Peer Support Specialist (Cares)

POSITION OVERVIEW:

We are seeking a Peer Support Specialist to join the Co-Responder Team at our CARES Navigation Center mental health diversion program, which partners with Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) law enforcement officers to divert individuals with mental illness and substance use disorder away from the criminal justice system and to support services. The team consists of peer staff with lived experience in the criminal justice system. CARES Navigation Center will provide brief respite, de-escalation, assessment, case management planning, resource and referral provision, and support and follow-up to individuals who have or may immediately commit low-level criminal offenses. This team will provide services throughout Alameda County on or near BART property. 

Due to their lived experiences within the criminal justice system, Peer Support Specialists have a unique ability to relate to and motivate clients through the shared reentry experience, providing outreach engagement, linkage, and ensuring they receive necessary services. This role will uphold and champion the agency’s mission, vision, and values and contribute to a collaborative and inclusive work culture.

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities:

• As part of a Mobile Assessment and Transportation Unit, the Peer Support Specialist will meet law enforcement officers at point of arrest in the community to assess and transport individuals to our navigation center and to treatment services.
• Drive a passenger van throughout Alameda County (must have a CA Driver’s License and clean driving record). 
• Provide outreach engagement, linkage, and follow up services to client
• Serve as role model to inspire, engage, and advocate for clients rights
• Participate in weekly multidisciplinary team meetings, monthly training sessions, and other meetings as required
• Collaborate with the Program Supervisor and Clinician in daily reviews on a client to client basis to debrief and establish service recommendations
• Provide complete and thorough documentation, e.g. Salesforce Peer Assessment, progress notes, and report client progress to supervisors and enter into Salesforce database
• Work with team to keep the center and transport vehicle sanitized and clean for the safety of clients and staff
• Respond to work-related calls and emails in a timely manner
• Utilize motivational interviewing and other interventions to assist clients
• Must maintain confidentiality concerning clients Access and maintain electronic records and files
• Maintain compliance with all quality improvement measures and County requirements
• Work with team around assessments and individual Risk Reduction Plans for each client

Other

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

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:

• 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 
• Able to work independently, exercise good judgment, and have common sense  
• Able to work flexible hours 
• Proficient computer skills
• Exhibit excellent interpersonal/communication skills 
• Bilingual proficiency in Spanish and English preferred but not required
• Non-Profit and Community Based Organization experience highly desirable.
• Demonstrates and models excellent “customer service” orientation, especially in the ability to interact with people at all levels within and outside the agency.
• Thinks independently and can make informed decisions when needed.
• Exercises extreme discretion with the ability to hold, balance and transmit public and confidential information needed by various parties.
• Proficient using MS Office products, particularly Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint.
• Acquires or maintains proficiency in using Google Drive products, including Docs, Sheets, and Forms.
• Valid CA Driver’s license
  • Auto insurance:  Personal vehicle may be used for business related purposes; it is recommended you inform your auto insurance carrier.  
• Current state-mandated guidelines requires employees in this position to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, including booster shots. Accommodations may be available as required by law.  Applicants who are offered a position will be asked about their vaccination status and applications will be required to provide proof of vaccinations against COVID-19 including booster shots. The agency can provide accommodations as required by law in certain circumstances. 

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 yours and your family’s wellbeing and finances
• 403(b) retirement plan
• Work-life wellbeing & excellent work hours
• Supportive/Collaborative work environment
• Opportunities for Growth and Professional Development
  • License and Certification renewals reimbursed