Peer Support Specialist

Peer Support Specialist Temporary (2 months) Bridge Housing Site Management and Support Services Justice Services Division Agency Overview Felton Institute responds to the needs of our community by providing innovative, evidence-informed social services that transform lives. Our organization offers 60+ programs that address mental health, the unhoused, early care and education, those impacted by the justice system, transitional age youth, as well as aging adults. Our programs combine the latest scientific research with cultural sensitivity and a deep commitment to supporting and reflecting the communities we serve. Felton offers a dynamic, challenging, and supportive work environment where we encourage the use of professional development, that staff can utilize throughout their career. Program Description Bridge Housing is intended to address the immediate shelter and treatment needs of people who have serious behavioral health conditions and are experiencing homelessness. The site management and support services team are responsible in maintaining a 80-bed transitional recovery and community re-entry housing facility for those suffering from mental illness and/or substance use disorder who are experiencing homelessness. The target population often suffer from complex and co-occurring medical conditions and other characteristics that can challenge their ability to navigate mental health, physical health, and substance use treatment in the Santa Rosa community. This interim shelter is for individuals experiencing homelessness who have serious behavioral health conditions and/or substance use disorder issues who are willing to receive treatment. A particular focus will be Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment (CARE) Court clients with a court-ordered care plan. CARE Court is aimed at helping those suffering from untreated mental health and substance use disorders that lead to homelessness, incarceration, or worse. CARE Court connects a person struggling with untreated mental illness – and often also substance use challenges – with a court-ordered Care Plan for up to 24 months. Position Summary Peer Support Specialist will support individuals living with serious mental illness to establish a path towards recovery and stability. Provide care and case management, mental health and substance use recovery and wellness services, and crisis prevention and intervention within context of multidisciplinary Team. Peer Support Specialist will adhere to laws regarding confidentiality and reporting requirements, and will maintain accurate, detailed observation and progress records for electronic data entry. Perform administrative tasks within timelines (chart completion, meeting attendance, etc.). Works a flexible, full-time schedule to accommodate program/client needs. Some evening and weekend hours are required. This is not a 9-5 position in an outpatient clinic. Performs intake and comprehensive assessments with adults who may have psychiatric and dual diagnosis disabilities (substance use disorders). Help clients create individual service plans based on recovery goals and steps to achieve those goals. Advocate for and liaise with participants within the criminal justice, shelter system, hospitals, and outpatient services. Provide or connect participants with employment counseling, vocational rehabilitation, completion of housing applications and placement, and provision of life skills training. Assist in the development of community support systems and networks. Use motivational interviewing, recovery and trauma-informed approaches when delivering services. Set up and sustain peer self-help and educational groups. Food prep involved including the preparation, storage, or service of food. Maintains records after each client contact or service, in accordance within Felton Institute’s documentation and program compliance standards. Contributes to team meetings and case conferences through presentation of cases, discussion of clinical issues, and exchange of information and ideas. Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned as required in order to meet program goals and objectives. Required Qualifications At least a High School Diploma, required. Associate of Arts (AA) degree or higher from an accredited institution, is preferred. Minimum of 1-year therapeutic intervention experience, applying comprehensive range of case management and substance abuse counseling, assessment and crisis intervention skills. Lived experience (mental health challenges and/or in recovery from a substance use disorder, and prior involvement with the criminal justice system). Demonstrated knowledge of the Wellness and Recovery Model, the Support Employment Model, and other evidenced based practices. Ability to work cooperatively on a multidisciplinary team, and to work with clients of diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds. A food handler permit to serve food at a residential care facility. Strong organizational, time-management skills and ability to prioritize projects. Strong communication & Interpersonal skills and fluent Spanish speaking and writing. Ability to maintain proper documentation as determined by programmatic requirements. Basic knowledge of a variety of computer software applications (i.e., Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Adobe Acrobat). Additional Information Reports to: Program Manager Job Type: Temporary (2 months) Work Schedule: Onsite FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Salary Range: $32.00 -$34.00 per hour (DOE) This position is union-represented by SEIU Local 1021 and is subject to the applicable collective bargaining agreement. IMP NOTE: Job responsibilities are subject to change according to program requirements. #J-18808-Ljbffr Felton