Peer Support Specialist

The Peer Support Specialist provides peer support and advocacy to consumers of Seneca’s services. Peer support may include one-on-one peer support as well as in group settings. The Peer Support Specialist draws upon their own personal experience navigating systems to work individually with youth and/or family members to engage them in the process, increase their involvement, and assist them in achieving their care plan goals. This includes a wide range of activities in order to function as a member of the supporting team as well as provide individual support. The Peer Support Specialist may also be involved in community awareness and leadership activities.

ABOUT PROGRAM

Seneca offers "Wraparound" services to children and youth susceptible of placement, and to their families. The Wraparound programs are strengths-based, family-driven, flexible, and creative, with the goal of helping the family develop the skills and supports to prevent or reduce the possibility of out-of-home placement of their child. A family-based team addresses the needs of the entire family, not just the child of focus. This family-based team consists of family members, Seneca's Therapists, Support Counselors, Family Partners, Facilitators and other community members who have an important role in the family.

ABOUT SENECA

Seneca Family of Agencies is a non-profit with a simple but powerful mission: to help children and families through the most difficult times of their lives. Since then, Seneca provides a broad continuum of permanency, mental health, education, and juvenile justice services, which today reach over 18,000 youth and families throughout California and Washington State each year. The agency’s growth has been guided by a commitment to our Unconditional Care® model – doing whatever it takes to help children and families thrive, even when faced with tremendous challenges. Seneca is committed to supporting historically underrepresented communities and informing agency policies and practices through its agency-wide DEI Initiative and DEI Advisory Board. Seneca is committed to fostering an agency culture that is welcoming, cooperative, and inclusive of diverse peoples and worldviews.

Responsibilities:

• Provide and communicate guidance, expertise, and support for youth, families, and/or any other natural supports one-on-one and in group settings.
• Demonstrate high level engagement and alignment skills, to build trust and rapport with youth, families, and collateral supports.
• Work as a “collaborative advocate,” helping youth, caregivers, and family members understand the mandates and perspectives of other team members while navigating through county systems.
• Use knowledge of community resources, school systems, or other mental health services to help youth and families identify and connect to a family safety network and/or natural support team in the community.
• Provide coaching and support related to safety planning/self-control plans as well as self-care plans for youth/families.
• Attend and participate in mental health awareness activities in the community.
  • Participate in peer forums which may include public speaking engagements.
• Maintain accurate and high-quality documentation and paperwork including but not limited to mental health notes, timesheets, expense reports, and mileage.

Qualifications:

REQUIRED

• Personal, lived experience with relevant systems (e.g., child welfare, juvenile justice, mental health, special education, etc.).
• Bilingual in Spanish REQUIRED
• Be part of a rotating 24-hour emergency on-call system, a minimum of two shifts a month scheduled with supervisor ahead of time.
• High school diploma/GED.
• At least 18 years of age.
• TB test clearance, fingerprinting clearance, and any other state/federal licensing or certification requirements.
• Valid driver's license, clean driving record, and insurability through Seneca Family of Agencies’ insurance policy.

SKILLS OF AN IDEAL CANDIDATE

• Ability to work as a part of a multidisciplinary team in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work with diverse population.
• Strong organization and communication skills.

SCHEDULE

• Full-time
• • Mon - Fri; 10AM - 6:30PM
  • Hybrid; provide in-person services & complete documentation remotely

BENEFITS

• Starting at $26.22- $28.72 per hour, actual salary is dependent on creditable experience above the minimum qualifications for the role
• Salary increases each year
• Mileage reimbursement
• Comprehensive employee benefits package, including:
• • Medical, dental, vision, chiropractic, acupuncture, and fertility coverage
  • Long-term disability, family leave, and life insurance
  • 50% paid premiums for dependents
  • 403b retirement plan
  • Employer-paid Employee Assistance Plan
• 5 weeks of Paid Time off and 11 Paid Holidays
• Seneca is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness certified employer

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.