Position Purpose:
JWCH Institute utilizes Certified Peer Support Specialists (PSS) in various programs, including Behavioral Health, Mental Health, and Substance Use Disorder programs, both residential and outpatient. Certified Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialists provide recovery-oriented, culturally appropriate services that promote engagement, socialization, self-sufficiency, self-advocacy, and natural supports, while also being trauma-aware.
Certification under this policy is designed for individuals who are 18 years of age or older and who self-identify as having lived experience with the process of recovery from mental illness, substance use disorder, or both, either as a consumer of these services or as the parent or family member of a consumer.
Principle Responsibilities:

• Peer Support Specialists help promote respect, trust, and warmth while empowering individuals to make changes and decisions that enhance their lives.
• PSS services are directed toward the achievement of specific goals defined by the person served and specified in the individualized treatment plan developed by the treatment team.
• Activities provided by Peer Support Specialists emphasize the acquisition, development, and expansion of rehabilitation skills needed for recovery.
• Assisting an individual in recovery involves:
  • Helping the individual identify what would improve their quality of life.
  • Supporting the individual in recognizing and removing barriers to achieving their stated goals.
• Certified Peer Specialist interventions may include:
  • Sharing lived experiences of recovery, supporting the use of recovery tools, and modeling successful recovery behaviors.
  • Helping individuals recognize their capacity for change and resilience.
  • Assisting individuals in connecting with peers and their community.
  • Supporting individuals with behavioral health disorders in developing a network for information and support.
  • Encouraging individuals with behavioral health disorders to make independent choices and take a proactive role in their treatment.
  • Assisting individuals in identifying strengths and personal resources to aid in recovery.
  • Helping individuals set and achieve recovery goals.
• Supportive activities include, but are not limited to:
  • Starting and sustaining mutual support and education groups.
  • Providing community outreach as part of the Street Medicine Team or other community-based programs.
  • Teaching and modeling symptom management skills.
  • Teaching and modeling problem-solving skills.
  • Supporting efforts to find and maintain paid employment.
  • Using the stages of recovery concept to promote self-determination.
  • Assisting peers in setting goals and following through on wellness and health activities.
• Certified Peer Specialists shall adhere to the Certified Peer Specialist Code of Ethics.
• Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings.
• Meet outcome expectations outlined in grants, funding sources, or licensing agency requirements.
• Complete all documentation in Next-Gen or other designated systems.
• Document and report unusual occurrences, incidents, and injuries.
• Respond promptly and appropriately to emergency situations.
• Always maintain client confidentiality.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

• A Certified Peer Specialist must have at least a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Successfully complete the 80-hour training requirement for a Peer Support Specialist through a Cal-MHSA-approved training entity or be able to complete the certification training within 180 days from the hire date.
• Pass the certification examination.
• Be supervised at all times by a qualified mental health professional (e.g., LCSW, LMFT, PhD).
• Self-identify as having experience with the recovery process from a mental illness or substance use disorder, either as a consumer of these services or as a parent, caregiver, or family member of a consumer.
• Demonstrate knowledge of and basic competence in the following areas: harm reduction, motivational interviewing, strengths-based care, participant-centered care, and trauma-informed care.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the impact of trauma on behavioral and medical conditions.
• Be able to document services accurately, thoroughly, and in a timely manner using Next-Gen.
• Demonstrate effective interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
• Have the ability to collaborate effectively in a team setting.

*All JWCH, Wesley Health Centers workforce members are recommended to be fully vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19.
Employee Benefits:
At JWCH Institute, Inc., we believe in taking care of those who take care of others. If you work 30+ hours per week, you'll enjoy competitive pay and a robust benefits package that includes:

• Medical, Dental, Vision
• Monthly employer-sponsored allowance for assistance with health premiums.
• Funded Health Savings Account (up to deductible) to assist with carrier-approved medical expenses.
• Paid time off (vacation, sick leave) and 13 paid holidays.
• 401(k) Safe Harbor Profit Sharing plan.
• Mileage reimbursement.
• Short- and long-term disability plans (LTD/STD).
• Life insurance policy & AD&D, and more!

Become part of a team where your work matters. Apply today and help us change lives, one patient at a time.
JWCH Institute, Inc + Wesley Health Centers is an Equal Opportunity and Fair Chance Employer.