Certified Peer Support Specialist

Gateways Hospital and Mental Health Centers; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Cover 100% Medical/Dental/Vision for 1

8 Paid Holidays + 4 Personal Holidays

2 Weeks Vacation

403b Retirement Plan 8% Match

Annual Company Events

Job summary

Gateways Hospital and Mental Health Centers in Los Angeles seeks a Certified Peer Support Specialist to provide peer-to-peer support, link clients to community resources, and lead wellness groups within the clinic and community.

The role requires experience with mental health needs, strong communication, and the ability to work with adults in a multidisciplinary team. A DOJ/FBI/CCL background clearance is required, with full-time, non-exempt status.

Qualifications

• Experience in peer support activities.
• CalMHSA Peer Support Specialist Certification is required.
• Must remain current with certification throughout employment.

Responsibilities

• Provide peer-to-peer support and assist clients with community resources.
• Lead educational or wellness groups for clients and families.
• Provide individual peer counseling and initial assessments.
• Document services in clinically appropriate formats.
• Develop outreach strategies and assist peers in obtaining benefits.

Skills

Community resources

Group leadership

English communication

Independent judgment

Interpersonal skills

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Oral and written communication

Patience and empathy

Adult clients

Education

CalMHSA Peer Support Specialist Certification

High school diploma or GED

Job description

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 Drivers 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