Peer Support Specialist

Vallejo, CA, United States

Description

Position Title:Peer Support Specialist

Program/Dept:CCM Team; Comprehensive Case Management

Reports to:Program Director and Assistant Program Director

Classification:Regular, Full-time, Non-Exempt

Salary Range:$20.61/hourly + Full Benefits Package

Agency Description:Founded in San Mateo, California, in 1964, Caminar's thriving programs and services serve more than 20,000 individuals annually across San Mateo, Santa Clara, San Francisco, Solano, and Butte Counties. Our nonprofit organization's portfolio of behavioral health and supportive services empowers and supports individuals and families to move toward resilience, wellness, and independence. And, we are expanding our capacity to address the increasingly complex needs of individuals and families.

Position Description:Under supervision of the Program Director(s), the Peer Support Specialist provides individual support to adults with serious mental illness and/or substance abuse. The incumbent assists in the planning and coordination of Consumer Center activities, assists in tracking services and provides outreach support and assistance as necessary to individuals in the community.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

Assist Consumers in problem-solving and obtaining community resource contacts.

Assess crisis situations and need for support; seek assistance from Program Director(s) or Case Manager to provide intervention as necessary.

Assist in developing community supports; request services and make referral for services that people need. For example, referral for housing services or counseling, based on the person's needs and preferences.

Attend supervision meetings on time and prepared.

Attend all in-service and county trainings as required.

Maintain progress notes per contact; and recording of time on reporting document.

Assisting consumers in developing empowerment skills through self-advocacy and stigma-busting activities. Provide training and education to clients; teach skill building activities such as: budgeting, cooking, public transportation etc.

Participate in promoting a safe, healthy and clean working environment at all times consistent with applicable laws, industry standards and the agency's own Health & Safety Program.

Present in a professional manner at all times (field, office, clinics, etc).

Complete and submit accurate time sheets and absence reports to Program Director(s) in a timely manner.

Maintain a client caseload, if applicable.

Document in a timely manner, treatment planning and interventions according to agency, county quality assurance and requirements to the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS).

Coordinate client treatment with all other members of the clients treatment team, including family members, conservators, discharge planners, jail liaison and social workers when clients are hospitalized or incarcerated.

Promote within the agency and with the public the philosophy and practice of social rehabilitation.

May drive own or agency vehicle to treatment destinations, as required; documenting and reporting mileage according to agency procedures, so that services can be provided in a timely manner; always comply with agency vehicle policy.

Actively nurture and advance the cooperative, harmonious, and teamwork-oriented environment. Caminar strives to promote within the workplace; Through daily efforts and presentation promote an atmosphere of dignity and respect in line with the organization's mission, philosophy, policies, and procedures.

Support weekly with Foodbank pick and drop off.

Perform other related duties, responsibilities and special projects as assigned.

Requirements, Qualifications, Skills & Abilities: Must be passionate about Caminar's mission.

High School Diploma or GED preferred.

Prior experience with SMI/Criminogenic experience preferred, but not required.

Comfortable providing direct care services to individuals who have current involvement in the judicial system.

Must be highly motivated, able to share recovery experience and provide support services to other persons with psychiatric disabilities.

Must be able to express belief in peoples' ability to succeed in their recovery.

Must have knowledge of community resources.

Basic computer skills in a Microsoft Windows environment including email and Internet navigation required. Experience with Human Service Information Systems strongly preferred. Experience with web-based time and attendance and staff training and development system strongly preferred.

Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality, a professional demeanor and to always represent the organization in a positive manner.

Must demonstrate acceptable level of maturity, good judgment, and emotional stability.

Problem solving-identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner and gathers and analyzes information skillfully.

Customer Service-manages difficult customer situations, responds promptly to customer needs and solicits customer feedback to improve service.

Oral and written communication-speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations, demonstrates group presentation skills and conducts meetings. Completes written progress notes and other formal communications skillfully and professionally.

Quality management-looks for ways to improve and promote quality and demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness.

Planning/organizing-prioritizes and plans work activities, uses time efficiently and develops realistic action plans.

Adaptability-adapts to changes in the work environment, manages competing demands and is able to deal with frequent change, delays or unexpected events.

Dependability-is consistently at work and on time, follows instructions, responds to management direction and solicits feedback to improve performance.

Safety and security-actively promotes and personally observes safety and security procedures, and uses equipment and materials properly.

Physical, Environmental and Mental Requirements: Physical: Occasionally required to push/pull objects up to 50 lbs, and to lift/carry objects up to 25 lbs. Frequently required to perform moderately difficult manipulative tasks such as typing, writing, etc. Must be able to walk, stand, sit for extended periods.

Sensory: Frequently required to read documents, written reports, and plans. Must be able to distinguish normal sounds with some background noise, as in answering the phone, interacting with residents and staff, etc. Must be able to speak clearly and understand/be understood using the English language.

Cognitive: Frequently required to concentrate on moderate detail with constant interruption. Must be able to attend to a task/function for 20-45 minutes at a time. Frequently required to understand and relate to specific ideas, several at a time. Must be able to remember multiple tasks/assignments given to self and others over a period of several days.

Environmental Conditions: Frequent exposure to varied office and mixed (residential/office) environments. Occasional exposure to toxins and poisonous substances, dust, and loud noises.

Equipment: Frequently required to use a computer, phone, and fax machine.

Special Requirements: Must be able to meet and receive a criminal records clearance, as required by Title XXII, other licensing regulations, and Caminar practices.

May be required to maintain a valid California driver license, an MVR sufficient to obtain and reasonably maintain insurability under agency auto liability policies, personal auto insurance and reliable personal vehicle.

Must be able to pass post offer, pre-employment medical and drug tests as required under State Community Care Licensing regulations and/or agency policies.

We've Got You Covered

Medical, Dental, and Vision

Health coverage choices to fit you and your family's needs. A zero-cost option for employee only and generous contributions to employee and dependent premiums.

Flexible Spending Account

Receive tax savings on out-of-pocket health care costs.

Employee Wellness Program

We'll reimburse you for a portion of your gym/fitness dues.

Life, Long-term Disability, and AD&D Insurance

Provided at no cost to our full-time employees. Includes an option to purchase additional life coverage for both employees and dependents.

Paid Time Off

We offer twelve paid holidays and a generous sick and vacation benefit.

401(K) Retirement Savings Plan

We offer options for both pre-tax and post-tax (Roth) contributions.

The plan also offers an employer match on eligible employee deferrals at one year of service.

Commuter Benefits

Commuting to work each day can be expensive. Receive tax savings on your commuting costs!

Employee Assistance Program

For whatever issue you might face, our Life Assistance Program offers free, confidential assistance at no cost to you.

Caminar is a leader in providing innovative client-oriented mental health services. We are an equal opportunity employer. Please visit our web site at www.caminar.org

2600 S. El Camino Real Suite 200, San Mateo, CA 94403 (t) 650.372.4080 (f) 650.393.8922 www.caminar.org