Peer Specialist

Southern California Health and Rehabilitation Program (SCHARP)•Los Angeles, CA

21d

About The Position

Under the supervision of the Program Director, this role performs peer mentoring and Case Management functions. The ideal candidate will have the ability to relate to individuals with severe impairments in their community functioning, respond effectively to member crises, and work collaboratively with a team and external agencies. Adequate literacy skills are necessary for job duties. A valid California Driver's license and access to a car with adequate insurance are required.

Requirements

Experience with and managing a psychiatric disorder.
Knowledge about 12-step programs and all aspects of recovery from substance abuse.
Lived experience with either mental health, justice involvement and/or homelessness.
Ability to pass California State Department of Justice criminal background investigation, Live Scan and/or fingerprinting.
Must have valid California Driver's license and the availability of a car with adequate insurance.

Nice To Haves

High School Diploma or equivalent preferred.

Responsibilities

Provides peer mentoring and Case Management functions under the supervision of the Program Director.
Takes direction from experienced staff members in methodology for carrying out peer counselor interventions identified on the recovery/service plans.
Provides case management services, especially in terms of escorting consumers to indicated resources and ensuring that the linkage is made.
Escorts consumers on field trips of a recreational nature, emphasizing that recovering alcoholics and drug addicts can have fun in sobriety and can enjoy the constructive use of drug-free leisure time.
Visits consumers while they are in detox units, recovery homes, and sober living homes.
Shares personal experience with mental illness and substance abuse in a manner that communicates hope, acting as a "program of attraction".
Is involved in presentations to drug treatment programs that are reluctant to accept consumers who are psychiatrically impaired.
Participates in selective in-service training, sharing personal experience in living with a mental illness, homelessness, and achieving/maintaining sobriety.
Attends DMH trainings and other assigned meetings.
Complies with all protected health information policies in accordance with South Central Health & Rehabilitation Program policies related to state or federal laws such as HIPAA.
Uses appropriate safeguards to protect the confidentiality of protected health information.
Reports any use or disclosure of protected health information not permitted by policy to South Central Health & Rehabilitation Program management.
Participates in South Central Health & Rehabilitation Program training or briefings on HIPAA information as scheduled.
Consults with supervisor on any issue or questions about compliance under South Central Health & Rehabilitation Program policies related to state or federal laws such as HIPAA.
Maintains a close working relationship with county, state, and federal financial funders, as well as major third-party payers.