Peer Support Specialist

Clarvida - California • Bakersfield, CA

28d • Onsite

About The Position

The Peer Support Specialist is a recipient of lived experience and a fully integrated team member who provides highly individualized services in the community. The role promotes consumer self-determination and decision-making. Through shared experience, Peer Support Specialists build trusting relationships with consumers and provide insight that supports continued growth and recovery and informs the treatment team.

The position provides mentoring, advocacy, coordination, practical assistance, transportation, and individualized support to help consumers meet daily needs and engage in community and program activities. The specialist works under the direct supervision of the Lead Peer Mentor and has no supervisory responsibilities. Use of a personal vehicle is required. This is an office-based, non-remote position in Bakersfield, California.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED, with computer or business courses.
• Peer Support Specialist Certificate required.
• Consumer of mental health services, or lived experience such as living with a relative, significant other, or other support person who is a consumer of mental health services.
• Valid California driver's license and auto insurance; proof of education is required.
• Knowledge of ways to encourage consumers to explore and regain strengths, skills, and talents and to engage socially through community events, outings, and program activities.
• Ability to provide expertise and consultation to the team so consumers' views and preferences are recognized, respected, and integrated into treatment, rehabilitation, and community self-help activities.
• Knowledge of community resources and connections and experience working with peers.
• Good organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Basic computer skills.
• Ability to prioritize and manage time effectively.
• Ability to communicate effectively through reading, writing, and speaking in person.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's degree.
• Prior behavioral health experience.

Responsibilities

• Carry out duties as a member of the team under the direction of the team leader; specific responsibilities vary depending on education and experience.
• Provide work-related supportive services, such as transportation, using a personal vehicle.
• Mentor consumers, help with problem solving, and offer encouragement on and off the job site.
• Communicate with clients in a timely manner to answer questions and support their relationships.
• Provide practical help, advocacy, coordination, side-by-side individualized support, problem solving, and direct assistance to help consumers obtain necessities of daily living.
• Coordinate social activities.
• Facilitate groups and/or assignments as required by the Lead Peer Specialist/Mentors, Clinical Manager, and/or Program Director.
• Develop effective working relationships with agencies and organizations to advocate for consumer and family/caregiver empowerment.
• Document activities as required.
• Maintain HIPAA compliance, ethical standards, and professional boundaries with staff and clients.
• Support the program and/or company through other assigned or necessary duties.
• Provide high-quality customer care, identify and build on the strengths of clients, coworkers, and communities, and support clients' steps toward recovery and wellness.
• Promote a culture that respects and celebrates client diversity, value ongoing learning, and use industry best practices to assess and improve services and outcomes.

Benefits

• Paid vacation days that increase with tenure for full-time employees.
• Separate sick leave that rolls over each year for full-time employees.
• Up to 10 paid holidays for full-time employees.
• Medical, dental, and vision benefit plan options for full-time employees.
• DailyPay access to daily earnings without waiting for payday for full-time employees.
• Training, development, and continuing education credits for licensure requirements for full-time employees.
• 401(k) for all employees.
• Free licensure supervision for all employees.
• Employee Assistance Program for all employees.
• Pet insurance for all employees.
• Perks @Clarvida national discounts on shopping, travel, Verizon, and entertainment for all employees.
• Mileage reimbursement for all employees.
• Company cellphone for all employees.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED