San Gabriel Valley CARE Program: - Peer Support Specialist

Sycamores•Altadena, CA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Sycamores is a contracted provider with the city of San Gabriel to operate the San Gabriel Valley - Crisis Assistance Response and Engagement Program (CARE Team). This is an in-person emergency behavioral health service responding to crises in three regions throughout the San Gabriel Valley. The SGV CARE Team services include, but are not limited to: welfare checks, crisis intervention, de-escalation and stabilization, assessments, emotional/psycho-social support, and follow-up services to each client as appropriate. The Peer Support Specialist (PSS) is partnered with a Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor and is a part of the response team, who jointly provides outreach and engagement to persons in need within the San Gabriel Valley. The “team” will additionally respond to referrals utilizing the agency vehicle to respond to a community member in need. The (PSS) is also responsible for providing stabilization interventions, advocating for client voice and choice, self-determination, and decision-making in the planning, delivery, and evaluation of treatment, rehabilitation, and support services. The Response Team PSS will provide on-scene consultation to consumers regarding community resources, crisis intervention, and available community services, i.e., housing, mental health services, medical treatment, and substance abuse services. When not responding to crisis calls the team will provide outreach in coordination with law enforcement to identify high utilizers of 911 resources.

Requirements

Be at least 18 years of age.
Possess a high school diploma or equivalent degree.
At least one year of job-related experience conducting street outreach to people experiencing homelessness.
Be self-identified as having experience with the process of recovery from a mental illness or substance use disorder, either as a consumer of these services or as the parent, caregiver, or family member of a consumer.
If lived experience includes a history of substance use, a minimum of two (2) years of continuous sobriety prior to the date of employment is required, and ongoing sobriety must be maintained throughout the duration of employment.
Be willing to share their lived experience.
Agree, in writing, to adhere to the Code of Ethics.
Maintains all required licenses and certifications.
Valid California driver’s license.
Acceptable driving record as determined by Agency policy.
Proof of auto insurance meeting minimum coverage requirements.

Nice To Haves

Previous lived experience in homelessness, substance abuse, or criminal justice involvement preferred.
Certification in Peer Support is preferred but not required.
Bilingual Preferred.

Responsibilities

Providing outreach and engagement to persons in need within the San Gabriel Valley.
Responding to referrals utilizing the agency vehicle.
Providing stabilization interventions.
Advocating for client voice and choice, self-determination, and decision-making in the planning, delivery, and evaluation of treatment, rehabilitation, and support services.
Providing on-scene consultation to consumers regarding community resources, crisis intervention, and available community services (housing, mental health services, medical treatment, substance abuse services).
Providing outreach in coordination with law enforcement to identify high utilizers of 911 resources when not responding to crisis calls.
Physically managing and/or de-escalating consumers/residents.
Practicing physical intervention for safety of consumers according to training and policy.
Operating a motor vehicle.