Peer Support Specialist (Part-Time) - Care Team

Sycamores•Altadena, CA

42d•$34 - $34•Onsite

About The Position

The City of West Hollywood is establishing a 24/7/365 mobile support service, the “West Hollywood Care Team” (Care Team), to respond to community members experiencing behavioral health crises and other unmet social service needs within West Hollywood city limits. Services will be provided in various community locations, serving residents (housed and unhoused), students, the local workforce, and visitors. The Care Team will integrate with the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (LACDMH) network of Field Intervention Teams (FIT), including Mobile Crisis Outreach Teams (MCOT) and Psychiatric Mobile Response Teams (PMRT). The Peer Support Specialist will leverage their lived experience with mental health services, homelessness, or system involvement to benefit the team and consumers (Adults, Youth, Children, and their families). They will provide expertise in recovery, symptom management, and support consumers in leading satisfying lives. Responsibilities include providing stabilization interventions, advocating for client voice and choice, promoting self-determination, and assisting consumers in decision-making for their treatment and support services. The specialist will also consult with consumers on community resources such as housing, mental health services, medical treatment, and substance abuse services.

Requirements

Be at least 18 years of age.
Possess a high school diploma or equivalent degree.
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.
Have a strong dedication to recovery.
Agree, in writing, to adhere to the Code of Ethics.
Valid California driver’s license.
Acceptable driving record as determined by Agency policy.
Proof of auto insurance meeting minimum coverage requirements.
Ability to practice physical intervention for safety of consumers according to training and policy.
Ability to operate a motor vehicle.
Satisfy a pre-employment background check, drug, and health screen.

Nice To Haves

Certification in peer support is preferred but not required. If not certified, upon hire successfully complete the training requirements for a peer support specialist and pass the certification examination or go through the grandparenting process to become certified.

Responsibilities

Provide stabilization interventions.
Advocate for client voice and choice, self-determination, and decision-making in the planning, delivery, and evaluation of treatment, rehabilitation, and support services.
Provide consultation to consumers regarding community resources, crisis intervention, and available community services (housing, mental health services, medical treatment, and substance abuse services).
Utilize personal, practical, valuable experiences, and first-hand insight to benefit the team and consumers.
Share lived experience.
Adhere to the Code of Ethics.
Maintain all required licenses and certifications.
Drive company vehicles for crisis intervention, including the provision of urgent or emergency services.
Practice physical intervention for safety of consumers according to training and policy.
Operate a motor vehicle.