BEHAVIORAL HEALTH ALLCOVE PEER SUPPORT SPECIALIST

GENERAL PURPOSE OF THE JOB

The Peer Support Specialist engages with allcove youth, provides peer-to-peer support services, and supports outreach efforts to youth and the community, promoting visibility, access, and encouraging participation in the the allcoveTM center.

This position plays a key role in fostering a safe, empowering, and growth-oriented environment for youth and young people while supporting overall program operations and community engagement efforts.

STANDARD REQUIREMENTS

• Is knowledgeable of HIPAA and Patient Rights and ensures an atmosphere that allows for the privacy, dignity, and well-being of all in a safe, secure environment.

• Supports and cooperates with specific procedures and programs for:

• Safety includes universal precautions and safe work practices, established fire/safety/disaster plans, risk management, security, reporting and correcting unsafe working conditions, equipment repair, and maintenance needs.

• Confidentiality of all data, including Client, Employee, and Operations data.

• Quality Improvement and compliance with all regulatory requirements.

• Compliance with current law and policy to provide a work environment free from sexual harassment and all illegal, discriminatory behavior.

• Supports and participates in joint teamwork:

• Cooperates and works together with all co-workers.

• Uses tactful, appropriate communication in sensitive and emotional situations.

• Follow up with supervisor or co-workers regarding reported complaints, problems, and concerns.

• Completes requirements for training anti-harassment, policies and procedures, and other work duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Youth engagement and participation

• Performing initial orientation for youth (ranging in age from 12 years to 25 years) accessing allcove to include but not limited to: assisting with completion of forms, intake questionnaires, and initial screening or assessments as needed; ensuring a welcoming, inclusive, and youth-friendly experience.
• Providing support to the youth accessing allcove by acting as youth support and mentor. This includes but is not limited to: participating in goal-setting activities; identifying opportunities for youth to learn, grow and become more confident/improve self-esteem; providing encouragement and support to access resources; sharing and discussing common experiences to develop trust and rapport, encouraging and maintaining an optimistic outlook; communicating, representing, and promoting the peer perspective within the center.
• Working closely with the center team to ensure that the views of young people and families are integrated into service planning and service delivery.
• Engaging Youth Advisory Group members by supporting the allcove Youth Outreach Specialist in the planning of Youth Advisory Group meetings and supporting events and outreach efforts.
• Developing effective working relationships with agencies and organizations to advocate for peer empowerment, including wellness, outreach, and collaboration in future events and activities.
• Conducting outreach to educate community partners and peers about center services and resources available, including center tours, public presentations, or guest speaking engagements.
• Collaborating with Communications and Marketing to provide outreach to peers in the community through presentations at schools, outreach/tabling events and activities including communication and marketing materials for program activities and ensures that youth and center resources are always available.
• Supporting supervisor by leading or co-facilitating workshops
• Completing and maintaining related records and documentation by participating in data collection.

General

• Keep up to date with relevant youth sector trends, gaps and information.
• Participate in relevant training and development activities as an effective team member.

QUALIFICATIONS

• GED or High School Diploma required, plus related experience working with youth and young adults with health and/or substance use issues or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Bachelor's degree in healthcare, social services, or human services field preferred.
• Education and experience working with adolescents and young adults in a mental health or health-related field.

Demonstrated understanding of youth participation approaches relevant to successful uptake of community programs by youth mental health clients ages 12 to 25.

• Demonstrated understanding of the challenges and experiences of young people from diverse backgrounds including BIPOC, LGBTQ+ and unhoused young people.
• Strong group facilitation and community engagement skills. A broad understanding of the challenges and experiences of youth including specific local community factors.
• Proven track record in building and maintaining effective working relationships with a range of stakeholders such as young people, family members and health professionals from other agencies.
• Ability to plan, implement, deliver and evaluate community awareness projects and mental health literacy programs within an allocated budget.
• Demonstrated experience:
• Working with young people with mental health, substance use and other social issues.
• In community development or community awareness and education initiatives.
• Coordinating and facilitating youth programs, events and activities within a community setting.
• Demonstrated ability to develop, implement and evaluate community awareness programs.
• Exceptional ability to engage and communicate to groups of people, tailoring communication to suit a specific target group or age range.
• Broad knowledge of the range of services available to young people in the local community, health, education, employment and youth sectors.
• Basic analysis and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple and competing work tasks and deliver to agreed deadlines.
• Demonstrated willingness and ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Good understanding on how to effectively use social media as a communication tool and work with marketing staff to consistently uplift youth voice.
• Highly developed verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficient computer skills including Microsoft Office, email and database applications.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to priorities and manage multiple and competing work tasks and deliver to agreed deadlines.
• Knowledge of principles and techniques of social, cultural, and intergenerational dynamics of Asian immigrants and refugees.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.
• Field work may be required.
• Reliable Transportation.
• Successfully meet the post-offer/pre-hire physical, and fingerprint, requirements and receive an eligibility status for the Level II Background Check required by the State of California.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Does this job have supervisory responsibilities? No