Peer Support Specialist (2762)

JOB SUMMARY 

The Peer Support Specialist reports to the Assistant Program Director and serves as a client advocate, provides information and peer support to clients in office outpatient settings, performs a wide range of tasks to assist clients in regaining control over their own lives and over their own recovery process. 

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES  

1. Assist with needs of program treatment staff and clients to provide quality services to clients of the program.
2. Remain in full compliance with regulatory and agency policies and procedures, including ensuring confidentiality of verbal and written consumer information.
3. Assists Intake Coordinators to ensure new referrals are logged and entered into the Electronic Health Record (EHR) in a timely manner in addition to meeting directly with clients and parents to complete initial admission documentation into the EHR. Schedule intake assessments and assessment contribution appointments.
4. Be present to meet and greet consumers upon arrival to the Program. 
5. Provide peer support, life/coping skills, and assistance to clients.
6. Provide client support in group setting.
7. Provide client support to understand and encourage adherence to program guidelines and procedures.
8. Provide monitoring and client assistance while in the office setting.
9. Work with other team members to achieve client goals and objectives.
10. Answer the telephone and reception as needed.
11. Perform some filing and other general office duties as needed.
12. Attend regular meetings with the Assistant Program Director or designee.
13. Will assist with the planning and organization of special socialization groups and events for clients.
14. Participate in Community Outreach opportunities in an effort to sustain referrals for services. 
15. Communicate closely, in a systematic fashion, with agencies and significant others involved in the rehabilitation of clients.
16. Provide timely reports on any unusual occurrences that might impact the overall program operation or the health and safety of clients or employees.  
17. Will think and act quickly and efficiently in emergencies.
18. Will drive on Agency business which includes participation in outreach events, attend training off-site, and pick up and deliver supplies.
19. Physical presence at the worksite is required.
20. Employees are expected to manage their cell phone use so that the Agency cell phone stipend covers business usage related to two-factor authentication (2FA) and required HRIS access.

ESSENTIAL JOB REQUIREMENTS 

1. High school diploma or GED, with one (1) year experience in community mental health and education, preferred.
2. Current or former recipient of client services or a person with lived experience related to mental health preferred.
3. Ability to work independently, making decisions and using self-initiative to establish projects; and complete tasks.
4. Demonstrated proficiency in reading and writing.
5. Ability to establish trusting relationships with peers.
6. Work effectively and professionally with program partners and co-workers.
7. Communicate effectively in written and spoken English. 
8. Ability to communicate effectively in written and spoken Spanish required.
9. Legibly, accurately and appropriately document communications, behaviors and routine facility events as they occur.
10. Ability to work independently and as a part of a team; strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills.            
11. Intermediate computer skills in Office 365, Teams, Zoom and other communication/meeting platforms.
12. Possess a valid driver’s license and have access to a dependable means of transportation that is properly insured and operated in accordance with all laws. Agency insurer authorization is required. 
13. Ability to pass a pre-employment criminal background check.
14. Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screen and TB test.

ESSENTIAL JOB REQUIREMENTS FOR BILINGUAL SKILL 

1. Communicate effectively in written and spoken Spanish. 
2. Required ability to communicate effectively with monolingual Spanish speaking clients and families for all clinical purposes.   
3. Assist with phone calls for Spanish speaking clients. 
4. Required to provide language translations for case managers and Physicians on a periodic basis. 
5. Other translation tasks as required. 

COMPANY BENEFITS

• Company paid benefits package including medical, dental, vision, Employee Assistance Program, Pension Fund and many other voluntary benefits
• Qualified non-profit for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program
• On the job training including paid professional development and career development
• Rewarding work environment with excellent opportunities for career growth
• Meaningful relationships with your co-workers and the individuals we serve
• Family-oriented environment
• Mileage reimbursement for travel

We are a diverse, inclusive and equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, creed, age (40+), disability status, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, protected military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Turning Point of Central California, Inc. will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if Turning Point of Central California, Inc. is concerned about conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting the Civil Rights Department Fair Chance Act webpage.