About Job

At DAP Health, we are committed to transforming lives and advancing health equity for all. As a leading nonprofit health care provider, we deliver compassionate, high-quality care to the diverse communities of the Coachella Valley and San Diego County. Our comprehensive services range from primary care to mental health, wellness programs, and beyond, with a focus on those who are most vulnerable. Joining our team means becoming part of a passionate, innovative organization dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of those we serve. If you're looking for a dynamic and purpose-driven environment, we invite you to explore the opportunity to contribute to our mission.

Job Summary
The Peer Support Specialist (PSS) is a non-clinical role within the Client Wellness Center which provides structured support to clients facing mental health, substance use disorder, or other psychosocial challenges. The Peer Support Specialist functions as a mentor, educator, and role model to peers, exhibiting competency through personal use of recovery strategies. The PSS performs a wide range of tasks to assist DAP Health clients of all ages, from young adult to
senior, in regaining independence within the community and mastery over their own life skills.

Supervisory Responsibilities: None
Essential Duties/Responsibilities

Facilitate non-clinical peer groups as approved by Wellness Center Manager
Participate in additional specialty training to enhance services offered to clients and patients. These might include facilitator training for SMART Recovery, Seeking Safety, Freedom from Smoking, or other evidenced-based programs which meet community and patient demands
Offer judgement-free individual support for clients who are in varying degrees of recovery
Engage and support clients in the process of positive change, be it regarding mental health, substance use disorder, or other psychosocial issues
Maintain an understanding of Motivational Interviewing techniques as it relates topromoting readiness to change
Assist clients with resource navigation, connecting individuals to relevant community services and support
Promote self-advocacy, personal growth, and independence for clients newly in recovery from substance use
Utilize and teach problem-solving techniques to clients individually or in a group setting
Work with each client to identify "high risk" situations and triggers that may threaten their recovery and teach or model effective coping strategies
Work with the clients and other treatment team staff as necessary to develop an individual care plan or recovery plan based on the goals identified by the client
Review individual care and recovery plans with the Wellness Manager and fully document these in the client’s file
Document any other interaction with the client, family members, or professionals involved in his/her care accordingly
Walk the client through the process of entering in-patient treatment by collaborating with the Riverside County CARES team. Guide clients through the initial intake call and obtain their psychiatric and medical clearance via their clinician or through the 24/7 Mental Health Urgent Care, and obtain transportation to an in-patient treatment center, if necessary
Maintain community outreach contacts with local substance use treatment facilities and collaborate with service providers in providing intake services for clients
Assist in locating sober living facilities for clients when needed
Assist in referring clients to appropriate aftercare services when needed
Act as the liaison between the 12-Step community and the Wellness Center, including scheduling onsite meetings and communicating any facility closures that will affect meeting schedule
Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Applicant is required to have a minimum of two years of sobriety from substances
Experience and skills sufficient to use community resources necessary for independent living and to teach these skills to clients
Knowledge of local community behavioral health services, community agencies, community resources, and support groups
Peer Support Specialist Certificate required; must obtain within 90 days of hire
Current BLS certification obtained through the American Heart Association or American Red Cross is required; must obtain within 90 days of hire
Certification as a Chemical Dependency Counselor (e.g., CADC) preferred
Associate degree in Alcohol and Drug Studies, Addiction Counseling, or a related field preferred
Experience providing peer support in substance use recovery settings, preferred

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements

This position is on-site at DAP Health Sunrise
Ability to lift 24 pounds
Operates in an office setting and requires frequent times of sitting, standing, repetitive motion and talking