.

Research and utilize our industry’s best practices and analyze our own services to ensure the best possible outcomes.

Level of Supervision

None.

Education and / or Experience

High school diploma or general education degree (GED) required with computer or business courses.

Bachelor’s degree preferred but not required.

Consumer of Mental Health Services; persons with a history of being consumers of mental health services or individuals with

lived experience (i.e. living with a relative, significant other, or other support person who is a consumer of mental health services).

Prior behavioral health experience preferred.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

Proof of valid California driver’s license and auto insurance, as well as proof of education are required.

Proof of Medi-Cal Peer Certification from the California Mental Health Services Authority (CALMHSA) is preferred. A Medi-Cal

Peer Certification is required for the position. A certification training opportunity will be offered upon hire and the employee

must be certified within the first six month of employment.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Knowledge to encourage consumers to explore and regain strengths, skills, and / or talents that may be inherent in individual

consumers and to become more social, through community events and outings, as well as within the program’s internal activities program.

Skills to provide essential expertise and consultation to the entire team to promote a culture in which each consumer’s view

and preferences are recognized, understood, respected, and integrated into treatment, rehabilitation, and community self-help activities.

Lived experience with a mental health condition, whether a family member or personal.

Knowledge of community resources and connections and experience working with peers.

Good organizational skills, interpersonal skills, and communication skills are a must.

Basic computer skills.

Ability to effectively prioritize and manage time.

Physical Requirements

Office Environment (not remote position). Requires extensive sitting with periodic standing and walking.

May be required to lift and / or move up to 20 pounds.

Requires significant use of computer, tablet, phone and / or general office equipment.

Needs adequate visual acuity, ability to grasp and handle objects.

Needs ability to communicate effectively through reading, writing, and speaking in person or on telephone.

Will require off-site travel in the community - meeting, training, county and / or client needs. This is not a remote position.

Will use personal car or vehicle as required for travel and / or transportation.