Community/Peer Support Specialist

Position Details

Full-Time
Location: Inglewood

Job Summary

Active member of PIER Program Multidisciplinary Team (PPMT) whose goal is to increase early identification of psychotic disorder in youth ages 12-25 as well as increase knowledge of symptoms by those who live and/or work with them.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• 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.
• Provide client and family support, act as advocate for client and family in all aspects of the PIER Program process. Assist in developing clients’ crisis and safety plan, provide crisis intervention to clients on an as-needed basis.
• Participate in PIER Program Multidisciplinary Team outreach activities, in case treatment meetings 2 x week, helping the engagement of child, family, extended family and informal resources.
• Guide family through intricacies of service delivery system and assist families with contacting and following through with community resources.
• Model and coach youth and family in such areas as communication skills, anger management, problem solving, stress management, appropriate discipline, accessing supports and resources etc.
• Provide direct services to youth and families in a variety of setting, i.e., clinic, community, in home, as needed and appropriate.
• Afford assistance to clients, if needed to interface with DCFS, DMH, court systems, schools, employment resources and various community linkages.
• Attend regularly scheduled weekly supervision, staff meetings, community meetings and other meetings as assigned.
• Perform all functions in accordance with Agency guidelines, policies and procedures.
• Arrange work schedule or required hours to the benefit of the PIER Program and clients with approval of the PIER Program Coordinator.

Qualifications

• Must have lived experience of being diagnosed with a mental illness and successfully transitioned to self-sufficiency or having a family member diagnosed with a mental illness with at least one (1) year of experience in providing peer support and community linkage.
• Able to function as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in related field (psychology, sociology, social work, special education or human services) preferred, bilingual in Spanish desired.
• High School Diploma/GED with proven experience of providing at least one (1) year peer and community supports to population with diagnosed mental health illness might be considered.
• Familiarity with principles of family-centered, strengths-based services.
• Knowledge of the community resources.
• Computer skills required and at least two (2) years’ experience with using electronic tablets and mobile application technology.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational and time management skills necessary for cooperative working relationship with all levels of professional staff.
• Valid drivers’ license, good driving record and reliable personal vehicle to provide in home service to families.

Benefits

• 100% Employer-sponsored Health Insurance Plan
• Dental, Vision and Life Insurance
• 403b Retirement Plan
• Flexible Spending Account
• Vacation and Sick Leave