Cantonese- Peer Drop-In Specialist

JOB SUMMARY:

This role provides outreach services to, and assessment of, socially isolated older adults (including the homeless) in San Francisco’s Tenderloin, Civic Center, Western Addition, SOMA, Nob Hill, Castro and Polk Gulch neighborhoods.   This role also engages in community outreach and provides socialized and programs targeting Cantonese speaking clients.

Definition of a Peer:

A person with a lived experience navigating the behavioral health system of San Francisco either through their own journey of wellness and recovery, or having been supportive of a friend, loved one, or family member in their wellness and recovery.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Conducts assessments of new referrals and program participants every six months.
• Develop trusting relationships with socially isolated older adults.
• Outreach, screening and engagement of diverse peers; racially, ethnically, culturally, by gender, by sexual orientation, by age group, etc.
• Advocate for and model principles of wellness and recovery.
• Link/refer program participants to community resources; medical, mental health, substance use, case management, and socially engaged activities.
• Interact and advocate for clients experiencing homelessness, substance use, mental illness, etc.
• Identify traditional and non-traditional venues where socially isolated older adults may be reached.
• Perform outreach into the Cantonese-speaking community, working with businesses, public spaces, grocery stores, non-profit and/or faith-based organizations, health care centers, and housing sites to inform older adults and adults with disabilities about city-funded services and programs.
• Serve as a host, greeter, and listener in order to create a familiar relationship with our clients.
• Facilitate group activities in person and remotely.
• Provide culturally sensitive behavioral health assessments.
• Complete weekly logs of visits with program participants.
• Engage in supervision, team meetings and trainings.
• Ability to enter data into database.
• Maintain and submit accurate records, personal timesheet, and other program related documentation by established deadlines.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Minimum 2 years’ experience, knowledge and understanding of low-income and minority communities in San Francisco, and comfort and familiarity within the Cantonese-speaking community.
• Experience with the Cantonese community.
• Fluency in Cantonese and English.
• Proof of negative or inactive TB required. Curry Senior Center will provide or reimburse for the cost of a TB test after an offer of employment has been accepted by both parties. Proof of a negative TB test within 90 days will also be accepted.

DESIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Effective oral and written communications skills with the ability to express ideas in a clear, thorough, concise manner.
• Strong interpersonal, communication and organizational skills. Solid aptitude for customer service.
• High degree of skill in grammar, spelling and punctuation.
• Ability to maintain the confidentiality of all information obtained.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize workflow.
• High level of analytical problem-solving skills.
• Excellent time management skills, including the ability to manage self-development.
• Must be action-oriented and have the ability to work independently and as a team player.
• Strong computer skills such as Chrome, Google suite, Apple iOS, Office suite.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Work will be performed sitting at a desk/chair or standing while speaking and interacting with clients. Position will require average finger dexterity to operate normal office equipment and systems.

Sitting:             30 % of the workday

Standing:        20 % of the workday

Walking:         20 % of the workday

Bending:         20 % of the workday

Twisting:          5 % of the workday

Lifting:             5 % of the workday/Moderate, generally not over 10 pounds

Carrying:        5 % of the workday/Moderate, generally not over 10 pounds

Climbing:       10 % of the workday