Peer Specialist I

Beach Cities Health•Redondo Beach, CA

53d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the direction of the allcove Clinical Manager, the Peer Specialist I engages with allcove participants and provides peer-based support, resource navigation, and youth-centered assistance. The position also supports outreach to youth and the community to promote visibility, access, and participation in allcove. The role provides initial participant orientation, peer coaching and mentoring, group activities, and help connecting participants with resources. It collaborates with volunteer Peer Assistants, Youth Advisory Group members, youth advisors, center staff, community partners, and Communications and Marketing. The specialist also supports on-site participant services and facility operations, maintains related records, and may serve as MOD at the allcove center and designated community-based access points. The position is based in an integrated youth health center serving people ages 12–25 and at community locations within the service area. Evening and weekend hours may be required. The role requires a youth-centered approach, community outreach skills, relevant knowledge of privacy, reporting, ethical practice, and local youth resources, and the ability to perform the listed physical and sensory tasks.

Requirements

Postsecondary education in health promotion, public health, community development, social or behavioral sciences, social work, planning, or a related discipline, or an equivalent combination of experience, education, and training.
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 or guardians in community- or school-based settings.
Knowledge of school-based privacy requirements, including FERPA and parental rights to access education records for students under 18, in settings serving minors and young adults.
Knowledge of mandated reporting laws, consumer protection requirements under 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.
Ability to maintain a youth-centered focus.
Excellent organizational, basic project coordination, written communication, and oral communication skills.
Demonstrated community outreach experience or success actively engaging organizations in a program or project.
Excellent computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint), and ability to learn software platforms and databases.
First Aid and CPR certification, or ability to obtain certification 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

Conduct initial orientation for allcove participants, including assisting with forms, intake questionnaires, and initial screenings or assessments as needed, and providing a welcoming, inclusive, youth-centered experience.
Provide peer support as a coach and mentor; participate in goal setting; encourage participant growth, confidence, and self-esteem; support access to resources; share common experiences to build trust and rapport; and represent and promote the peer perspective throughout allcove.
Work collaboratively with volunteer Peer Assistants to provide a youth-centered experience for center participants.
Engage with Youth Advisory Group members and support planning meetings, events, and outreach efforts.
Co-facilitate peer workshops and group activities.
Collect data and complete and maintain related records and documentation.
Rotate through on-site support shifts to assist with participant services and basic facility operations.
Build working relationships with agencies and organizations to support peer empowerment and wellness and collaborate on future outreach events and activities.
Conduct outreach about center services and resources through center tours, public presentations, guest speaking engagements, school presentations, outreach, and tabling events.
Work with Communications and Marketing, youth advisors, and center staff to develop communication and outreach materials and help ensure youth and center resources are available to participants.
Serve as MOD in the allcove center and designated community-based access points, overseeing facility operations and staff as needed.
Understand and represent the history, mission, and vision of Beach Cities Health District.
Exemplify BCHD’s core values of compassion, integrity, accountability, and excellence in interactions with staff, volunteers, members, and the public.
Complete assigned Disaster Service Worker training, duties, and work schedule as required on behalf of BCHD.
Perform special projects and other duties as assigned.