Certified Peer Support Specialist

LA FAMILIA•San Leandro, CA

4d•$24 - $25•Onsite

About The Position

The Peer Respite Program is a pilot project of La Familia, designed to support individuals reentering the community from various access points, including locked facilities, to address their mental health needs and assist in avoiding future forensic involvement. La Familia’s Peer Respite is a 6-bed short-term respite home, run by and for adult participants with lived experience of mental health and/or substance use disorders, aiming to increase the quality of mental health services for these individuals and support their reentry and recovery. The Certified Peer Support Specialist will provide housing care and programming to the Peer Respite residents, which could include accompanying clients to appointments and ensuring they receive the necessary services. The Peer Support Specialist will also provide one-on-one coaching and life skills groups to the residents, link them to housing, as well as health-related resources in the community. This position will provide peer support to participants through participation in orientation and welcoming participants; serving as a role model and credible messenger; providing understanding and validation through a shared perspective; providing mentoring, coaching, motivating and/or teaching as participants progress through respite services, education and employment goals; facilitation of direct linkage to community resources with a focus on Behavioral Health and Mental Health services; facilitation of groups, workshops, activities; providing feedback for Quality Assurance and strategic planning; and complementing the work of other staff through thoughtful teamwork. The Certified Peer Support Specialist will deliver services that address and improve the quality of residents' mental wellness by increasing access to services that support independence. The Peer Support Specialist aims to reduce further justice involvement through their work. Persons with lived experience of recovery from a behavioral or mental health challenge are encouraged to apply. This role will uphold and champion the agency’s mission, vision, and values and contribute to a collaborative and inclusive work culture. The position is covered under the SEIU 1021 Collective Bargaining Agreement, with negotiated annual increases.

Requirements

Must be certified as a Mental Health Peer Support Specialist or be able to provide evidence of certification in progress
High school diploma or GED required
2+ years experience working with adults of diverse cultural backgrounds
1+ years experience providing peer mentoring or coaching
Lived experience working with mental illness, homelessness, and/or substance use recovery
Proficient in MS Office and Google Workspace products
Valid CA Driver’s license required
Ability to safely operate a motor vehicle
Ability to push, pull, and lift up to 50 pounds frequently
Ability to stand and move from one location to another daily
Ability to sit for prolonged periods of time
Ability to visually focus on near and far items, and to be able to switch between them
Ability to reliably report to work on time and perform the position's required tasks as scheduled
Ability to grasp and carry items
Ability to hear and effectively communicate with co-workers, clients, and the public
Ability to identify potential issues within the workplace, determine an appropriate means of avoiding and/or resolving the issues, work with others to address the issues, and carry out organized strategies for resolving and preventing similar issues in the future
Ability to process information and data for use within the organization

Nice To Haves

Bilingual Spanish/English is highly desired but not required
Experience in non-profit and community-based organizations preferred
Demonstrates and models excellent “customer service” orientation and ability to work with diverse populations
Exercises extreme discretion with the ability to hold, balance, and transmit public and confidential information needed by various parties

Responsibilities

Provide outreach, engagement, linkage, and follow-up services to residents
Serve as role model and coach to inspire, engage, and advocate for residents and their family member’s/caregiver’s rights
Accompany residents to appointments and other services with the goal of coaching and promoting sustained independence
Collaborate with the Peer Advocate and Peer Director in weekly case management and peer review meetings, as well as monthly training sessions
Participate in the creation and implementation of the daily program and schedule for residents that shall include a variety of activities, educational opportunities, promote mental wellness, and decrease future justice involvement
Facilitate appropriate supportive groups
Assist with housing chores and food preparation
Provide complete and thorough documentation, e.g. progress notes, end of shift reports, and any other documentation related to general flow of shift
Timely respond to work-related calls and emails in accordance with La Familia policies
Utilize motivational interviewing and other culturally appropriate interventions to assist residents
Maintain compliance with all quality improvement measures and County requirements
Work with team around assessments and individual case management plans for each resident
Attend trainings and participate in events relevant to key responsibilities
Track and regularly report on key metrics for performance indicators
Leads and collaborate on special projects related to agency objectives as appropriate
Demonstrates cultural awareness and provides respectful, client-centered care
Maintains knowledge of community resources for client referrals
Attend work regularly, adhering to policies on absences and tardiness
Understands and applies legal requirements, including confidentiality and risk management
Accurately record work hours each day by clocking in/out at scheduled start, break, lunch, and end times
Take all required meal and rest breaks in compliance with state, federal, and agency policies
Review and submit timesheets by established deadlines to ensure timely payroll processing
Notify supervisor promptly of any scheduling conflicts, absences, tardiness, or timekeeping issues
Maintain consistent and reliable attendance to support team and program operations
Follow organizational policies and procedures related to overtime, schedule changes, and paid/unpaid leave
Correct and/or report any timekeeping discrepancies immediately to the supervisor for resolution
Viewed by others as an effective team member who is flexible, cooperative, and willing to assist others, and acts as a resource to team members and clients, where appropriate
Handles difficult or conflict situations constructively and seeks appropriate assistance
Accepts accountability and constructive feedback
Attends all mandatory meetings and staff meetings as required, and actively participates in other departmental professional development, including providing training and consultation
Develops and maintains cooperative and courteous relationships with fellow employees, supervisors, managers in other departments, senior management, executive staff, and community stakeholders
Handles requests, suggestions, and complaints from other departments and individuals in a tactful and effective manner to maintain goodwill within the agency

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision benefits with 95% employee and 80% dependent employer premium contributions
Employer-paid life insurance
Vacation
15 paid holidays
12 paid sick days upon accrual
Employee Assistance Plan
Pet Plan Benefit: PetPlus Product and Prescription Discounts, Pet Assure Veterinary Discounts, AskVet 24/7 Pet Telehealth, and ThePetTag Lost Pet Recovery Service
403(b) retirement plan
Flexible scheduling options, including hybrid work arrangements
License and Certification renewals reimbursed
Opportunities for Growth and Professional Development
Structured mentorship and ongoing training