Peer Intern

Transitions Mental Health Asso•San Luis Obispo, CA

13d•$17 - $17

About The Position

The High Road Training Partnership Grant will elevate the capacity and expertise of existing peer staff who are building careers in the field, improve current information technology for our peer-run programs and provide ongoing training and support for peer staff in the workplace. Interns will receive a high level of formal on-the-job training as well as participate in peer certification “extended education” training provided through this project. The ultimate goal is to recruit future peer staff as positions become available at the agency or in our local system of care. The High Road Training Partnership Grant Peer Intern will engage in peer training to enhance job readiness to work in the behavioral health field. They will shadow designated program staff and demonstrate skills learned by providing direct service. They will connect with community agencies to develop and strengthen reciprocal referral pathways to TMHA’s peer and family services programs. They will also assist in the development, planning and engaging in TMHA’s Employee Resource Groups.

Requirements

Individual with experience as a consumer of mental health services or a family member of a consumer of mental health services.
High school diploma or equivalent.
Strong interpersonal skills, collaborative work style and oral/written communication skills.
Well defined organizational and time management skills.
Ability to work independently and flexibly.
Able to work effectively with a variety of people and personality types regardless of age, ethnicity, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression or socio-economic level.
Ability to handle intense situations, display good judgment and decision making skills, and remain calm and clearheaded under pressure.
Must have a strong commitment to the right and ability of each person with a severe and persistent mental illness to live in a safe living environment, develop a meaningful role in the community, and have access to competent and continuous supports and services.
Must have a strong commitment in 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 attitude in the workplace.
Ability to be willing to work with supervisor oversight and direction.
Attendance is an essential function of this job that requires face-to-face interaction with clients and/or other employees.
Ability to mindfully promote equality and respect diversity of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, national origin and all of the other fascinating characteristics that make us different.
Demonstrate the ability to successfully deliver culturally responsive services
Knowledge of the various dimensions of diversity, including mental health, gender, race and ethnicity.
Must use reasonable precautions in the performance of one’s duties and adhere to all applicable safety rules and practices. Conduct self in such a manner as to assure at all times, maximum safety to one’s self, fellow employees, clients, and other persons contacted through TMHA business.
Conditions of employment include:
Must be at least 18 years of age; possess a valid CA Driver’s License, reliable transportation, proof of auto insurance, and DMV driving record that meets TMHA’s current vehicle insurance requirements. May be required to utilize personal vehicle and auto insurance.
Comply with a T.B. assessment (possibly a TB test if needed to confirm a negative tuberculosis result) and receipt of a criminal record clearance through fingerprinting.
Must be able to successfully complete First Aid and CPR training.

Responsibilities

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