Peer Support Specialist

JOB DESCRIPTION

Title:Peer Support Specialist

Department/Division: Social Services

Status: Full-Time / 11AM-7:30PM Mon-Fri, with occasional weekends

Salary: Hourly/ DOE

Supervisor: Social Services Director,PHRC Executive Director

Subordinates: None

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the direction of the Social Services Director and Pala Housing Resource Center (PHRC) Executive Director, the Peer Support Specialist will provide outreach, one-on-one, and group-level Peer Support, guidance, motivation, and accountability to youth 25 and younger, in and around the Pala Band of Mission Indians community. The Peer Support Specialist will serve as a key resource, role model, and a mentor for academic, co-curricular, leadership and general positive and healthy personal development. This position will work in both a field and office setting, in partnership with other Tribal departments and other agencies and organizations. This role does require a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends. The Peer Support Specialist may also provide additional support and services within other programs under Pala Social Services or collaborating departments.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide intentional mentorship to mentees;
• Provide guidance and assistance in tutoring for academic goals;
• Plan and prepare individual and group mentoring sessions;
• Plan and prepare family and community events;
• Utilize evidence-based and culturally relevant practices while working with youth, with an emphasis on skills building, personal achievement, academic success, goal setting, stress management, leadership, mental and physical well-being, peer pressure, drug intervention and suicide awareness and prevention;
• Attend staff meetings;
• Collect, store and report statistical data as needed;
• Establish and maintain partnerships and collaborations with other community agencies, Tribal departments and programs;
• Maintain the safety and confidentiality of clients;
• Provide services that prioritize and align with Native cultural values;
• Work within their scope of expertise;
• Set clear boundaries for their relationships with the youth and families;
• Will refer youth and/or families to other Tribal Departments to meet the needs of the youth when applicable;
• Perform related functions as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, CERTIFICATIONS AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to plan, strategize and execute progress toward goal completion;
• Ability to work independently but with strong teamwork commitment;
• Endorsement and support of family preservation goals, Tribal culture and philosophy;
• Strong interpersonal communication skills;
• Strong time-management and organizational skills;
• Must maintain ethical guidelines at all times;
• Knowledge of computers for data entry and periodic reporting;
• Ability to collaborate with community partner agencies to best support youth and families;
• Ability to work well with other employees, department directors/managers, and other agencies;
• Ability to lift 20 pounds:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, Sociology or any other related field, from an accredited college or university, or
• A combination of four years of education and work experience in similar or related fields.
• Previous experience working with Native American Populations or individuals with mental health challenges preferred;
• Previous experience in coaching, mentoring, tutoring or counseling preferred
• Must pass pre-employment and random drug testing during employment.
• Must acknowledge and agree to maintain a Drug-Free workplace (including marijuana) as a condition of employment with the Pala Band of Mission Indians.
• Must be able to pass a background check and be able to work with children.
• Must have a valid class "C" driver's license and have a clean driving record.
• Must be willing to work in the field and travel within and outside of city limits.
• CPR/First Aid certification preferred; if not, certification must be completed within 60 days of being hired
• Indian preference will apply. The Pala Band of Mission Indians will give hiring preference to fully qualified applicants that are Pala Tribal Members.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

All employees are expected to follow the Tribal Employee Handbook of the Pala Band of Mission Indians and must adhere to any additional applicable addendums.