NAMI OC Peer Advocates & Hospital Mentors play a central role in providing compassionate, one-on-one peer support to individuals and families experiencing mental health challenges, emotional distress, or crisis. Using personal lived experience, active listening, and a warm, personal, and nonjudgmental approach, the Peer Advocate & Hospital Mentor helps individuals navigate difficult moments, connect with resources, access appropriate care, and build meaningful support systems. This position provides peer support in a variety of settings, including hospital emergency departments, community locations, telephone, and virtual platforms. Hospital-based services include supporting patients and their families in emergency department settings, while community-based services include follow-up support, resource navigation, appointment assistance, and connection to ongoing services throughout Orange County. Peer Mentors serve as a supportive bridge between individuals, families, healthcare providers, mental health professionals, community resources, and NAMI OC services. Essential Functions and Duties Provide wellness-focused, one-on-one peer support to individuals experiencing mental health challenges, emotional distress, or crisis. Provide peer support to individuals in hospital emergency department settings, community settings, by telephone, and through virtual platforms such as Zoom, as assigned. Provide compassionate emotional support through active listening, empathy, encouragement, and a nonjudgmental approach. Use personal lived experience appropriately and professionally to establish trust, connection, hope, and understanding with individuals and families. Support individuals and family members during times of crisis and help them identify appropriate next steps. Help individuals connect with NAMI OC programs, navigating and accessing mental health healthcare, and social service resources. Assist individuals with obtaining Medi-Cal through CalOptima when they do not have insurance. Assist individuals in obtaining clinical and follow-up appointments and help them identify questions, concerns, and topics they may wish to discuss with their healthcare providers. Respectfully advocate for individuals by helping them communicate their needs and concerns to medical and mental health professionals. Follow the individual's Plan of Care as outlined by their healthcare providers and within the scope of peer support services. Support individuals in developing and strengthening social and community support networks. When appropriate, provide resources and support to family members who may be seeking assistance or education related to a loved one's mental health needs. Collaborate with hospital personnel, crisis response teams, NAMI OC staff, healthcare providers, and community partners to promote coordinated and effective support. Maintain appropriate professional boundaries and practice peer support in accordance with established ethical and organizational guidelines. Maintain strict confidentiality and appropriately safeguard sensitive information in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, ethical standards, and NAMI OC policies and procedures. Accurately document all participant, patient, and family-member encounters and services in accordance with agency requirements. Attend weekly staff meetings and all required trainings. Participate in ongoing training and professional development related to peer support, crisis intervention, mental health recovery, suicide prevention, substance use, and related areas. Some required trainings will be paid and completed during work hours; other certification-related training may be required to be completed on the employee's own time. Participate in community outreach activities, events, and other program activities as assigned. Maintain a present, attentive, and professional approach that supports the effectiveness and quality of NAMI OC's peer services. Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor to meet the needs of the program and organization. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to provide compassionate, respectful, and nonjudgmental peer support. Ability to actively listen and respond appropriately to individuals experiencing emotional distress or crisis. Understanding of peer support principles, ethics, boundaries, and the mental health recovery movement. Ability to establish trust and rapport while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries. Ability to remain calm, attentive, and professional when working with individuals experiencing crisis or emotional distress. Knowledge of mental health, substance use, suicide prevention, healthcare, and community-based resources. Ability to work collaboratively with hospital staff, healthcare providers, crisis response teams, NAMI OC staff, and community organizations. Ability to maintain accurate and timely documentation. Proficiency with Microsoft Office, iCarol, and other technology platforms; basic troubleshooting skills preferred. Must be available to work evenings and weekends as required by program needs. Must be able to work in person at designated hospital and community locations throughout Orange County. Must be willing and able to travel throughout Orange County as required. Bilingual skills are highly desirable, particularly English/Vietnamese, English/Spanish, English/Farsi, or English/Korean. Education, Experience, and Other Requirements Personal or family lived experience with mental health challenges is required, along with an openness and willingness to appropriately disclose lived experience to participants and during required training. Current Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist certification is preferred/required for applicable program duties. Employees who are not currently certified must obtain certification within six months of hire, as applicable to the position and program requirements. Minimum of 1½ years of experience as a peer counselor, peer specialist, mentor, advocate, or in a similar role, whether paid or volunteer; nonprofit experience is strongly preferred. Experience maintaining the confidentiality of sensitive information and understanding confidentiality practices. Familiarity with the peer support model, mental health recovery movement, and local mental health and community resources. Demonstrated knowledge of mental health, substance use, suicide prevention, and crisis-support services. Ability to successfully complete a background clearance/check and drug screening, as required. Must reside in Orange County, California. Valid driver's license and reliable transportation required, as driving throughout Orange County may be necessary. Ability to support and advance the values, mission, and goals of NAMI OC. Work Environment and Physical Demands This position works in hospitals (Emergency Departments), office, and community environments, depending on program assignment. Must be able to sit or stand for prolonged periods. Must be able to occasionally lift up to 20 pounds. Travel within Orange County may be required for participant support, hospital assignments, outreaches in the community, meetings, or events. Must be able to work in person at designated locations throughout Orange County. Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion NAMI OC is an equal opportunity employer committed to building and maintaining a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace. We value the unique perspectives and experiences that individuals bring to our organization and strongly encourage candidates from all backgrounds, particularly individuals with personal or family lived experience of mental illness, to apply.

Pay:

$26.00 per hour Expected hours: 30.0 - 40.0 per week

Benefits:

403(b) 403(b) matching Dental insurance Health insurance Life insurance Mileage reimbursement Paid time off Parental leave Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person