Peer Support Specialist

Kids for the Future; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

Kids for the Future is seeking a Peer Specialist for our San Diego-based Crisis Centers. This in-person role supports clients using lived experience to foster recovery, welcomes new clients, and participates in a multidisciplinary team.

Duties include client transportation when needed and assisting with benefits applications. The position requires a high school diploma, First Aid/CPR, and a California driver's license, with certification preferred within 90 days of hire.

Qualifications

• At least one year of work experience
• Experience as a person who has received mental health services
• First Aid/CPR certification required
• Proficiency in MS Office applications (Word, Excel)
• Valid California driver’s license and eligibility to be an approved CRF driver
• Criminal/background clearance required
• Certified Peer Support Specialist strongly preferred; must be obtained within 90 days of hire

Responsibilities

• Act as ambassador to the program by welcoming, providing orientation to prospective clients
• Utilize lived experiences to aid recovery efforts of clients
• Promote and model recovery within the program
• Join the multidisciplinary team and share insights on illness management and life skills
• Advocate for clients when appropriate
• May drive clients to appointments and assist with benefits applications

Skills

Peer support

Empathy

Communication skills

Team collaboration

MS Office proficiency

Education

High school diploma

Tools

MS Word

MS Excel

Job description

• Base Pay $23.08 - $23.31 / Hour
• Other Compensation $3.00 per hour differential for weekend shifts
• Required Degree High school

Description

Per Diem . Shifts may include days (8:00 am to 4:30 pm) and evenings (3:30 pm to Midnight) - weekday and/or weekends. This is an on-site position and requires in-person attendance to perform the essential functions of the job.

As a Peer Specialist, you will:

• Act as an ambassador to the program by welcoming, providing orientation, and engage prospective clients to the program.
• Utilize experiences as a recipient of mental health services to enhance recovery efforts of clients within the program.
• Promote and model the concept of recovery to program participants.
• Serve as a member of the multidisciplinary team and shares practical insight related to illness management, life skills, and the lifelong recovery process.
• Act as an advocate for the client when appropriate.
• May assist clients by driving to appointments, benefits applications, assessing social service needs.

CRF inspires and mentors the next generation of behavioral health professionals!

Our Crisis Centers are Short Term Acute Residential Treatment (START) programs (Del Sur Crisis Center, Esperanza Crisis Center , Halcyon Crisis Center, Hawthorne Crisis Center, Jary Barreto Crisis Center, New Vistas Crisis Center, and Turning Point Crisis Center) that provide intensive, community-based crisis residential services for adults throughout San Diego County. They deliver a unique alternative to psychiatric hospitalization to clients who are experiencing a psychiatric crisis of such magnitude so as not to be manageable on an outpatient basis. Their services are provided in a home-like environment that specializes in the psychosocial rehabilitation of each individual.

CRF staff members work together to meet the needs of San Diego County's residents who are experiencing mental/behavioral health challenges. We offer a diverse, inclusive workplace that fosters personal growth and development. You will work within a collaborative, supportive team structure, learn new ways to provide optimal supports to your clients and help people change their lives for the better!

Certification

Certified Peer Support Specialist through CalMHSA strongly preferred; required within 90 days of hire date

Credentialing

If you are applying to this position as a Licensed, Registered, Waivered, or Certified professional and are offered the position, you will be required to complete the credentialing process. Additional information will be provided at the post-offer stage.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• At least one year of work experience
• Experience as a person who has received mental health services or has a close family member that has received mental health services is required
• Previous experience working in mental health services is an advantage
• First Aid/CPR certification is required and must be kept current during employment
• Proficiency in MS Office applications, specifically Word and Excel
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment is essential
• This program is housed in a two-story building that does not have an elevator. Ability to navigate stairs is required.
• A valid California driver's license in good standing and eligibility to be an approved CRF driver is required to fulfill the essential functions of this position. In addition, proof of insurance is required prior to driving personal vehicles on company business.
• Ability to pass criminal/background clearance

Summary

Provides an opportunity for clients to work with their peers in helping to address their individual recovery process. The Peer Specialist is expected to demonstrate his/her abilities, education, work ethics and life skills with peers. Assists with transportation of clients in facility vehicle when indicated. Provides general office support as assigned.

Responsible for milieu interactions and organized activities. Works with individuals to assist them in accessing appropriate support services and entitlements, medical care, community resources, and family support systems in an effort to facilitate recovery and rehabilitation.