Peer Support Specialist

Helpline Youth Counseling (HYC), a nonprofit agency, has been providing youth services in Southeast Los Angeles County since 1971 with a primary purpose of providing therapeutic counseling and assistance to at-risk, low-income children, youth and their families.

Mission Statement

The mission of HYC is to serve youth and their families by promoting the development of strong individuals and families in their community. This is accomplished through education, therapeutic approaches, advocacy, and the utilization of community resources.

HYC has an immediate opening for a full-time Certified Peer Support Specialist with lived experience to enhance supportive services of youth, young adults and families in SUD and mental health treatment. The Certified Peer Support Specialist will coordinate and facilitate supportive services to help navigate the treatment process, educational sessions, family support groups, and positive family development programs aim to prevent relapses, empower Medi-Cal members through strength-based coaching, support linkages to community resources. Additionally, the Support Specialist will be working on two distinct programs - Bridge/DMC and Project ISPACE/Thriving Together.

• Peer Support Specialists shall use their personal lived experience of recovery to assist individuals with their recovery from a mental illness or substance use disorder (SUD)
• Peer Support Services may include contact with parents/legal guardians, caregivers, family members, or other collaterals (family members or other people supporting the member) to focus on the recovery and treatment needs of the member.
• Supports the delivery of educational sessions or workshops such as the Early Intervention Caregiver Guide, opioid overdose prevention and naloxone administration training, and other related workshops that equip individuals with tools and strategies to address substance use and mental health.
• Will provide culturally responsive support services for TAY and families (emotional support groups to promote self-regulation and wellness, as well as outreach, advocacy and care navigation to support social needs.
• The Peer Support Specialist is required to attend individual and group supervision weekly throughout annual timeframes to review and monitor clinical caseloads, team-based care integration practices, and fidelity with Project ISPACE’s evidence-based practices for individual, group, family clinical and support services
• The Peer Support Specialist will collaborate with community partners for the integration and delivery of services (i.e., community colleges, LA Care, LACOE, Jovenes, DMH drop in shelters and EDD access centers, etc.).
• Supports community outreach and engagement efforts designed to raise awareness among families and caregivers about available early intervention and SUD treatment services.
• Facilitates family and caregiver support groups, offering a supportive environment for families grappling with the effects of their loved one’s substance use.
• Provides structured mentorship and access to diverse opportunities, the program seeks to empower families to develop strong community ties and thrive within their communities.
• Supports the hosting or facilitating of strengths-based, person-centered programs to address the needs of individuals by involving their families/caregivers in the recovery process, fostering healing and growth for everyone involved.
• Responsible for maintaining a record of services provided as part of the program(s), including all relevant data elements entered into the electronic health record system (i.e., PCNX and Exym) and Project ISPACE data systems, as applicable.
• Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor and reports to the Manager of Substance Use Services.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Certified Peer Support Specialist certified through DHCS-approved Certification Program
• One (1) year's full-time work experience in community-based services field, specifically providing and/or coordinating family supportive services to youth, young adults and/or families
• Permanent U.S. residency or citizenship.
• Ability to pass criminal clearance background check.
• Ability to successfully pass a TB screening test.
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and on weekends.
• Current auto insurance, and a good driving record.
• Valid California state driver’s license.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, projects and priorities.
• Excellent administrative and verbal skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience in working within the Southeast Region of Los Angeles County and a familiarity with the population of the area.
• Experience in networking with school and community agencies in providing SUD client care services programs.
• Experience in working in a community-based organization.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be provided, if requested, to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

HYC, INC. IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. EMPLOYMENT CONSIDERATION IS MADE WITHOUT REGARD TO AGE, RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, GENDER, GENDER IDENTITY, GENDER EXPRESSION, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, MARITAL STATUS, NATION ORIGIN, ANCESTRY, MILITARY OR VETERAN STATUS, INCLUDING PHYSICAL OR MENTAL DISABILITIES OR ANY OTHER LEGALLY PROTECTED STATUS.