Peer Navigator/ Peer Support Specialist

Peer Navigators work with individuals, groups, and communities to improve mental health as a part of a treatment team. They provide lived experience and expertise that professional training cannot provide. This person is a role model to peers who exhibits competency and knowledge from the lived experience.

Qualifications:

• High School diploma or GED required.
• Personal knowledge gained through firsthand lived experience in mental health.
• Peer Support Specialist - Current Peer Support Specialist certification required. California certifications must remain active and valid with their governing entity.
• Proficient in Microsoft suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Knowledge of community resources preferred.
• Bilingual preferred.
• A valid California driver's license is required of staff who have regular driving duties, and the driving record must meet the requirements of their position and be approved by the agency's insurance company

Essential Job Functions:

• Ability to communicate ideas in oral and written form.
• Protect and honor individual integrity through confidentiality.
• Ability to work in a harmonious manner with subordinates, supervisors, and others.
• Ability to instruct in group and individual settings.
• Ability to work effectively with cultural/ethnic diversity.
• Maintain confidential information according to legal and ethical standards. Ability to work at various locations, including client homes, schools and community settings.
• Physical, mental, and emotional health adequate to perform duties.

Responsibilities:

• Provide the perspective of experience to clients.
• Assist clients with accessing and linking to community resources.
• Help clients and family members with problem solving.
• Provide encouragement and hope.
• Provide group, individual, and family services for clients.
• Provide services to families when needed, including non-traditional hours.
• Maintain documentation, record and tracking systems that meet standards of the agency, The Joint Commission and contract.
• Collaborate with the treatment team, referring agency or other community agencies working with the client to coordinate treatment.
• Collect outcome data, including consumer satisfaction surveys, as required by the agency and contract.
• Participate in community outreach and presentations.
• Must implement program goals and objectives to meet and maintain contractual requirements.
• Participate in scheduled peer review.
• Responsible for preventing and controlling infection.
• Responsible for maintaining a culture of quality and safety.
• Effectively use de-escalation skills and techniques for crisis prevention.
• Properly administer the C-SSRS to help prevent suicide.

Other:

• Attend all required meetings and trainings.
• Report any suspected child or dependent adult/elder abuse or neglect immediately to direct supervisor or utilize the chain of command if supervisor is unavailable.
• Report any client imminent danger to self or to others or gravely disabled immediately to direct supervisor or utilize the chain of command if supervisor is unavailable.
• Other duties as assigned.

We are a nonprofit organization with a mission to strengthen families and communities by transforming lives We are currently recruiting for a Peer Navigator/ Peer Support Specialist for our Intensive Community Support program, who is ready to make a difference in the lives of others

Why Sierra Vista?
Our supportive, caring environment extends not only to our clients and families, but to our valued staff as well. Employees from a number of disciplines work together in a collaborative, stimulating environment that is a model for quality care.

Sierra Vista Child & Family Services offers:

• Health Insurance Coverage - SVCFS offers a comprehensive health benefits package which includes medical dental vision coverage, and an employer paid life insurance policy.
• 2 weeks of vacation, 11 paid holidays, 12 sick days upon accrual.
• Employee Assistance Plan unlimited access to professional consultants for money management, family counseling, legal advice and many other areas.
• Optional 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching.
• Clinical Supervision for state licensure.
• Opportunities for growth and professional development.
• Non-Profit Student Loan Forgiveness.
• Salary Increases each year.
• Supportive/collaborative work environment.
• Discounts are available to employees for gym memberships, with cellphone plan providers and other discounted perks.