Peer Support Specialist

About Us

Symba Center is a faith based, non-profit organization providing medical, mental health, recuperative care, case management, housing navigation, substance use disorder counseling, and other wraparound services. Our mission is to implement and inspire innovative solutions designed to meet the health and wellness needs of low income, homeless and uninsured individuals in our community. We aim to build partnerships that bridge gaps in health access for this population. Symba Center is systematically seeking to understand the needs of the community, identifying the best approaches to address the issues, and advancing efforts to promote the broader social good. Help us in making our community a healthier and happier place. Here at Symba Center, we are one community with one mission.

Job Summary

Under the supervision of the Wellness Services Manager and Case Manager Lead, the Peer Support Specialist plays a crucial role in delivering front-line services to clients of ‘The Path’ in the City of Fontana. ‘The Path’ is a transitional housing facility for unhoused individuals in the City of Fontana and operated by Symba Center. This position involves providing essential support, including information, training, encouragement, advocacy, and assessments of service effectiveness, to help clients navigate immediate challenges. The Peer Support Specialist incorporates the client's perspective into program development and treatment strategy formulation. Throughout their shifts, they serve as a resource for clients, assisting with orientation for new individuals, mediating conflicts, and offering information about additional services and resources. Depending on staffing needs and individual skills, the Peer Support Specialist may also handle intake and referrals as part of their responsibilities.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• None

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Create a welcoming environment for new and returning clients, providing information, training, support, and empowerment.
• Advocate for clients, promoting services that enhance wellness and recovery.
• Facilitate self-help groups for clients, youth, family members, and caregivers.
• Participate in events, conferences, workshops, and training within the mental health system and community.
• Develop activities, programs, and resources to help clients achieve their goals.
• Recognize and address social and cultural factors in recovery services related to substance use, behavioral health, and physical health.
• Build effective relationships with agencies to empower clients and their families/caregivers.
• Prepare and support clients in case staffing and various hearings.
• Assist clients and supporters in articulating their needs.
• Focus on client satisfaction with recovery and wellness services.
• Collaborate as part of the Wellness Team, maintaining open communication and shared decision-making.
• Communicate shelter rules, set appropriate limits, and intervene in emergencies, including mental health crises.
• Engage in de-escalation techniques and support individuals in crisis due to mental illness or substance use.
• Use proactive problem-solving to maintain a safe environment at ‘The Path’ in the City of Fontana.
• Maintain thorough documentation of incidents and services provided per program guidelines.
• Provide referrals to social services, housing, and other resources; coordinate with Case Managers on housing plans.
• Actively participate in multi-disciplinary team meetings.
• Maintain professional boundaries with clients, avoiding social relationships or exchanges of money/goods.
• Report any conflicts of interest to the Case Manager Lead.
• Complete intake processes accurately and orient new clients to policies and procedures.
• Assist with client transportation as needed.
• Collaborate with program and agency staff to foster a team environment.
• Model effective communication skills in building relationships with guests and colleagues.
• Develop good working relationships with other service providers.
• Participate in the implementation of ‘The Path’ in the City of Fontana's strategic plan.
• Perform other assigned duties as needed.

Education & Experience:

• High School Diploma or equivalent qualification required.
• Enrollment in Peer Support Specialist Certification is expected by the 90-day employment review.
• A genuine desire to assist individuals experiencing homelessness, including those with mental illness and/or substance dependency; experience with these populations is preferred.
• Current or prior experience as a client of mental health services, or as a family member/caregiver of a mental health client.
• Valid, unrestricted CA driver’s license.
• Certification in Basic Life Support (BLS) from the American Heart Association (AHA) or the American Red Cross preferred.
• Knowledge and proficiency in Google Workspace, including Gmail, Google Docs, Google Sheets, and Google Calendar, is preferred.
• Must be comfortable working in a transitional housing environment.
• Must successfully pass a background check.

Knowledge & Skills:

• Housing Navigation, Resources, & Policies: Knowledge of housing search steps, application processes, landlord negotiations, and moving logistics. Familiarity with local programs, shelters, transitional housing, affordable options, and subsidies (e.g., Section 8). Awareness of policies affecting homelessness and affordable housing at local, state, and federal levels.
• Tenant Rights: Understanding of tenant rights, eviction processes, and fair housing laws to empower clients.
• Barriers to Housing: Recognizing common barriers like poor credit or criminal records and strategies to overcome them.
• Case Management: Familiarity with needs assessment, goal setting, and service coordination practices.
• Community Resources: Knowledge of local organizations (e.g., food banks, employment services) that aid housing stability.
• Financial Assistance: Awareness of rental and utility assistance programs available to clients.
• Public Benefits Navigation: Understanding processes for applying for benefits like SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and SNAP.
• Mental Health Awareness: Insight into how mental health and substance use challenges affect housing stability.
• Trauma-Informed Care: Familiarity with practices that provide sensitive care for individuals with trauma histories.
• Crisis Intervention: Knowledge of techniques to support clients in emotional or stressful situations.
• Peer Support Models: Understanding of strengths-based approaches and recovery processes.
• Cultural Competency: Awareness of cultural differences and systemic inequalities impacting access to housing and services.
• Communication & Documentation: Ability to communicate clearly and document client progress and challenges accurately.
• Active Listening: Understanding clients’ and partners’ needs and concerns.
• Empathy: Compassionate, non-judgmental approach when working with clients facing housing instability.
• Time Management: Efficiently balancing multiple clients and tasks.
• Team Collaboration: Working closely with Case Managers, Housing Navigators, and service providers.
• Health & Safety Protocols: Knowledge of safety practices when visiting clients in various environments.
• Confidentiality & Ethics: Understanding confidentiality requirements, including HIPAA compliance.

Additional Requirements:

This position requires active participation in program development as a key component of our mission. Employees will collaborate with team members to design, implement, and evaluate programs that meet the needs of our clients and the community. This includes conducting research, gathering feedback, and contributing innovative ideas to enhance our offerings. A commitment to continuous improvement and a proactive approach to program enhancement are essential for success in this role.

Professional Requirements:

• Uphold all of SYMBA’s core values.
• Adhere to dress code standards; maintain a neat and clean appearance with appropriate personal hygiene and grooming.
• Ensure confidentiality at all times and comply with HIPAA regulations; never inappropriately access or discuss client information.
• Arrive at work on time and as scheduled; complete tasks within designated time frames.
• Wear identification while on campus.
• Attend all required training sessions and meetings.
• Accurately clock in and out for all shifts.
• Represent the organization positively and professionally within the community.
• Comply with all organizational policies related to ethical business practices.

Customer Service, Attitude, & Language Skills:

• Deliver compassionate, respectful, and culturally sensitive care to all clients.
• Foster a welcoming and supportive environment through a professional and friendly demeanor.
• Communicate clearly and respectfully to ensure client understanding.
• Ensure clients fully understand their treatment plans.
• Address client concerns with empathy and attentiveness.
• Adapt communication styles to accommodate diverse cultural and linguistic needs.
• Respect cultural differences during interactions with clients.
• Maintain a positive attitude, demonstrating patience and resilience in stressful situations.
• Collaborate effectively with clients and peers.
• Practice active listening to ensure clients feel heard and their needs addressed.
• Use bilingual or multilingual skills to assist non-English-speaking clients as needed.
• Safeguard client confidentiality and privacy with professionalism and integrity.

Confidential Information & HIPAA:

As a healthcare organization, Symba Center is bound by stringent confidentiality laws, including HIPAA. All employees are required to adhere to both HIPAA regulations and Symba Center’s specific HIPAA compliance policies.

Environment & Working Conditions:

The characteristics of the work environment outlined here reflect what employees may experience while carrying out the essential functions of this position. The center fosters a dynamic atmosphere that encompasses both an office setting and outreach activities. Employees will have access to comfortable desks and computers for documentation and administrative work, along with private meeting spaces to maintain client confidentiality. Additionally, staff will engage in outreach efforts that involve walking and interacting with current and prospective clients in various community settings. This role demands adaptability to thrive in both organized office environments and active community engagements. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to assist individuals with disabilities in performing essential job functions.

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• 401(k) Plan with up to 6% Matching
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and Sick Leave
• 11 Paid Holidays

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $20.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

Salary : $20