Job Title: Peer Support Specialist
Department: HEAR US
Reports To: Housing Director
The Alcott Center for Mental Health Services, a nonprofit community mental health agency is seeking an organized, motivated, and professional candidate for a full-time position of Peer Support Specialist. The program population served are male and female adults being released from Los Angeles Correctional Facilities, having served time for quality-of-life crimes, with a full spectrum of DSM diagnoses, including substance misuse, who reside in our bridge-housing facilities. Working with a specialized treatment team, the Peer Support Specialist will provide necessary outreach and support to program participants and potential program participants.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities include, but not limited to the following:
- Draws upon own personal recovery experience and mental health/substance use challenges as a basis for engagement with clients as a peer
- Assists clients with voicing their strengths, interests and goals throughout their services including goal planning, crisis recovery planning, etc.
- Educates clients about community supports and resources
- Supports members served in developing strategies to reduce self-stigma
- Assists clients with all needs including activities of daily living
- Participates in multi-disciplinary team meetings
- Travels between agency sites to provide outreach and services to clients
- Meet outcome expectations outlines in HEAR US grant
- Respond to residents needs in a prompt, patient and professional manner
- General monitoring of clients to ensure that a safe and welcoming atmosphere is maintained
- Complete all daily logs, including needed signatures and provide complete end-of-shift reports to the oncoming staff and to the Program Manager
- Document and report unusual occurrences, incidents and injuries.
- Ensure all resident rooms are neat and clean, hallways are free of obstructions and other safety hazards.
- Respond promptly and appropriately to emergency situations.
- Assist residents improving independence though adherence to daily chores and personal care; verifies all common areas, laundry areas and restrooms are clean and disinfected & fully operational
- As assigned, assist house staff during provision of services to residents including meal preparation/serving, monitor and record client self-administration of prescribed medication, set-up for classes, meetings, recreation, and other Program events
- Always maintain resident confidentiality
- Answer telephones and take messages for residents and staff, monitor doors and greet visitors
- Other duties may be assigned as needed
Qualifications
- High school diploma or GED required
- Experience as a beneficiary of the behavioral health system of care
- Able to document provided services in an accurate, thorough, and timely manner
- Demonstrates effective interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills
- Ability to collaborate effectively in a team setting
- Ability to perform basic computer skills required for an electronic health record
- Able to consistently maintain agency productivity standards
- Evidence of clear criminal record and proof of valid California Driver’s License
- Must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19, including booster
- One year of experience in mental health or substance abuse treatment, or any other social services program serving the homeless
- If a recovering alcohol and/or drug user, you must have at least 1 year of continuous sobriety.
- Ability to perform under circumstances of possible emotional stress and conflict, including dealing with un-cooperative clients
This is a full-time position with a 40-hour work week; the agency is currently open Monday through Friday 8:30 am – 5:00 pm.
Benefits: Medical, Dental and Vision HMO coverage; 403B plan.
Location: South Los Angeles area
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $19.00 - $21.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 403(b)
- 403(b) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- Monday to Friday
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
License/Certification:
- Driver's License (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- Los Angeles, CA: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person