Forensic Peer Specialist

Job Type

• Assist individuals to negotiate and minimize continuing criminal sanctions as they make progress in recovery and meet criminal obligations.
• Provide individual and/or group training/support in independent living skills, creation of healthful lifestyles, and support in areas such as self-care, holistic wellness and community awareness.
• Attend and contribute to supervision meetings with ILI and Orange County DOMH as assigned.
• Provide reports to ILI Manager as assigned.
• Attend related meetings and training as scheduled.
• Peer to follow the directions /guidance from the Forensic Coordinator.
• Proactively engage people at risk of arrest and/or Police involvement with high-risk needs who have a mental health-related disability i.e.: housing, continuity of follow-up care, Medication, and lack of a support system. Provide highly individualized, flexible, demand-responsive, intensive peer support and timely intervention during periods when individuals with psychiatric disabilities are experiencing increased vulnerability and are at greatest risk.
• Build relationships with Police Departments staff. Work with a multidisciplinary team of law enforcement officers and MRT to provide direct services and Peer Support.
• Responsibilities include: 1) reaching out to, and engaging individuals with significant psychiatric disabilities; 2) providing diversion, counseling, planning, and other needed services to identified persons; 3) connecting service recipients with network provider agencies; 4) maintaining linkages with community partners and other county resources in relation to education, housing, health care, recreation, and socialization; 5) Develop expert knowledge of referral sources for potential training and employment opportunities including public agencies and private employers; 6) restructuring resources as necessary to ensure continuing personal stability and individual satisfaction.
• Provide mental health peer counseling as needed.
• The above list of responsibilities is not intended to be all-inclusive, other responsibilities and/or training may be assigned or required.

• Monday through Friday 9am-5pm.

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Paid time off
• Paid holidays from the first day of employment
• Paid lunch break

• Bachelor’s degree in social work or related field (Equivalent years of experience in place of degree, acceptable.) Possess at least 2 years of experience in Forensic Mental Health or experience working with the Substance Abuse population.
• Must have lived experience with the criminal justice system and behavioral health.
• Must complete approved advocacy training programs within the first six months of employment.
• Must be a “peer” and have a working knowledge of the mental health system and recovery process (including but not limited to 12 step programs, Self Help and other alternative methods).
• Bilingual English/Spanish strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to recognize the need for and facilitate connections between consumers and IL and other disability related services.
• Knowledge of local, statewide and national disability related issues and community dynamics.
• Maintain a current and working knowledge of systems issues.
• Working knowledge of confidentiality requirements related to records pertaining to Mental Health and Chemical Dependency laws.
• Excellent written and verbal presentation skills.
• Must have good time management skills and be self-directing, especially if there is any downtime.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and have reliable transportation.
• Individual must have the ability to work collaboratively within a team.