Peer Support Specialist

Title:

Transitional Aged Youth Peer Support Specialist (Part-Time)

Pay:

$22.00 - $28.00 hourly ($45,760.00 - $58,240.00 annually, based on full-time status) _____________________________________________________________________________________

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION

Under supervision, provide peer support and advocacy to consumers age 16 to 25 years. Peer support may include one-on-one peer support as well as in group settings. The TAY Peer Support Specialist draws upon their own personal experience navigating systems to work individually with youth and/or family members to engage them in the process, increase their involvement, and assist them in achieving their care plan goals. This includes a wide range of activities in order to function as a member of the supporting team as well as provide individual support. The TAY Peer Support Specialist may also be involved in community awareness and leadership activities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

1. Provide and communicate guidance, expertise, and support for youth, families, and/or any other natural supports one-on-one and in group settings. 2. Demonstrate high level engagement and alignment skills, to build trust and rapport with youth, families, and collateral supports. 3. Work as a "collaborative advocate," helping youth, caregivers, and family members understand the mandates and perspectives of other team members while navigating through county systems. 4. Use knowledge of community resources, school systems, or other mental health services to help youth and families identify and connect to a family safety network and/or natural support team in the community. 5. Provide coaching and support related to safety planning/self-control plans as well as self-care plans for youth/families. 6. Attend and participate in mental health awareness activities in the community. 7. Participate in peer forums which may include public speaking engagements. 8. Complete all training requirements as indicated by supervisor. 9. Participate in weekly supervision/mentorship with the supervisor or designee. 10. Maintain accurate and high-quality documentation and paperwork.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

1. High school diploma/GED. 2. Personal, lived experience with relevant systems (e.g., child welfare, juvenile justice, mental health, special education, etc.). 3. Ability to work as a part of a multidisciplinary team. 4. Ability to work with diverse population. 5. Strong organization and communication skills.

Experience:

Depending on the assignment, current or previous experience as a consumer of mental health services or as a family member/caregiver of a former or current mental health consumer. AND one year as a Parent Partner or one year of experience equivalent to the Parent Partner. Bilingual in Spanish Preferred.

Knowledge of:

The needs and difficulties faced by ethnically diverse consumers, caregivers/ families of mental health consumers; the public and/or private agency services available for families, children and adults with serious mental health needs, such as schools, social services and other systems; the self-help and consumer-oriented treatment models; and methods to effectively communicate with consumers, family/caregivers, the community and the mental health treatment team.

Ability to:

Understand the principles of the mental health system and effectively work within the system; effectively represent and advocate for the consumer perspective within the community and mental health system; understand and articulate the cultural and social factors affecting behavior patterns; effectively communicate the workings of the mental health system to service consumers, parents, family members and caregivers; establish and maintain strong working relationships with a wide range of community agencies and organizations; obtain and record accurate information for case documentation and other reports.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT

All employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of both a physical exam that may include a drug/alcohol test and a criminal background investigation that involves fingerprints. A felony or misdemeanor conviction may disqualify the applicant from employment with

C.H.A.R.L.E.E.

Family Care, Inc.

Pay:

$22.00 - $28.00 per hour

Benefits:

Mileage reimbursement

Work Location:

In person