NAMI CONNECTS MENTOR

NAMI OC Mentors are essential in providing one-on-one peer support to individuals in the emergency department seeking assistance from those with diverse life experiences. Their warm, personal, and nonjudgmental approach offers critical emotional support during mental health crises. Mentors not only assist patients but also extend NAMI resources to family members, guiding them through these difficult times with compassion and understanding.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES

• Provide wellness-focused peer-to-peer support in a 1:1 setting for crisis-related.
• Position duties consist of visiting with patients in the ED and accurate documentation of those encounters. Other required duties are a weekly staff meeting and required trainings.
• Use active listening and peer counseling skills to understand the person's needs and respond appropriately
• Provide emotional support: Act as a supportive listener, offering compassion, empathy, and non judgmental support to individuals experiencing crisis or emotional distress.
• Offer practical help: Help individuals connect with NAMI resources and services they need, such as warm line, educational classes, or support groups.
• Assist potential participants in obtaining Medi-Cal with CalOptima if individual doesn't have insurance
• Maintain confidentiality: Respect and maintain the confidential nature of conversations held with individuals seeking support, adhering to ethical and legal guidelines
• Follow the individuals Plan of Care as outlined by their health care providers.
• Respectfully advocate for individuals: Serve as an advocate for individuals experiencing crisis, working to ensure they receive appropriate care and support from medical or mental health professionals. Assist in formulating questions for visits if individual has concerns.
• Collaborate with team members: Work collaboratively with other members of the crisis response team to ensure a coordinated and effective response to each crisis situation.
• Maintain documentation: Keep accurate documentation of all interactions with patients and family members seeking support, adhering to agency policies and procedures.
• Participate in training and professional development: Attend regular training sessions and professional development opportunities to enhance knowledge and skills related to crisis intervention and support. Some of these trainings will be required and paid for, some of these trainings will be performed on individuals own time.

Other Duties:

This job description incorporates the essential functions and duties required for this position. However, other duties may be required and assigned at times, as determined by a supervisor in order to meet the needs of the program and organization.

• Engage in community outreach activities as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Must be available to work evenings and on weekends.
• Must be able to work on site
• Provide appropriate communication skills while offering compassionate listening and mentor support
• Ensure a present and attentive approach, adhering to the guidelines, to maintain the efficiency and effectiveness of our mentor support services
• Exhibit a strong understanding of peer ethics and maintain appropriate boundaries while providing empathetic support and fostering a safe environment for individuals seeking mental health support and resources.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Personal or Family mental health lived experience and openness to disclose to participants and during training is a requirement for this position.
• Minimum 1 ½ years experience as a peer counselor, peer specialist, or similar (either paid or volunteer), ideally within a nonprofit setting.
• Experience maintaining the confidentiality of sensitive information, understanding of confidentiality practices.
• Familiarity with the mental health recovery movement, peer support model, and local resources.
• Proficiency in Google Office Suite, use of a multi-line phone system, technology systems (Zoom, iCarol, Microsoft Office Suite) and basic troubleshooting.
• Demonstrate working knowledge of the mental health, substance use, and suicide prevention services
• Bilingual (English/Vietnamese, English/Spanish, English/Farsi or English/Korean) - not mandatory, definitely a plus.
• Support the values and mission of NAMI OC as related to employment.
• Ability to successfully complete a background check and drug screening.

DETAILS:

Must reside in Orange County, California Driving is required In-person Reports to NAMI OC Peer Services Manager Work Environment and Physical Demands This position works in an office environment. Must be able to sit or stand for prolonged periods and occasionally lift up to 20 pounds. Occasional travel within Orange County may be required for outreach or events. Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion NAMI is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds, particularly those with lived experience of mental illness, to apply

Pay:

$26.00 - $26.01 per hour

Work Location:

In person