Peer Intern

Transitions Mental Health Asso•San Luis Obispo, CA

About The Position

The High Road Training Partnership Grant Peer Intern participates in training to enhance job readiness for work in the behavioral health field. Interns receive formal on-the-job training and participate in peer certification extended-education training, while shadowing designated program staff and demonstrating learned skills through direct service. The grant aims to strengthen existing peer staff, improve information technology for peer-run programs, and provide ongoing workplace training and support, with the longer-term goal of recruiting future peer staff as positions become available. The role connects with community agencies to develop reciprocal referral pathways to TMHA peer and family services, and assists with developing and engaging in TMHA Employee Resource Groups. The position is temporary and transitional, part-time and non-exempt, based in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties, and is scheduled for 18 hours per week. The anticipated hiring rate is $18.00 per hour.

Requirements

Experience as a consumer of mental health services or as a family member of a consumer of mental health services.
High school diploma or equivalent.
Strong interpersonal skills, a collaborative work style, and oral and written communication skills.
Well-defined organizational and time-management skills.
Ability to work independently and flexibly.
Ability to work effectively with people of varied ages, backgrounds, identities, and socioeconomic levels.
Ability to handle intense situations, exercise good judgment and decision-making, and remain calm and clearheaded under pressure.
Strong commitment to the right and ability of each person with severe and persistent mental illness to live in a safe environment, develop a meaningful community role, and access competent and continuous support and services.
Strong commitment to clients’ rights to self-govern and create their own choices and goals.
Ability to possess and maintain good physical and mental health.
Ability to work well within a team and maintain a professional, respectful workplace attitude.
Willingness to work with supervisor oversight and direction.
Ability to meet the attendance requirements of a role involving face-to-face interaction with clients and/or employees.
Ability to promote equality and respect diversity.
Ability to successfully deliver culturally responsive services.
Knowledge of dimensions of diversity, including mental health, gender, race, and ethnicity.
Use reasonable precautions, follow applicable safety rules and practices, and conduct oneself to maximize safety for oneself, coworkers, clients, and others encountered through TMHA business.
At least 18 years of age.
Valid California driver’s license, reliable transportation, proof of auto insurance, and a DMV driving record that meets TMHA’s current vehicle insurance requirements; use of a personal vehicle and insurance may be required.
Comply with a TB assessment and, if needed, a TB test to confirm a negative tuberculosis result, and obtain criminal record clearance through fingerprinting.
Successfully complete First Aid and CPR training.

Responsibilities

Engage in training and orientation to designated programs and services.
Shadow program staff and demonstrate learned skills during direct service contacts.
Work with the Program Coordinator and Vocational Specialist to connect with community agencies and develop and deploy reciprocal referral pathways to TMHA peer and family programs.
Participate in formal peer certification and continued-education training to develop and enhance job readiness and retention skills.
Attend training on Electronic Health Record systems, including Apricot and SmartCare, and acquire the skills needed to input data.
Document intake data and services provided in the respective EHR systems.
Work with the Program Coordinator to develop and deploy Employee Resource Groups.
Promote, encourage, and maintain trauma-informed practices in services and activities.
Practice and promote the Collaborative Communication Guidelines individually and in team meetings.
Attend weekly staff meetings.
Perform other duties as assigned.