Peer Specialist I

Beach Cities Health•Redondo Beach, CA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Under the direction of the allcove Clinical Manager, this position engages with allcove participants, provides peer-based support, resource navigation, youth-centered assistance, and supports outreach efforts to youth and the community, promoting visibility, access, and participation in allcove.

Requirements

Postsecondary education in health promotion, public health, community development, social or behavioral sciences, social work, planning, or a related discipline.
At least one year of experience providing peer-based support, engagement, resource navigation, and youth-centered assistance to young people, in collaboration with community partners and parents/guardians in community- or school-based settings.
Knowledge of school-based privacy requirements, including FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) and parental rights to access education records for students under 18, in settings serving both minors and young adults.
Knowledge of laws on mandated reporting, consumer protection (California Board of Behavioral sciences policies) and duty to warn and protect.
Knowledge of ethical practice, scope-of-practice limits, and allcove guidelines, policies, and procedures.
Broad knowledge of local services and resources for young people across health, education, employment, and youth sectors.
Knowledge of appropriate safety precautions and procedures for working with youth in center and community settings.
Maintains a youth-centered focus.
Excellent organizational, basic project coordination, and written and oral communication skills are required.
Demonstrated community outreach experience, or success in actively engaging organizations in a program or project, is required.
Excellent computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and the ability to learn software platforms and databases.
First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification or ability to obtain upon hire.
Must successfully pass a background check, tuberculosis test, and drug screen.
Must hold a valid California Class C driver's license and maintain insurability under the City’s vehicle use policy.
Must hold Mental Health First Aid certification or be willing to complete training upon hire.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual proficiency in Spanish and English is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

Conducts initial orientation for allcove participants, including but not limited to: assisting with the completion of forms, intake questionnaires, and initial screenings or assessments, as needed; ensuring a welcoming, inclusive, and youth-centered experience.
Provides peer support to allcove participants, serving as a coach and mentor. participating in goal-setting activities; identifying opportunities for participants to learn, grow, build confidence, and improve self-esteem; providing encouragement and support in accessing resources; sharing and discussing common experiences to build trust and rapport and maintain a positive outlook; communicating, representing, and promoting the peer perspective throughout allcove.
Works collaboratively with volunteer Peer Assistants to provide a youth-centered experience for all center participants.
Actively engages with Youth Advisory Group members by supporting the planning of meetings, events, and outreach efforts.
Co-facilitates peer workshops and group activities.
Completes and maintains related records and documentation through data collection.
Rotates through on-site support shifts to assist with participant services and basic facility operations.
Builds effective working relationships with agencies and organizations to support peer empowerment and wellness and to collaborate on future outreach events and activities. Conducts outreach to inform community partners and peers about center services and resources, including center tours, public presentations, and guest speaking engagements. Works with Communications and Marketing to reach peers in the community through school presentations, outreach, and tabling events. Collaborates with youth advisors and center staff to develop communication and outreach materials for program activities and helps ensure that youth and center resources are readily available to participants.
Serves as MOD in the allcove center and designated community-based access points, overseeing facility operations and staff, as needed.
Exhibits clear understanding of the history, mission, and vision and serves as an ambassador of Beach Cities Health District.
Exemplifies BCHD’s core values of compassion, integrity, accountability, and excellence in every interaction with staff, volunteers and members and the public.
Fulfills assigned Disaster Service Worker training, duties, and work schedule as required on behalf of BCHD.
Performs special projects and other duties as assigned.