Peer Support Specialist

POSITION SUMMARY:

Person in this position is responsible for providing peer leadership, outreach, advocacy, coaching, and recovery support services to those seeking or sustain recovery within the community. In collaboration with the assigned mental health clinician help facilitate linkages, de-escalate clients in the field and consult with law enforcement within scope of practice. Essential Job Functions include those listed below.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Serve as a positive role-model to individuals and their families, sharing experiential knowledge and skills.
• Works with individuals, families, and groups to provide outreach and emotional support.
• Educate and refer clients to community agencies and businesses that appropriately address their need for food, shelter, clothing, employment, transportation, social service benefits, etc.
• Provides warm hand off to community resources, services, and supports.
• Provide services that promote wellness, recovery, and resiliency.
• Assist clients with establishing or re-establishing support systems within their community.
• Engage with the family members of (or other persons significant to) those in crisis to educate them about self-care and ways to provide support.
• Participate in clinical staffing decisions regarding the patients' current strengths and resources and their need for additional resources.
• Engages individuals and families in crisis planning process using evidenced based practices including Motivational Interviewing and Mental Health First Aid.
• Facilitates stabilization and care coordination services post-acute intervention.
• Must Embrace and embody the mission, vision, guiding principles, clinical vision, and goals of WestCare Foundation; and
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the duties and responsibilities satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Experience and Competencies:

• Ability to forge effective relationships with law enforcement personnel.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to exercise good judgment and discretion.
• Ability to work well in a team environment.
• Adherence to the highest standard of ethical conduct, especially to standards governing confidentiality.
• Professional appearance and demeanor.
• Must be culturally/linguistically sensitive to populations served.
• Ability to obtain and maintain clearance from LEIE, MSIL, and EPLS.
• Valid driver's license and ability to obtain and maintain WestCare's vehicle insurance is required.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain Madera County Credentialing.
• As mandated by the State of California those employees who work at Residential, Outpatient, Sober Living, provide Mental Health Services, Administrative Staff or Transitional Living Facilities must be fully vaccinated and have received a booster. Employees that have requested a Medical or Religious Exemption, which has been approved by Human Resources will be required to test for the virus weekly.
• During your tenure with WestCare there may be new requirements, including, but not limited to vaccinations that are issued by local, State, Federal, and/or Funders that WestCare may have to comply with. Should this occur Human Resources or appropriate personnel will inform you.
• CPR Certification, First Aid Certification, and an annual Tuberculosis test.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• Training and/or experience in Crisis Intervention is preferred.
• High School diploma or its equivalent, is required.

LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION:

• Not applicable for this position.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work is primarily performed in an office or in a Residential/Outpatient treatment setting.
• Some outdoor activities may be required.
• Must be able to de-escalate situations in the program.