Peer Support Specialist

Do you want to work with a great team to help students overcome challenges? Would you like to be associated with the largest, most innovative and comprehensive nonprofit of its kind in the United States serving children with special needs related to autism spectrum disorder, learning disabilities, ADHD, developmental delays?

The Help Group is seeking a qualified Peer Support Specialist to join our dynamic team at our Culver City Center This is an ideal position for individuals with experience and passion for helping young adults children with special needs reach their fullest potential. The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to assist the teacher with all aspects of classroom instruction and behavior management, utilizing a positive, strengths-based approach

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Occupational therapist with minimum 2 years’ experience working with children and TAY-aged clients with mental illness in various settings or Master’s degree in psychology, sociology, social work, special education or human services with 3 or more years of experience: supervised clinical hours available if needed.
• Experience in assessing clients’ educational and/or employment needs and recommend strategies to assist clients meeting their goals.
• Strong social and communication skills, verbal and written to work with and within the multidisciplinary treatment team and ability to flex work schedule to accommodate client needs and PIER Model community outreach activities
• Ability to collaborate with community partners and develop, coordinate and oversee supportive educational and employment resources in accordance with PIER Model program.
• Valid CA driver’s license with good driving record and auto insurance; must be willing to drive in the community when needed.

JOB SUMMARY

Primary focus on helping clients make appropriate accommodations to keep clients engaged or help clients re-engage in school and/or job/employment activities in close collaboration and coordination with PIER multidisciplinary treatment team

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• As PIER Team member, actively participate and engage in community outreach to identify schools, service providers, cultural and religious organizations, etc., that have contacts with youth 12-25 years and provide psychoeducation on recognizing symptoms of risk for psychosis to generate PIER referrals
• Assist clients with the development and implementation of their personal goals and objectives based on client’s strengths and areas of interest related to academic success, executive functioning skills, independent living skills, health and wellness, jobs, internships, and careers, or social connections
• Provide support to clients in achieving their educations and/or employment goals and coordinate all aspects of client program plans by maintaining regular communication with client’s treatment team including active participation in multidisciplinary case reviews 2 x week, weekly supervision, all other reviews and meetings as required by PIER Program and directed by your supervisor
• Attend and participate in all staff meetings, weekly supervision, all required trainings
• Ensure proper and accurate documentation and data collection, and the timely submission of case notes, reports, billing logs, mileage, and other program needs.
• Participate in all staff meetings, trainings and weekly supervision
• Maintain client notes in a confidential, responsible manner and meet all paperwork deadline requirements weekly
• Respond to all client related emails/phone calls within 24 hours in the business week
• Communicate with supervisor and the treatment team in case of crisis or pre-determined “red flag” situations immediately
• Ensure compliance with all program and agency policies and procedures

• Comply with applicable professional licensing or certification requirements and ethical standards.
• Arrange work schedule of required hours to the benefit of the PIER Program and clients with approval of the PIER Program Coordinator.

We are an equal opportunity employer that values diversity at all levels. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply.