Peer Support Specialist

Children's Institute•Los Angeles, CA

20d•$21 - $26

About The Position

The Peer Support Specialist embraces CII’s North Star and uses a whole-family approach to help program participants access comprehensive, high-quality services and support. The role provides direct support by drawing on personal life experience to engage and motivate caregivers, children, youth, and non-minor dependents connected to the child welfare and juvenile justice systems. The position is intended to reflect the cultural, ethnic, and demographic population served by the program. The specialist mentors participants, coordinates with multidisciplinary teams and outside providers, maintains records and reports, supports youth-led programming and leadership development, and helps participants work toward their goals. The role includes regular clinical supervision, quality improvement activities, case conferences, and team meetings. There are no supervisory responsibilities. Travel to sites is required 25% to 50% of the time.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED preferred.
Personal experience connected to the child welfare and/or juvenile justice systems.
Valid driver's license and state-required auto insurance.
Ability to travel to sites 25% to 50% of the time.
Ability to handle confidential information and protect patient privacy, including the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of Protected Health Information (PHI), limiting its use and disclosure to authorized individuals and entities.
Ability to participate in, conduct, and sustain performance quality improvement activities according to assigned role and responsibilities.
Sensitivity to the cultural and socioeconomic characteristics of the service population.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Punctual and dependable attendance.
Working knowledge of computer programs in a Windows environment.
Required training: New Hire Orientation, Mandated Reporter, 40 hours of adoption-specific training, and Safely Surrendered Babies.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual Spanish/English.

Responsibilities

Mentor and support caregivers, children, youth, and non-minor dependents with former or current experience in the child welfare and/or juvenile justice systems.
Meet regularly with participants virtually, in person, and through text and email communications.
Maintain appropriate case notes and records, prepare periodic reports, and ensure participant records are audit ready.
Meet or exceed client service delivery goals.
Participate as a member of a multidisciplinary team and coordinate care.
Provide insight into the child welfare and juvenile justice systems, share personal experiences, and assist participants throughout services.
Support oversight of the youth commission and work directly with youth to drive programming.
Identify, refer, and connect children, youth, and non-minor dependents to leadership development and social support opportunities.
Provide hands-on coaching and support to youth in meeting their goals.
Model and encourage direct, professional communication with peers and outside providers.
Engage in outreach and engagement efforts to increase youth participation and gather ongoing feedback to improve services.
Participate in regular clinical supervision and the division’s Continuous Quality Improvement process.
Participate in integrated case conferences and team meetings to monitor individual needs and service plans and support effective, quality clinical service delivery aligned with CII’s whole-family approach.
Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

Benefits

Generous paid PTO, 10 paid holidays, and closure between Christmas and New Year.
Medical, dental, and vision insurance for eligible employees and qualified dependents.
403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution for eligible employees.
Up to $4,500 in tuition reimbursement per calendar year.
Eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA).
Employer-paid Life and AD&D Insurance.
Voluntary supplemental insurance.
Opportunity for growth and advancement.
Professional development and continued training.
Company-sponsored team-building and bonding events and activities.