Certified Peer Support Specialist

GATEWAYS HOSPITAL & MENTAL HEALTH CENTER; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Premiums covered for dependents

8 paid holidays + 4 personal holidays

2 weeks vacation

403b company match 8%

Annual company events

Job summary

Gateways Hospital and Mental Health Center in Los Angeles, CA is hiring a Certified Peer Support Specialist. The role supports clients with peer-to-peer services, helps access community resources, and leads wellness groups. Must have CMPSS certification and background clearance; a high school diploma is required.

This is a non-profit organization offering comprehensive mental health services. The position is non-exempt, full-time with regular hours.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• CMPSS certification required and current.
• Experience in peer support preferred.
• Background clearance required.

Responsibilities

• Provide peer-to-peer support and connect clients to resources.
• Lead educational or wellness groups for clients.
• Provide individual peer counseling and assessments.
• Document services in clinically acceptable format.
• Develop outreach strategies for peers.
• Assist peers in obtaining benefits and entitlements.
• Coordinate with external agencies as needed.

Skills

Communication skills

Community resources knowledge

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Independent work / judgment

English proficiency

Shift flexibility

Education

High school diploma or GED

CalMHSA Peer Support Specialist Certification (CMPSS)

Tools

Email / computer basics

Job description

Job Details: Job Location: Homeless - Los Angeles, CA, Salary Range: $23.15 - $25.18Hourly, Title of Position: Certified Peer Support Specialist

Location: Homeless

Exempt/Non-Exempt: Non-Exempt

Union/Non-Union: Non-Union

Supervisor: Program Coordinator

Gateways Hospital and Mental Health Center, located in Los Angeles, is a non‑profit organization that provides an array of comprehensive mental health services for Children, Adolescents, Transitional Aged Youth, and Adults suffering from mental illness in the Greater Los Angeles area. The organization consists of a standalone fifty‑five (55) )-bed hospital and six outlying outpatient facilities that have anywhere from fourteen (14) beds to one hundred and thirty‑four (134) beds. The organization has approximately four hundred (400) employees.

SUMMARY OF POSITION

The Peer Support Specialist provides peer‑to‑peer support and self‑help services to clients. The position is for an individual who has experience with, or knowledge of, the needs of those diagnosed with major mental illnesses and how to assist them with accessing community resources, etc.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Provides peers with community resources
• Provides educational, or wellness groups
• Provides social activities within the clinic and in the community
• Provides individual peer counseling
• Provides initial assessments
• Develops strategies for outreach
• Assists peers in obtaining benefits and entitlements
• Documents services as needed in clinically acceptable format.
• Demonstrates the ability to manage competing demands upon time.
• Demonstrates the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.
• Demonstrates the ability to deal tactfully with personnel, clients, family members, visitors, government agencies/ personnel and the general public.
• Demonstrates the ability and willingness to work harmoniously with other personnel.
• Demonstrates has patience, tact, a cheerful disposition and enthusiasm, as well as the willingness to handle difficult clients.
• Is able to relate information concerning a client's condition to co‑workers and immediate supervisor.
• Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills.
• Exercises good judgment.
• Interfaces smoothly with outside agencies and representatives from DMH.
• Demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of the principles of The Recovery Model.
• Provide targeted case management.
• Performs other additional tasks as directed.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS

• Ability to work and relate effectively with multi‑disciplinary treatment team, clients and public.
• Knowledge of community resources
• Ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work independently and use good judgment.
• Ability to work with adult clients.
• Legible handwriting.
• Ability to work various hours and shifts.
• Ability to lead an educational or support group.
• Knowledge of computer email and knowledge of basic computer skills
• Ability to work indoors and outdoors

Qualifications: EDUCATION & CERTIFICATES

• High school graduate or GED preferred
• CalMHSA Peer Support Specialist Certification (CMPSS)must remain current throughout employment

EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS

• Prior work experience in peer support activities.

REQUIREMENTS

• Must pass Department of Justice (DOJ), Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), and Community Care Licensing (CCL) background clearance.
• Valid California Driver’s license.
• TB clearance.
• Driving record acceptable for coverage by Gateways insurance carrier.

Gateways believes that our people are our greatest asset and is proud to offer competitive benefits that support their health, happiness and career development.

• Cover 100% Medical/Dental/Vision Premiums for all Full‑Time Employees and 1 Dependent
• 8 Paid Holidays + 4 Personal Holidays in Calendar Year
• 2 Weeks of Vacation
• 403b Retirement Plan Company Match 8%
• Annual Company Events