Certified Peer Support Specialist

Position Purpose:

JWCH Institute integrates Certified Peer Support Specialists (PSS) across a range of programs, spanning Behavioral Health, Mental Health, and Substance Use Disorder initiatives, both residential and outpatient. The Certified Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist delivers recovery-oriented, culturally sensitive services focused at fostering engagement, socialization, self-sufficiency, self-advocacy, and natural supports while maintaining trauma awareness. Certification under this policy is designed for individuals who are 18 years of age or older, who self-identify as having lived experience with the process of recovery from mental illness, substance use disorder, or both, either as a consumer of these services or as the parent or family member of the consumer.

Principle Responsibilities:

1. Peer Support Specialists help foster respect, trust, and warmth, empowering individuals to make changes and decisions that enhance their lives.
2. PSS services are directed toward achieving specific goals defined by the person served and outlined in the individualized treatment plan developed by the treatment team.
3. Activities provided by the Peer Specialist emphasize the acquisition, development, and expansion of rehabilitation skills necessary for progressing in recovery.
4. Assisting an individual in recovery involves:
   1. helping them identify improvements to their quality of life, and
   2. identifying and removing barriers to achieving their stated goals.
5. Certified Peer Specialists' interventions may include:
   1. sharing personal experiences of recovery, supporting the use of recovery tools, and modeling successful recovery behaviors;
   2. helping individuals recognize their capacity for change and resilience;
   3. facilitating connections with peers and the wider community;
   4. assisting individuals with behavioral health disorders in building networks for information and support;
   5. supporting individuals in taking proactive roles in their treatment and making independent choices;
   6. identifying strengths and personal resources to aid in recovery; and
   7. assisting in setting and achieving recovery goals.
6. Supportive activities include, but are not limited to:
   1. initiating and sustaining mutual support and education groups;
   2. engaging in community outreach, such as through our Street Medicine Team or other community-based programs;
   3. teaching and modeling symptom management skills;
   4. teaching and modeling problem-solving skills;
   5. supporting efforts to find and maintain paid employment;
   6. promoting self-determination using the stages of recovery concept; and
   7. assisting peers in setting and pursuing wellness and health goals.
7. Certified Peer Specialists shall follow the Certified Peer Specialist Code of Ethics
8. Participates in multi-disciplinary team meetings.
9. Fulfill outcome expectations outlined by grants, funding sources, or licensing agencies.
10. Ensure completion of all documentation in Next-Gen or other designated systems.
11. Document and report any unusual occurrences, incidents, or injuries.
12. Respond promptly and appropriately to emergency situations.
13. Uphold client confidentiality at all times.

Requirements:

1. Possess a high school diploma or equivalent (GED certificate).
2. Successfully complete the 80-hour training requirements for a Peer Support Specialist through a CalMHSA-approved training entity.
3. Pass the certification examination.
4. Receive supervision from a qualified mental health professional at all times; LCSW, LMFT, PhD, etc.
5. Self-identify as having experience with the recovery process from mental illness or substance use disorder, either as a service consumer or as the parent, caregiver, or family member of one.
6. Demonstrate knowledge and basic competence in areas including harm reduction, motivational interviewing, strengths-based care, participant-centered care, and trauma-informed care.
7. Show understanding of the impact of trauma on behavioral and medical conditions.
8. Have experience with evidence-based short-term behavioral health interventions.
9. Capable of accurate, thorough, and timely documentation using Next-Gen for all services.
10. Exhibit effective interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
11. Ability to collaborate effectively in a team setting.
12. Consistently meet agency productivity standards.
13. Provide evidence of a clear criminal record and hold a valid California Driver's License.
14. Bilingual (English/Spanish) proficiency preferred.

*All JWCH, Wesley Health Centers workforce members are recommended to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Employee Benefits:JWCH Institute, Inc., offers competitive salaries for all positions. Employees working 30 hours per week or more are provided a monthly allowance which can be used towards medical, dental, and vision premiums. The agency offers sick leave, vacation time, 13 paid holidays, 401(k) Safe Harbor Profit Sharing plan, mileage reimbursement, short-term and long-term disability plans, life insurance policies, employee parking and more !

Wesley Health Centers, JWCH Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer!