POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Peer Respite Program is a pilot project of La Familia. This program is designed to support individuals reentering the community from various access points, including locked facilities, to address their mental health needs and assist in avoiding future forensic involvement.

La Familia’s Peer Respite is 6-bed short-term respite home, run by and for adult participants, with lived experience of mental health and/ or substance use disorders and aims to increase the quality of mental health services for these individuals, and support their reentry and recovery.

The Certified Peer Support Specialist will provide housing care and programming to the Peer Respite residents. This could include accompanying clients to appointments and ensuring they receive the necessary services. The Peer Support Specialist will also provide one-on-one coaching and life skills groups to the residents, link them to housing, as well as health-related resources in the community. This position will provide peer support to participants through: participation in orientation and welcoming participants; serving as role model and credible messenger; providing understanding and validation through a shared perspective; providing mentoring, coaching, motivating and/or teaching as participants progress through respite services, education and employment goals; facilitation of direct linkage to community resources with focus on Behavioral Health and Mental Health services; facilitation of groups, workshops, activities; providing feedback for Quality Assurance and strategic planning; complement work of other staff through thoughtful teamwork. The Certified Peer Support Specialist will deliver services that address and improve the quality of resident’s a mental wellness through increasing access to services that support independence. The Peer Support Specialist aims to reduce further justice involvement through their work.

Persons with lived experience of recovery from a behavioral or mental health challenge are encouraged to apply.

This role will uphold and champion the agency’s mission, vision, and values and contribute to a collaborative and inclusive work culture.

We are looking to fill the following shift graveyard:

Monday 11:30 p.m. - 7:30 a.m., Tuesday-Friday 11:00 p.m. - 7:00 a.m.

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities:

• Provide outreach, engagement, linkage, and follow-up services to residents
• Serve as role model and coach to inspire, engage, and advocate for residents and their family member’s/caregiver’s rights
• Accompany residents to appointments and other services with the goal of coaching and promoting sustained independence
• Collaborate with the Peer Advocate and Peer Director in weekly case management and peer review meetings, as well as monthly training sessions
• Participate in the creation and implementation of the daily program and schedule for residents that shall include a variety of activities, educational opportunities, promote mental wellness, and decrease future justice involvement
• Facilitate appropriate supportive groups
• Assist with housing chores and food preparation
• Provide complete and thorough documentation, e.g. progress notes, end of shift reports, and any other documentation related to general flow of shift.
• Timely respond to work-related calls and emails in accordance with La Familia policies
• Utilize motivational interviewing and other culturally appropriate interventions to assist residents
• Must maintain confidentiality concerning the resident’s protected health information (PHI) in accordance with HIPPA in both the physical and electronic resident records or files
• Maintain compliance with all quality improvement measures and County requirements
• Work with team around assessments and individual case management plans for each resident

Other

• Attend trainings and participate in events relevant to key responsibilities
• Track and regularly report on key metrics for performance indicators
• Leads and collaborate on special projects related to agency objectives as appropriate

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:

• High school diploma or GED required
• 2+ years experience working with adults of diverse cultural backgrounds.
• 1+ years experience providing peer mentoring or coaching.
• Mental Health Peer Support Certification is preferred. If you do not already have this certification, you will be required to complete the necessary training and obtain it within six (6) months of your hire date (training costs will be covered by La Familia).
• Lived experience working with mental illness, homelessness, and/or substance use recovery
• High school diploma or GED required
• Lived experience working with mental illness, homelessness, and/or substance use recovery
• Experience working with adults of diverse cultural backgrounds
• Bilingual Spanish/English is highly desired but not required.
• Non-Profit or Community-Based Organization experience is highly desirable.
• Demonstrates and models excellent customer service in interacting with people at all levels within and outside the agency.
• Thinks independently and can make informed decisions when needed.
• Exercises extreme discretion to avoid unauthorized disclosures of PHI; with the ability to hold, balance and transmit public and confidential information needed by various parties.
• Proficient in using MS Office products, particularly Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Acquires or maintains proficiency using Google Drive products, including Docs, Sheets, and Forms.
• Valid CA Driver’s license
  • Auto insurance: A personal vehicle may be used for business related purposes; it is recommended you inform your auto insurance carrier.

BENEFITS:

• Excellent Health benefits package for you and your family including:
  • Medical/dental/vision benefits with 95% employee & 80% dependent employer premium contribution and employer-paid life insurance.
• Vacation, 15 paid holidays, 12 paid sick days upon accrual
• Employee Assistance Plan to support your and your family’s well-being and finances
• Pet Plan Benefit:
  • PetPlus Product and Prescription Discounts, Pet Assure Veterinary Discounts, AskVet 24/7 Pet Telehealth, and ThePetTag Lost Pet Recovery Service
• 403(b) retirement plan
• Work-life well-being & excellent work hours
• Supportive/Collaborative work environment
• Opportunities for Growth and Professional Development
• License and Certification renewals reimbursed