Peer Support Specialist 2

Job Summary

Under the supervision of the VVC Manager, the Peer Support Specialist 2 plays a crucial role in delivering front-line services to clients of the Wellness Center Campus. This position involves providing essential support, including information, training, encouragement, advocacy, and assessments of service effectiveness, to help clients navigate immediate challenges. The Peer Support Specialist incorporates the consumer's perspective into program development and treatment strategy formulation. Throughout their shifts, they serve as a resource for clients, assisting with orientation for new individuals, mediating conflicts, and offering information about additional services and resources. Depending on staffing needs and individual skills, the Peer Support Specialist may also handle intake and referrals as part of their responsibilities.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• None.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Create a welcoming environment for new and returning clients, providing information, training, support, and empowerment.
• Advocate for clients, promoting services that enhance wellness and recovery.
• Facilitate self-help groups for clients, youth, family members, and caregivers.
• Participate in events, conferences, workshops, and training within the mental health system and community.
• Develop activities, programs, and resources to help clients achieve their goals.
• Recognize and address social and cultural factors in recovery services related to substance use, behavioral health, and physical health.
• Build effective relationships with agencies to empower clients and their families/caregivers.
• Prepare and support clients in case staffing and various hearings.
• Assist clients and supporters in articulating their needs.
• Focus on consumer satisfaction with recovery and wellness services.
• Collaborate as part of the Wellness Team, maintaining open communication and shared decision-making.
• Communicate shelter rules, set appropriate limits, and intervene in emergencies, including mental health crises.
• Engage in de-escalation techniques and support individuals in crisis due to mental illness or substance use.
• Use proactive problem-solving to maintain a safe environment at the Wellness Center.
• Maintain thorough documentation of incidents and services provided per program guidelines.
• Provide referrals to social services, housing, and other resources; coordinate with Case Managers on housing plans.
• Actively participate in multi-disciplinary team meetings.
• Maintain professional boundaries with clients, avoiding social relationships or exchanges of money/goods.
• Report any conflicts of interest .
• Complete intake processes accurately and orient new clients to policies and procedures.
• Assist with client transportation as needed.
• Collaborate with program and agency staff to foster a team environment.
• Model effective communication skills in building relationships with guests and colleagues.
• Develop good working relationships with other service providers.

Participate in the implementation of the Wellness

Education & Experience:

• High School Diploma or equivalent qualification required.
• Enrollment in Peer Support Specialist Certification is expected by the 90-day employment review.
• A genuine desire to assist individuals experiencing homelessness, including those with mental illness and/or substance dependency; experience with these populations is preferred.
• Current or prior experience as a consumer of mental health services, or as a family member/caregiver of a mental health consumer.
• Valid, unrestricted CA driver’s license.
• Certification in Basic Life Support (BLS) from the American Heart Association (AHA) or the American Red Cross preferred.
• Knowledge and proficiency in Google Workspace, including Gmail, Google Docs, Google Sheets, and Google Calendar, is preferred.
• Must be comfortable working in a transitional housing environment.
• Must successfully pass a background check.