Peer Support Specialist - Early Psychosis Program

Benefits

• Low-cost medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Health savings account.
• 403b retirement plan with employer match (50% match up to 3%).
• Employee Assistance Program for all employees.
• 33 paid days off: 11 observed paid holidays, 12 sick days, and 10 vacation days to start.
• Vacation increases to 12 days after 1 year, 15 days after 2 years, and more at 5 and 9 years of service.
• Vacation and sick time accrue hourly per pay period.
• $50,000 in employer-paid life insurance; additional coverage available.
• Employer contribution to your Health Savings Account (paid quarterly).
• Employee Referral Program including cash bonuses and paid time off.

About the role

Volunteers of America, Utah is an affiliate of a national, nonprofit, faith-based organization that has served communities across the United States for more than 125 years. Volunteers of America, Utah’s mission is to provide community-supported paths for those who are vulnerable to improve their lives and increase their self-reliance. Our programs serve people experiencing challenges related to mental health, substance use, and homelessness. We encourage all who are passionate about making a difference, including individuals with lived experience, to apply.

Position summary

Under the direct supervision of the Program Manager, the Certified Peer Support will use a combination of their training and life experiences to provide client-centered, recovery-oriented services to youth and young adults ages 14-26 who meet criteria for the PREP program. Duties will include working in the community and in client homes, meeting with clients 1:1 and facilitating groups, collaborating with parents and community partners, and working closely with colleagues as part of an interdisciplinary team.

Duties

• Assist clients in working towards stability and independence.
• Provide assistance in accessing resources to help clients meet their mental health and other various needs.
• Provide expertise about the recovery process and symptom management.
• Meet with clients 1:1 and in groups to support progress toward client goals.
• Work closely with other team members to coordinate assignments within scope of responsibility.
• Develop and maintain professional working relationships with community partners, co-workers, clients, and other VOA staff.
• Track and submit all paperwork in a timely manner.
• Maintain professional boundaries and make decisions within the assigned scope of responsibility.
• Attend weekly management meetings, clinical staffings, and individual/group meetings with clients.
• Attend and present community education events and presentations for community partners.
• Work as scheduled and arrive at the designated time.

Essential duties

• Provide crisis intervention as necessary.
• Work closely with other team members to coordinate assignments within scope of responsibility.
• Develop and maintain professional working relationships with community partners, co-workers, clients, and other VOA staff.
• Track and submit all paperwork in a timely manner.
• Maintain professional boundaries and make decisions within the assigned scope of responsibility.
• Attend weekly management meetings, clinical staffings, and individual/group meetings with clients.
• Attend and present community education events and presentations for community partners.
• Work as scheduled and arrive at the designated time.

Secondary duties

• Maintain and enhance professional skills and knowledge through attending conferences/workshops/courses and reading professional materials that are relevant to job requirements and approved by the Program Manager.
• Demonstrate familiarity with and adherence to Utah laws regarding confidentiality and mandatory reporting requirements.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of assigned office space.
• Link client with program, agency and community services for assistance as appropriate.
• Perform other functions as necessary or assigned.

Requirements

• Certification in Utah as a Peer Support Specialist is required.
• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.
• Knowledge/experience working with at-risk populations.
• Knowledge/experience collaborating with community resources.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to build rapport with clients and engage them in other program services.
• Ability to build and foster relationships with partner agencies.
• Ability to maintain a calm demeanor amidst potentially high distress population.
• Computer literate with proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Ability to uphold professional boundaries, confidentiality regulations, agency policies and procedures, and interact in a professional manner with a diverse workforce, clients, and the public.
• Willingness to accept supervision and direction.
• Become CPR and First Aid Certified.
• Driving is required: must be at least 21 years of age, possess a current driver’s license, have a good driving record, and be insurable on the agency liability policy.
• Must be able to pass Utah-DHS – Office of Licensing background screening and pre-employment drug screen.

Physical Demands

• Ability to lift and carry 25 lbs.
• Ability to walk up and down stairs.
• Ability to move around the facility, interacting with clients for extended periods.
• Ability to use a computer for extended periods of time.