Peer Support Specialist-Working Wellness

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Peer Support Specialist is responsible for supporting clients with mental health challenges and addressing barriers to obtaining employment. The Peer Support Specialist will support clients by conducting assessments and providing individual and family counseling, psychoeducation, case management, and other support services that help clients obtain employment and self-sufficiency goals. This role will uphold and champion the agency’s mission, vision, and values and contribute to a collaborative and inclusive work culture.

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities: 

• Attend and participate in weekly Family Service Team (FST) meetings with the CalWORKs team, the client and his/her sources of support, and other service providers. 
• Participate and complete initial and on-going IPS training as assigned by Supervisor to facilitate adherence to IPS model and principles. 
• Work collaboratively with the Working Wellness team, which includes the Staff Therapist and Employment Specialist,  to address barriers to employment of clients by implementing the Individualized Placement and Support (IPS) model.
• Provide assessment and facilitate linkage to resources and services that will support clients’ educational and employment goals. 
• Share personal experience to inspire others towards reaching their personal goals.
• Develop individualized care plans for each client. 
• Conduct individual and family counseling sessions 
• Conduct assessments and formulate individualized plans driven by the client.    
• Help clients address barriers to workforce engagement. 
• Represent clients and intervene on their behalf with public officials. 
• Teach and model strategies for self-care and wellness.
• Provide consistent outreach and engagement for clients who are new to the program and/or have missed appointments. 
• Develop and implement individual and group educational activities for clients.
• Participate in all agency activities, meetings, events, etc.
• Maintain all client files and complete appropriate service documentation.

Other 

• Attend trainings and participate in events relevant to key responsibilities
• Track and regularly report on key metrics for responsible function areas
• Leads and collaborate on special projects related to agency objectives as appropriate 

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:

• Lived mental health and/or substance use experience preferred.
• Minimum of GED/High School diploma, AA preferred
• Drug and Alcohol certification or training preferred.
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.
• Understanding of trauma and trauma-informed interventions. 
• Knowledge of alcohol and drug prevention and recovery/ treatment programs and principles.
• Knowledge of and sensitive to diverse populations including the Latino and African American Community.
• Non-Profit and Community Based Organization experience highly desirable.
• Demonstrates and models excellent “customer service” orientation, especially in the ability to interact with people at all levels within and outside the agency.
• Thinks independently and can make informed decisions when needed. 
• Exercises extreme discretion with the ability to hold, balance and transmit public and confidential information needed by various parties. 
• Proficient using MS Office products, particularly Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint.
• Acquires or maintains proficiency in using Google Drive products, including Docs, Sheets, and Forms.
• Valid CA Driver’s license
  • Auto insurance:  Personal vehicle may be used for business related purposes; it is recommended you inform your auto insurance carrier.   

BENEFITS:

• Excellent Health benefits package for you and your family including:
  • Medical/dental/vision benefits with 95% employee & 80% dependent employer premium contribution and employer paid life insurance.
• Vacation, 15 paid holidays, 12 paid sick days upon accrual
• Employee Assistance Plan to support yours and your family’s wellbeing and finances 
• Pet Plan Benefit: 
  • PetPlus Product and Prescription Discounts, Pet Assure Veterinary Discounts, AskVet 24/7 Pet Telehealth, and ThePetTag Lost Pet Recovery Service
• 403(b) retirement plan
• Work-life wellbeing & excellent work hours
• Supportive/Collaborative work environment 
• Opportunities for Growth and Professional Development
  • License and Certification renewals reimbursed