Peer Support Specialist

The Village is accredited by the International Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) for its Adoptions, Foster Care, Mental Health, Wraparound, and Drop-In Center services. We deliver evidenced-based behavioral health services to children, youth and adults, and has long been at the forefront of culturally sensitive foster care and adoption services.

We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Peer Support Specialist to join our team! This is an exciting opportunity to become part of team in a growing organization. If you are passionate about making a difference in the lives of others, we encourage you to apply for this rewarding position.

POSITION DESCRIPTION: The Peer Support Specialist offers peer support and encouragement through relationship building; acts as an advocate and role model for clients (advocates with and for the client and teaches the client self-advocacy skills); will provide low barrier, culturally competent and trauma-informed services within the Drop-In Center. The Drop-In Center staff is responsible for minimizing the psychological, physical, and social barriers that may deter transitional age youth (TAY) and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer/questioning (LGBTQ) youth from seeking and accepting needed services and resources.

The Peer Support Specialist encourages and supports participation in self-help groups and provides specific information about various groups within the Drop-In Center and community that may be helpful to the client; mentors the client; supports personal recovery goals and builds upon resiliency. This position may assist the TAY with problem solving, self-care, and positive behaviors.

REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School Diploma or General Equivalency Degree
• Interest in Pursuing a Career in Social Services
• CPR and First Aid Certified (or willing to be certified)
• Ability to quickly build rapport with a diverse group of youth
• Experience with outreach to at-risk, vulnerable and hidden populations preferred
• Experience with youth in the child welfare system a plus
• Able to pass a criminal background and drug test
• Must have a valid CA Driver's License
• Available to work 20-29hrs per week (weekends are mandatory)
• *** M-F hours are 9:00am-1:00pm w/ flexibility on days off M-F
• *** Sat hours are 8:30am-5:00pm
• *** Sun hours are 9:30am-1:30pm

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. The Peer Support Specialist is able to easily engage youth and young adults and serve as a role model

2. Able to support client's personal goals for recovery and wellness

3. Welcome youth into the Drop-In Center and serve as point of initial engagement

4. Some understanding of the effects of substance use and mental illness preferred

5. Must have good communication and interpersonal skills

6. Facilitate services at meal times, opening and closing, and other high volume times for services at the Drop-In Center

7. Provide support for various activities and services housed in the Drop-In Center

8. Assist with administrative and operations tasks related to the Drop-In Center's day-to-day operations such as:

• Assist with distribution of food, toiletries, clothes
• Assist TAY with life skill building
• Assist with center opening and closing procedures
• Help to monitor working status of office and recreational equipment; report problems through appropriate channels

9. Ability to be trained to enter data into electronic health records systems

10. Ability to uphold professional standards as a representative of the organization and manages case records following legal, procedural, and confidentiality requirements

Physical Requirements

Positions in this class require the incumbents to be able to lift boxes of outreach materials or other items weighing up to 25 pounds without assistance.

Working conditions

Some positions in this class may require the incumbent to:

• Be exposed to hostile, emotionally disturbed or mentally ill persons and/or confrontational interpersonal situations.
• Work during non-routine hours, standby and/or callback.

The Village Family Services provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $20.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 403b

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Every weekend
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person