Company Name: Habitat for Humanity Yuba/Sutter Inc.
Job Title: Peer Support Specialist
Reports To: Program Manager
Pay Range: $19.00 - $21.00 hourly
Classification: Non-Exempt
Job Summary: The Peer Support Specialist provides mentorship, education, and support to individuals and families in the HFHYS community honoring the mission, vision, and core values of the organization. This position helps clients at various points in their journey and may support recovery programs and/or other behavioral health and housing programs, connecting them to resources for lifelong success. The Peer Support Specialist leverages lived experiences to help those in treatment and provide a judgment-free space to grow and heal.
JOB DUTIES:
- Provides cheerful and responsive customer service at all times.
- Provides mentoring/support to individuals/families in services in coordination with clinical and other services.
- Directs clients to participate in healthy, recovery- and wellness-oriented activities during non-structured time.
- Consistently monitors activities of center and residential clients.
- Makes or receives calls related to client care.
- Assists with admissions into programs, duties include assisting with the completion of entry paperwork, transferring clients from admissions into residential units, searching and processing client belongings, conducting room and unit searches for unapproved items posing safety risk.
- Acts as a communications link connecting client information to the clinical or other teams.
- Notifies Facilities Manager of any maintenance or repair needs.
- Actively monitors and reports any safety problems.
- Maintains a visible and active presence in the center and residential areas.
- Provides crisis intervention and conflict resolution.
- Facilitates or co-facilitates education and peer support groups.
- Transports clients to approved appointments (if required and authorized), transportation may include door-to-door transfers from other facilities.
- Assist designated clinical and other personnel in completing specified support activities.
- Plans and organizes activities within the program structure.
- Completes daily paperwork requirements, including assigned records documentation.
- Collaborates with clinical and other teams, including case managers, to advocate for the best interest of the client.
- If applicable, forwards closed client files to designated staff when completed.
- Checks the return of program materials and supplies when client services discontinue.
- May be required to cover evening/weekend hours and be “on call” as required.
- Participates in at least weekly clinical or other oversight in accordance with requirements.
- Collaborates and organizes effectively, understands and works with complex systems, and provides professional leadership to the multi-disciplinary team.
- Supports the ongoing treatment of individuals by connecting them with services and removing barriers.
- Assists individuals in developing healthy coping mechanisms, resiliency, and other support skills.
- Increases individual's engagement with the program by providing a judgment-free space.
- Assists individuals in accessing services or resources such as housing support or food pantries.
- Responds to calls for assistance and client emergencies as needed.
- Develops rehabilitative activities, coping mechanisms, and rehabilitation tactics together with the client.
- Offers guidance and support to people who are struggling with substance abuse, psychological trauma, or mental health disorders.
- Collaborates with the treatment/service team to develop individualized plans and provide support in group settings.
- Works to increase awareness of mental health issues and advocate for clients' rights.
- Successfully passes the state-approved Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Certification exam and/or obtains a valid SUD counselor registration certificate from a DHCS approved program (within 12 months or as approved).
- Successfully completes and demonstrates completion of an 80-hour training covering California's 17 core competencies for Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialists (training must be obtained from a Cal MHSA-approved training program) and/or 80-hours of SUD counselor certification-required courses from a DHCS approved program (within 12 months or as approved).
- Under supervision of clinical and/or management staff, makes medications available to clients and documents activity accurately.
- Under supervision of clinical and/or management staff, take patient vitals and assist with other tracking and documentation of health status as needed.
- Maintains:
- Schedule of important events
- Weekly census log of active clients
- Maintains collection and file of client Program Evaluations
- Open client records in an orderly manner
- Safety and integrity of the unit
- Record of supply stocks and equipment and coordinates provision of materials as required
- Aids kitchen staff in the execution of related duties; follows all sanitary food handling.
- Guides new admissions through pest control and prevention procedures.
- Orients new clients, reviews program and house guidelines, and makes doctor’s appointments for physical exam and TB screening.
- Collects, charts, and reports client drug tests as trained.
- Documents client records according to agency standards
Monitors:
- Program schedule, house rules, client behavior, and pass activity
- Monitors completion of initial paperwork and organizes new client files
- Monitors the execution of client chores and other responsibilities
- Checks personal belongings of new clients, securing any medications and valuables
- Consistently contributes to a safe and positive work environment.
- Maintains regular attendance and timeliness.
- Performs additional job duties that may be required to meet the needs of the program and/or department ensuring compliance & adequate services.
- Other administrative and operations support duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, and Qualifications:
· At least 18 years old. (required)
· High school diploma or similar degree (required)
· Lived experience as someone with – or close connection to someone – with behavioral health challenges. Self-identify as an individual with lived experience, a Peer.
· Willing to share their personal experience within professional boundaries (required)
· Agree, in writing, to adhere to the Code of Ethics (required)
· Successfully complete the 80-hour training through a CalMHSA-approved training facility (required within 12 months or as approved)
· Ability to learn and use Electronic Medical Software and HMIS to perform essential job functions which will include thoroughly documenting and entering program – required documents into the system in a timely manner
· Pass the certification exam (required with 12 months or as approved)
· Demonstrate a commitment to the values and mission HFHYS
· Must possess a current and valid California driver’s license, including a driving record acceptable to F&H insurance company
Preferred:
· Bilingual (Preferred)
· Experience with substance abuse, seriously mentally ill, and/or general mental health college level coursework and/or Associates degree with an emphasis in Human Services, Counseling, and Psychology
· Strong communication skills, active listening skills
· Patient/Customer focused
· Excellent problem-solving skills using sound judgment
· Change leader, team developer, and results-oriented mindset
Special Requirements:
· Must pass criminal background screening.
· Completion of a pre-employment drug screening and post-employment drug or alcohol tests upon reasonable suspicion of use.
· Must be insurable by HFHYS insurance carriers.
· Provide required proof of legal right to work in the United States.
· Must provide T.B. clearance and health screening from a medical professional.
· Must be able to support a flexible schedule, including evenings, nights, and weekends.
· A Certified Peer Support Specialist II has 1500 hours (about 2 months) of direct service hours as a Peer Support Specialist or One year of working directly with patients in a public behavioral health or similar setting.
a. Current California Peer Support Specialist Certification
b. Must complete the certification requirements, as identified, and receive certification, prior to providing services as a certified
c. Expected to possess the ability to work in a paraprofessional capacity, performing the necessary scope of their practice under general supervision.
d. Responds to calls for assistance and client emergencies as needed
e. Meets with clients regularly to provide them with peer counseling, care coordination, and assistance, crisis stabilization when needed.
f. Develops rehabilitative programs, coping mechanisms, and rehabilitation tactics together with the client.
g. Connects clients with resources, providing referrals, and advocating for clients
h. Provides support in group settings and facilitates groups as needed
i. Cultivates relationships built on trust, respect, empathy, mutual experience, and choice
j. Shares their personal experience (when appropriate) to inspire hope
k. Provides training in the use of personal and community resources
l. Assists the person served in increasing social support networks of relatives, friends and/or significant others
· A Certified Peer Support Specialist III has one year of working directly with patients in a public behavioral health or similar setting.
a. Responding to call-outs and client emergencies as needed
b. Meeting with clients regularly to offer one-on-one support and counseling
c. Developing recovery plans, coping methods, and rehabilitation strategies with the client
Typical Working Environment:
This is an on-site position performing work in a central office location. The position may cover shifts at multiple sites within either Sutter/Yuba or Glenn counties. The anticipated noise level is quiet to moderate with occasional dialogue or incoming calls, with no notable noise contributors. This position will work in close proximity to other people. Driving & local travel is required.
Interaction/Supervision:
This position interacts with Directors, managers, supervisors, coworkers, clinicians, medical professionals, the general public, vendors, clients, and families.
Physical Demands:
Constantly (more than 66% per week): Talking, hearing, sitting, walking on normal surfaces, using a keyboard, fine dexterity with hands, grasping, and holding.
Occasionally (1% - 33% per week): Reaching outward, standing.
Rarely (less than 1 hour per week): Lifting/carrying up to 20 pounds, pushing and pulling up to 20 pounds, reaching overhead, kneeling, bending, and squatting.
Hours of Work:
This position will work the hours necessary to meet the needs of the business and to complete necessary
job duties. While a regular work schedule will be established at hire, this may be revised with notice and may include work during days, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays. Limitations must be disclosed and documented at hire.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by those assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Management reserves the right to reassign and alter the job description as dictated by business necessity and evaluated reasonable accommodations.
Pay: $19.00 - $21.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Bereavement leave
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Mileage reimbursement
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Work Location: In person
