Community/Peer Support Specialist

Peer Support Specialist Full-Time Location: Inglewood Help Group is seeking a qualified Peer Support Specialist to join our dynamic team at our Culver City Center. This is an ideal position for individuals with experience and passion for helping young adults and children with special needs reach their fullest potential. The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to assist the teacher with all aspects of classroom instruction and behavior management, utilizing a positive, strengths-based approach. Minimum Qualifications Must have lived experience of being diagnosed with a mental illness and successfully transitioned to self-sufficiency or have a family member diagnosed with a mental illness with at least one (1) year of experience in providing peer support and community linkage and able to function as part of a multi-disciplinary team. Associate or Bachelor’s degree in related fields (psychology, sociology, social work, special education, or human services) preferred; bilingual in Spanish desired. High School Diploma/GED with proven experience of providing at least one (1) year peer and community supports to population with diagnosed mental health illness might be considered. Familiarity with principles of family-centered, strengths-based services. Knowledge of community resources. Computer skills required and at least two (2) years’ experience with using electronic tablets and mobile application technology. Strong interpersonal, organizational and time management skills necessary for cooperative working relationship with all levels of professional staff. Valid driver’s license, good driving record and reliable personal vehicle to provide in-home service to families. Job Summary Active member of PIER Program Multidisciplinary Team (PPMT) whose goal is to increase early identification of psychotic disorder in youth ages 12-25 as well as increase knowledge of symptoms by those who live and/or work with them. PIER Program Community Worker will provide peer support to youth and family within the context of PIER Program Multidisciplinary Team and will coordinate in-house data collection to ensure that all clients complete electronic outcome measures for UC Davis Evaluation. Essential Duties and Responsibilities As PIER Team member, actively participate and engage in community outreach to identify schools, service providers, cultural and religious organizations, etc., that have contacts with youth 12-25 years and provide psychoeducation on recognizing symptoms of risk for psychosis to generate PIER referrals. Provide client and family support, act as advocate for client and family in all aspects of the PIER Program process. Assist in developing clients’ crisis and safety plan, provide crisis intervention to clients on an as-needed basis. Participate in PIER Program Multidisciplinary Team outreach activities, in case treatment meetings 2 x week, helping the engagement of child, family, extended family and informal resources. Guide family through intricacies of service delivery system and assist families with contacting and following through with community resources. Model and coach youth and family in such areas as communication skills, anger management, problem solving, stress management, appropriate discipline, accessing supports and resources, etc. Provide direct services to youth and families in a variety of settings, i.e., clinic, community, in home, as needed and appropriate. Assist clients, if needed, to interface with DCFS, DMH, court systems, schools, employment resources and various community linkages. Attend regularly scheduled weekly supervision, staff meetings, community meetings and other meetings as assigned. Conduct all functions in accordance with Agency guidelines, policies and procedures. Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned. Arrange work schedule or required hours to the benefit of the PIER Program and clients with approval of the PIER Program Coordinator. Benefits Help Group offers a supportive, professional work environment and great benefits, including: 100% Employer-sponsored Health Insurance Plan Dental, Vision and Life Insurance 403b Retirement Plan Flexible Spending Account Vacation and Sick Leave The salary range represents the low and high end of the salary someone in this role may earn as an employee of Help Group. Salaries will vary based on various factors, including but not limited to, professional and academic experience, certification, training, responsibilities of the position, and other business and organizational needs. The range listed is just one component of our total compensation package for employees. Salary decisions are dependent on the circumstances of each hire. Help Group reserves the right to modify this pay range at any time. If your requirements fall outside of this range, you are still welcome to apply. We are an equal opportunity employer that values diversity at all levels. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply. #J-18808-Ljbffr