Peer Support Workforce Specialist - Department of Public Health and Environment

City and County of Denver • Denver, CO

8d • Hybrid

About The Position

With competitive pay, great benefits, and endless opportunities, working for the City and County of Denver means seeing yourself working with purpose — for you, and those who benefit from your passion, skills and expertise. Join our diverse, inclusive and talented workforce of more than 11,000 team members who are at the heart of what makes Denver, Denver. Denver's Department of Public Health & Environment (DDPHE) is dedicated to advancing Denver's environmental and public health goals. DDPHE works collaboratively with city, state and community partners to conduct education, community engagement, and enforcement to promote healthy people, healthy pets, and a sustainable environment. DDPHE oversees services related to public health and the environment and is comprised of seven divisions: Division of Shared Services and Business Operations; Community & Behavioral Health; Public Health Investigations; Denver Animal Protection; the Office of Medical Examiner; Emergency Management and Medical Operations; and Environmental Quality. For more information on DDPHE’s programs and services, visit the DDPHE website at: Denver Department of Public Health & Environment. We foster an inclusive culture by respecting the values, customs, and authenticity of everyone and by implementing equitable public health strategies so Denver communities can thrive. The Shared Services and Business Operations (SSBO) division within DDPHE has an opening for a Peer Support Workforce Specialist. This grant funded position will be part of the Workforce Development Team and an integral collaborator with DDPHE’s Community and Behavioral Health Division. This team works on local, state, and national funded initiatives to create innovative workforce opportunities and diversify the public health workforce. This position will support the City and County of Denver’s peer support workforce, namely staff members with the Office of Human Resources classification of Peer Support Specialist I, II, or III who are using their shared lived experience in their daily work. This position will work across City and County of Denver agencies to build relationships with peer support staff and their managers and will be responsible for the operationalization of the Peer Support Technical Assistance and Supervision Hub and registered apprenticeship program, a Caring for Denver funded project.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Public Health, Environmental Science, or a related field based on a specific position.
• Three (3) years of professional experience conducting analysis and planning the administrative aspects of an environmental or public health program.
• One (1) year of the appropriate type and level of experience may be substituted for each required year of post-high school education. Additional appropriate education may be substituted for the minimum experience requirements.
• Requires a valid Driver's License at the time of application. Licenses and certifications must be kept current as a condition of employment.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working or volunteering in a peer support role for at least 3 years
• Three years of experience conducting analysis and planning the administrative aspects of a program such as program development, program management, or grant management
• Possession of a peer support related certification. Examples of peer support related certifications: Colorado Peer & Family Specialist designation or a National Designation from NAADAC (NCPRSS) or Mental Health America – (CPRS)
• Experience supervising, coaching, and/or mentoring peer support workers
• Demonstrated connection and knowledge of the peer support professional community
• Have working knowledge of peer support competencies, ethics, and licensure requirements
• Experience delivering trainings or workshops
• Group or meeting facilitation experience
• Experience working in partnership with diverse team members, community members and community-based organizations
• Strong communication skills, including the ability to present information in a concise and engaging way, especially to audiences who come from diverse backgrounds and experiences
• The ability to interact positively, professionally, and diplomatically with people
• Lived experience of mental health, substance use, trauma, and/or co-occurring conditions is highly valued.

Responsibilities

• Spearhead the implementation of a Peer Support Technical Assistance and Supervision Hub, including the creation and implementation of a registered Peer Support Registered Apprenticeship Program
• Support the hiring, onboarding, training, and ongoing supervision of two Peer Support Apprentices per year
• Facilitate a monthly Peer Support Workforce Advisory Group (PSWAG)
• Partner with PSWAG members and subject matter experts to deliver a Colorado Provider Association (COPA) approved 60-hour training curriculum for preparing peer support staff from the City and County of Denver and community partners to gain Peer Support Specialist certification.
• Deliver a Peer Support Supervisor training to current and future managers of peer support specialists to ensure alignment with best practices and peer support ethics and competencies
• Provide reflective supervision for Peers Support staff across the City
• Oversee all grant reporting and grant management for Caring for Denver grant cycle and contribute to other grant reporting for apprenticeship related funding as well as potential grant writing for future funding opportunities
• Facilitate peer-led programming and resource sharing such as scheduling peer-led Open Houses and monthly peer-led gatherings, professional development series, and Peer Affinity groups
• Collaborate with a variety of City leadership and stakeholders to develop and implement standardized, best practices and tools related to hiring, onboarding, developing, and retaining the peer support workforce.
• Provides expertise and mentorship to all levels of leadership in integrating and championing the peer support workforce throughout City agencies and programs.
• Establish and maintain close working relationships with agencies that provide peer support training and with peer specialist associations in Metro Denver to recruit qualified peer support specialists
• Along with all department staff, this position will actively participate on an emergency preparedness and response team to support DDPHE’s responsibilities outlined in the City’s Emergency Operations Plan. This may require being ‘on-call’ from time to time to help respond to emergencies.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• A guaranteed life-long monthly pension, once vested after 5 years of service
• 457B Retirement Plan
• 140 hours of PTO earned within first year + 12 paid holidays, 1 personal holiday, 1 Wellness Day and 1 volunteer day per year
• Competitive medical, dental and vision plans effective within 1 month of start date

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level