Peer Specialist (Family) I, II - Bilingual Required
About The Position
FCNI is a community focused non-profit based in San Luis Obispo, CA. We work in partnership with San Luis Obispo County agencies and other community-based organizations to provide hope, stability, support, and empowerment to those in need. Our mission could not be accomplished without the dedication, passion, and commitment of our incredible team. Our employees are truly our most valuable asset. The collective sum of the individual differences, life experiences, knowledge, inventiveness, innovation, self-expression, unique capabilities and talent that our employees invest in their work represents a significant part of not only our culture, but our reputation and our collective achievements as well. We are looking for a Peer Specialist to join our team! The Peer Specialist provides support, guidance and advocacy to individuals who are navigating interaction with the legal system, i.e., CWS, Probation, and/or engagement with Mental Health, Substance Abuse, and/or Special Education supports. As someone who has navigated similar struggles, the Peer Specialist utilized their personal journey to inspire hope, promote empowerment, and facilitate stability. The Peer Specialist builds trusting relationships, provides direct peer support services, and collaborates with clients and treatment teams to promote successful outcomes.
Requirements
- Direct experience working in and/or being the recipient of services from Behavioral Health, Social Services, Juvenile Justice and/or special education required.
- Must be computer literate with proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and knowledge of database and reporting tools
- Excellent communication skills (verbal, written, and interpersonal)
- Excellent time management, organizational and multi-tasking skills
- High level of accuracy and attention to detail
- Ability to maintain discretion and confidentiality with sensitive information
- Must be able to safely operate a motor vehicle during daytime and nighttime hours.
- Must be able to drive safely in various weather and lighting conditions
Nice To Haves
- Associate or Bachelor’s degree preferred (for Peer Specialist I)
- Former recipient of FCNI services is desired
- Associate degree required and six (6) years full-time equivalent experience in a Behavioral Health setting as a specialist in the fields of physical restoration, social adjustment, or vocational adjustment OR Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, or a related field preferred and four (4) years full-time equivalent experience in a Behavioral Health setting as a specialist in the fields of physical restoration, social adjustment, or vocational adjustment (for Peer Specialist II)
Responsibilities
- Support clients in navigating complex systems to access agency services and community resources, including housing, employment, education, health and mental health services.
- Educate clients about their rights and options. Empowering clients to make informed decisions and assert their needs to access individualized services that enhance movement toward self-sufficiency.
- Provide expertise and life skills coaching on topics related to the client’s needs and goals, including psychoeducation on mental health and substance use topics, such as symptom management, relapse prevention, and developing healthy coping skills.
- Provide emotional support, active listening and validation to clients in distress, connecting them with appropriate services as needed.
- Helping clients develop coping strategies, safety plans, and crisis management techniques to navigate challenging situations and prevent escalation.
- Work collaboratively with treatment teams to integrate peer support into client case plans to contribute a peer perspective and advocate for client-centered care.
- Maintain accurate and timely documentation of peer support activities, client interactions, and progress and complete required documentation in accordance with agency policies, confidentiality standards, and regulatory requirements.
- Provide advocacy and “peer voice” to state and county-level advisory boards, governmental agencies, or legislative groups responsible to make decisions regards or affecting services provided to youth and families.
- Other duties and projects as assigned
Benefits
- FCNI will cover 75% of employee's premium and 60% of employee's dependent’s premium on the primary plan offered-Cigna PPO Health Benefit, Vision and Dental PPO.
- HSA & AFLAC plans available
- 403(b) plan which allows employees to contribute a portion of their salary pre-tax toward their retirement with a monthly employer match. Eligibility provisions apply.
- 13 paid holidays annually
- 17 days of PTO accrued annually (increases at the beginning of 4 years of service)
- Mileage reimbursement $0.725 cents per mile
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
