Clubhouse Support Specialist

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.

NAMI SD/IC Clubhouses operate under the Clubhouse International Evidence-Based Model for psychosocial rehabilitation, empowering adults and older adults living with a serious mental illness (SMI) age 18 and above. The program provides a 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 mutual respect and caring.

About the Role

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, promotes the work-ordered day structure, and helps members connect with employment, educational, vocational, social, wellness, and housing resources in the community. The role requires providing transportation using a company vehicle and participating in Clubhouse social events, which may include evening, weekend, and holiday coverage. The Specialist will also support transitional employment placements, contribute to job development, and acquire Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist or Community Health Worker Certification.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Identify and reinforce member strengths and assess for appropriate support.
• Model a strong dedication to recovery and share lived experience regarding behavioral health and system navigation if applicable and appropriate.
• Provide on-site training, assistance, and coverage for members on Transitional Employment Placements within the community.
• Participate in Clubhouse evening, weekend, and holiday events, and model 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 Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist or Community Health Worker Certification within 90 days of hire and retain certification throughout employment.
• Complete all required trainings in a timely manner, including trauma-informed care, recovery language, de-escalation, and motivational interviewing. This may include an out-of-state, two-week comprehensive training on the Clubhouse International Model.
• Other duties as assigned.

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, either as a consumer of these services or as the parent, caregiver, or family member of a consumer.
• 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 (mini-van and/or sedan) with passengers during work hours.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated experience creating and supporting a welcoming and inclusive environment for program participants and staff.
• Proficiency with computer software (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.
• Must pass a background check following a contingent offer of employment due to work with vulnerable populations and county contractor requirements.

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.

Reports to the Associate Director for Clubhouses.