Clubhouse Support Specialist

About the Role

Company Description: NAMI San Diego & Imperial Counties (National Alliance on Mental Illness) is a nonprofit organization that provides free education, support services, and advocacy to improve the quality of life of everyone affected by mental health conditions.

Program Description: NAMI SD/IC Clubhouses operate under the Clubhouse International Evidence Based Model for psychosocial rehabilitation, with the goal of empowering adults and older adults living with a serious mental illness (SMI) age 18 and above to live vocationally meaningful and socially satisfying lives. The program provides a uniquely supportive and collaborative Clubhouse setting where Members (program participants) and staff work together to operate all aspects of the organization in an atmosphere built on principles of mutual respect and caring.

Responsibilities

The Clubhouse Support Specialist builds trusting relationships and works side‑by‑side with members to create a community culture of opportunity and inclusion. This position engages members in Clubhouse activities of their choosing, promotes the work‑ordered day structure, and helps members connect with employment, education, vocational, social, wellness, and housing resources. The role requires use of a company vehicle for transportation, occasional evening, weekend, and holiday coverage, and participation in out‑of‑state training on the Clubhouse International Model.

• Support a Work‑Ordered Day structure, where members and staff work side‑by‑side to perform all duties of the Clubhouse.
• Engage members’ participation in Clubhouse work and opportunities, including reception work, food preparation, newsletter production, job development, snack‑bar sales, data entry, and more.
• Support job development efforts and utilize the IPS model for supported employment to assist members with obtaining competitive employment and ongoing education.
• Manage multiple projects and diverse personalities (members and staff) while maintaining a positive and energetic attitude throughout the workday.
• Identify and reinforce member strengths and assess for appropriate support.
• Model a strong dedication to recovery and, when appropriate, share lived experience regarding behavioral health and system navigation.
• Provide on‑site training, assistance, and coverage for members on Transitional Employment Placements within the community.
• Participate in Clubhouse evening, weekend, and holiday events, modeling positive relationship building.
• Promote self‑sufficiency by assisting members to access community resources, including behavioral and physical health care, education, self‑help and advocacy, transit, benefits, housing, money management, cultural, faith‑based, leisure, and recreation opportunities.
• Assist in enrolling individuals in NAMI SD/IC Clubhouse and, within 30 days, help them identify employment, educational, vocational, social, wellness, and/or housing goals; update member files at least every six months.
• Track and document data for entry in the electronic health record for Medi‑Cal billing.
• Obtain and retain Medi‑Cal Peer Support Specialist or Community Health Worker certification within 90 days of hire (if not already certified).
• Complete all required trainings in a timely manner, including trauma‑informed care, recovery language, de‑escalation, motivational interviewing, and a two‑week comprehensive out‑of‑state training on the Clubhouse International Model.
• Provide transportation using a company vehicle (mini‑van and/or sedan) with passengers during work hours.
• Other duties as assigned.

Reports to the Associate Director for Clubhouses.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Bachelor’s Degree in mental health, human resources, or a related field preferred.
• Self‑identified lived experience with behavioral health recovery (as a consumer, parent, caregiver, or family member).
• Professional or personal experience working with individuals with serious mental illness (SMI).
• Satisfactory driving record and current/active driver’s license; willingness and ability to drive a company vehicle with passengers during work hours.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated experience creating and supporting a welcoming and inclusive environment for program participants and staff.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel) and web navigation.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Reliable and consistent attendance.
• Certification as a Medi‑Cal Peer Support Specialist or Community Health Worker prior to hire preferred, or ability to obtain within 90 days of hire.
• Fluency in Spanish or another San Diego County threshold language preferred.
• Willingness to undergo a background check following a contingent offer of employment and to receive satisfactory results prior to a final offer.

Physical Demands

Short periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer; prolonged periods of standing, walking, bending, and stooping; ability to lift up to 15 pounds at times. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with qualified disabilities to perform the essential functions.