Peer Support Specialist performs peer mentoring and Case Management functions for adult individuals who have a history of homelessness, mental illness and/or substance use issues. Under the supervision of the Program Manager, this position will function as a member of the Outreach Triage Team, and adhere to all program guideline requirements.

Position Qualifications :

Must have experience in living with and managing a psychiatric disorder, and/or substance use issue in sustained recovery and have knowledge about 12-step programs and various aspects of recovery from substance abuse.

Special Skills and Knowledge:

• Ability to respond quickly, effectively, and with equanimity to member crises and life situations.
• Ability to work as a team member and to work with other agencies and community resources.
• Must have a valid California Driver's license and the availability of a car with adequate insurance.

Duties:

· Shall respond to requests to support clients ages 16 and older experiencing urgent crisis situations. Peers provide assistance in obtaining community services including accompanying and advocating for the client when needed. Peers shall also provide support to client regarding education and employment as needed.

· Takes direction from experienced staff members in the methodology for carrying out peer counselor interventions identified on the recovery/service plans.

• Provides case management services, especially in terms of escorting consumers to indicated resources and ensuring that the linkage is made.
• Escort consumers on field trips of a recreational nature, emphasizing that recovering alcoholics and drug addicts can have fun in sobriety and can enjoy the constructive use of drug-free leisure time.
• Visits consumers while they are in detox units, recovery homes, and sober living homes.
• Share his/her experience with mental illness and substance abuse in a manner that communicates hope - this individual will be a “program of attraction” as he/she relates their own experience - what it was like, what happened, and what it is like now.
• Is involved in presentations to drug treatment programs, which are reluctant to accept consumers who are psychiatrically impaired.
• Participates in selective in-service training, sharing his/her experience in living with a mental illness and achieving and maintaining sobriety.
• Assist consumers with navigating need resources in the communities and accompanying them when there is a need for support and/or guidance.
• Attends DMH training and meetings as assigned.
• Other duties as assigned.