Peer Specialist

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

About The Position

Under the supervision of the Program Director, the Peer Specialist performs peer mentoring and case management functions. The role supports consumers through recovery-plan interventions, connection to community resources, recreational activities, and visits in detox, recovery, and sober-living settings. The Peer Specialist also shares lived experience to communicate hope, participates in outreach and training, and follows program policies and applicable laws concerning protected health information and confidentiality.

Requirements

Experience with and management of a psychiatric disorder.
Knowledge of 12-step programs and all aspects of recovery from substance abuse.
Lived experience with mental health issues, justice involvement, and/or homelessness.
Ability to pass a California State Department of Justice criminal background investigation, Live Scan, and/or fingerprinting.
Valid California driver's license and access to a car with adequate insurance.
Ability to relate to individuals with severe impairments in their ability to function in the community.
Ability to respond quickly, effectively, and calmly to member crises and life situations.
Ability to work as a team member and with other agencies, community resources, and members' families.
Adequate literacy skills to perform work duties.

Nice To Haves

High school diploma or equivalent preferred.

Responsibilities

Carry out peer counselor interventions identified in recovery or service plans under the direction of experienced staff.
Provide case management services, including escorting consumers to indicated resources and ensuring connections are made.
Escort consumers on recreational field trips, emphasizing enjoyable, constructive drug-free leisure activities.
Visit consumers in detox units, recovery homes, and sober-living homes.
Share personal experience with mental illness and substance abuse in a way that communicates hope and supports recovery.
Participate in presentations to drug treatment programs that may be reluctant to accept consumers with psychiatric impairments.
Participate in selected in-service training by sharing experience with mental illness, homelessness, and achieving or maintaining sobriety.
Attend DMH-related trainings and other assigned meetings.
Comply with program policies and state or federal laws governing protected health information, including HIPAA.
Use appropriate safeguards to protect confidential information.
Report impermissible uses or disclosures of protected health information to program management.
Participate in scheduled HIPAA training or briefings.
Consult with a supervisor about questions or issues regarding compliance with protected health information policies and laws.
Maintain a close working relationship with county, state, and federal financial funders, as well as major third-party payers.