Peer Support Specialist

Vista Del Mar • Los Angeles, CA

2d

About The Position

POSITION OVERVIEW Peer Support Worker functions as a member of the Mobile Crisis Outreach Team that responds to Crisis calls dispatched by the Department of Mental Health (DMH) in Service Area 5. The position is committed to promoting a non-judgmental and respectful attitude with regard to individuals in need of crisis mental health services.

Requirements

• Must be a survivor or utilizer of services related to recovery of mental illness, substance addiction, homelessness, sexual abuse/trafficking, and so on.
• Requires skills in engaging and working clients by using their own experience as engagement tool.
• Crisis management experience is required.
• Ability to listen to clients and respect their answers maybe different than one’s own.
• Ability to work flexible hours including some evening/weekend availability.
• Must be self-directed and efficient in use of time management skills.
• Must function as a productive member of a service team and maintain clear and appropriate boundaries with other members of the team and families.
• Maintains a sense of professionalism at all times.
• Ability to set clear priorities and remain focused at all times.
• Possesses a High School diploma, some college preferred.
• Must have good verbal and written communication skills.
• Must have basic computer skills.
• Must be able to function independently.

Responsibilities

• Participates in the ongoing mobile response outreach team (MCOT) that is on call for crisis calls dispatched by DMH to Vista Del M Response time is 90 minutes and assigned staff must meet this criterion for each referred/dispatched case.
• Provides resources or linkages to clients served by MCOT.
• Monitors progress of linkages or referrals as needed.
• Acts as a liaison to local Police Departments, Probation offices, shelters, Crisis services, and so on, to inform them of MCOT services and collaborate in the care of individuals in mental health crises.
• Advocates for high quality care of individuals with mental health concerns in the community and Child/Family serving systems.
• Supports individuals as a peer and someone with a common background.
• Builds partnerships with professionals through non-adversarial advocacy.
• Promotes a strength-based culture in the community and Vista milieu.
• Represents and models Peer Support voice in all program activities.
• Links individuals/clients with others to reduce isolation/stigma that occurs with mental health challenges.
• Connects clients with community resources;
• Offers support and encouragement to youth/adults/families as needed;
• Serves as role model and advocates for the needs of clients;
• Assists in the ongoing development and evaluation of the service program;
• Participates in the 24-hour on-call system.
• Is responsible for documenting all client contacts in accordance with agency guidelines and DMH guidelines as applicable.

Benefits

• Full benefits offered (Medical, Dental, Vision)
• FSA/Dependent Care and Supplemental benefits through The Standard
• 403(b) – 3% Employer contribution based off annual salary
• 4 Mental Health Days
• Up to 12 Paid Holidays
• Up to 25% for Cell Phone Discounts with 3 Major Carriers (AT&T, Verizon, Sprint)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees