Peer Support Specialist

WE WANT YOU ON OUR TEAM!

VETERANS VILLAGE OF SAN DIEGO has been serving veterans for over 40 years. It takes determination and commitment to overcome the challenges of homelessness and chemical dependency, and we are here to serve those who have graciously served us - our VETERANS and their families! Our amazing team of employees helps fulfill our motto, which is LEAVE NO ONE BEHIND.

Job Summary:

The Peer Support Specialist provides services that promote recovery, engagement, socialization, self-sufficiency, self-advocacy and identification of client strengths. The Peer Support Specialist will be responsible for providing relapse prevention services, coaching, supporting links to community resources, or education documented in an individualized treatment plan. The Peer Support Specialist will be responsible for coordination with the clinical and leadership teams to provide updates on client progress. The Peer Support Specialist will also be responsible for the safe and timely transportation of clients to and from appointments and recovery-related events as necessary.

Compensation: The salary range for this role will be $26.00 - $28.00 hourly.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provides support by drawing on own experiences and professional skills to build a trusting relationship with participants
• Models hope, personal responsibility and self-advocacy to effectively demonstrate recovery principles
• Offer supportive services to family members in support of enrolled clients
• Assists participants in developing independent living skills to promote independence and self-sufficiency
• Teaches recovery and life skills using recovery tools and knowledge
• Participates in outreach events for the purpose of engagement and client linkage
• Participates, when appropriate, in clinical meetings for clients receiving services
• Coordinates with the individual's clinical team and other supports to arrange services or resources to help the individual achieve their goals
• Maintains a working knowledge of mental health and SUD treatment providers to be able to assist clients with ongoing treatment needs
• Links clients to outside services as appropriate
• Maintains accurate records and completes documentation as required
• Ensures the confidentiality of client's protected health information
• May assist in checking participants in and out for Intake/Discharge warm hand off
• Safely transport clients to and from recovery related appointments in company vehicle
• Other duties as assigned by management

Qualifications:

• Must be self-identified as having experience with the process of recovery from mental illness or substance use disorder, either as a consumer of these services or as the parent, caregiver or family member of a consumer
• Must be willing to share their experience and have a strong dedication to recovery
• Must successfully complete the curriculum and training requirements for a Peer Support Specialist, and pass a certification examination approved by DHCS
• Must be First Aid/CPR Trained within 30 days of employment
• Basic knowledge of Windows operating systems as well as Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint)
• Ability to communicate effectively among a diverse workforce population and maintain sound working relations with all levels within the organization
• Work with spirit of enthusiasm, teamwork, cooperation and a sense of urgency
• Maintain a high degree of confidentiality over all matters including client and employee information
• Ability to multi-task in an efficient, thorough, and professional manner
• Ability to work quickly, accurately and independently
• Ability to anticipate needs, prioritize work and solve problems
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and have a clean driving record

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to bend and lift light objects
• Ability to sit for extended periods of time while viewing a computer monitor
• Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard
• Capable of hearing and speaking to exchange information
• Capable of Seeing to read reports and data
• Ability to speak English
• Must be able to work in a noisy, busy environment