AARS Youth SUDS - Peer Mentor

Asian American Recovery Services (AARS) provides individualized support sessions to address substance abuse and anger management/conflict resolution. Cognitive behavioral approaches are generally combined with cognitive-restructuring or skill-building methods, to reinforce learning and model as well as shape and reward pro-social behaviors. The Seven Challenges treatment model is used with those young people in Juvenile Hall who are identified as needing on-going substance abuse treatment services. The Peer Mentor is employed by Asian American Recovery Services (AARS) a program of HealthRIGHT 360 to deliver and coordinate services for youth clients referred by the Santa Clara County Department of Behavioral Health Services (BHSD) Substance Use Treatment Services Division.  AARS is looking for committed, client-centered, full-time Peer Mentors who are passionate about serving clients in an outpatient substance use disorder treatment program.  Hours of operation are Mondays and Fridays from 9:00AM to 6:00pm; Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 9:00AM to 8:00PM. The Peer Mentor will be an individual whose lived experience resembles the target population – ex-offenders, substance use history, etc. The Peer Mentor will act as liaison to clients, help find community resources, and support organizing pro-social recreational activities and monthly family nights. The Peer Mentor will support clients as they enter the program, throughout their treatment, and link clients to peer support in our continuing care program. This linkage will play a critical role in clients’ continued recovery process by connecting individuals to a recovery community. The Peer Mentor will also connect clients to other supportive community resources. These relationships will enable clients to build responsible, fruitful friendships with their peers who may serve as role models, conduits to other services, and linkage to continuum care. Education and Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Education Required: High school diploma and GED Lived experience similar to that of targeted population. Valid California driver’s license. Skills Required: Ability to engage and motivate criminal justice involved populations. Ability to enter data into various paper and electronic systems while maintaining the integrity and accuracy of the data. Professionalism, punctuality, flexibility and reliability are imperative. Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal skills. Integrity to handle sensitive information in a confidential manner. Action oriented. Strong problem-solving skills. Excellent organization skills and ability to multitask and juggle multiple priorities. Outstanding ability to follow-through with tasks. Ability to work cooperatively and effectively as part of interdisciplinary team and independently assume responsibility. Strong initiative and enthusiasm and willingness to pitch in whenever needed. Able to communicate well at all levels of the organization including working with organization leadership and high-level representatives of partner organizations. Able to work within a frequently changing project scope while maintaining overall direction and structured priorities. Ability to work a flexible work week schedule, including at minimum one late day (until 8pm). Willing to work towards State Peer Mentor certification.

Salary : $25 - $28