Certified Peer Support Specialist

Position Purpose:

JWCH Institute utilizes Certified Peer Support Specialists (PSS) in various programs, including Behavioral Health, Mental Health, and Substance Use Disorder programs, both residential and outpatient. Certified Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialists provide recovery-oriented, culturally appropriate services that promote engagement, socialization, self-sufficiency, self-advocacy, and natural supports, while also being trauma-aware.

Certification under this policy is designed for individuals who are 18 years of age or older and 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 a consumer.

Principle Responsibilities:

1. Peer Support Specialists help promote respect, trust, and warmth while empowering individuals to make changes and decisions that enhance their lives.
2. PSS services are directed toward the achievement of specific goals defined by the person served and specified in the individualized treatment plan developed by the treatment team.
3. Activities provided by Peer Support Specialists emphasize the acquisition, development, and expansion of rehabilitation skills needed for recovery.
4. Assisting an individual in recovery involves:
   1. Helping the individual identify what would improve their quality of life.
   2. Supporting the individual in recognizing and removing barriers to achieving their stated goals.
5. Certified Peer Specialist interventions may include:
   1. Sharing lived 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. Assisting individuals in connecting with peers and their community.
   4. Supporting individuals with behavioral health disorders in developing a network for information and support.
   5. Encouraging individuals with behavioral health disorders to make independent choices and take a proactive role in their treatment.
   6. Assisting individuals in identifying strengths and personal resources to aid in recovery.
   7. Helping individuals set and achieve recovery goals.
6. Supportive activities include, but are not limited to:
   1. Starting and sustaining mutual support and education groups.
   2. Providing community outreach as part of the 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. Using the stages of recovery concept to promote self-determination.
   7. Assisting peers in setting goals and following through on wellness and health activities.
7. Certified Peer Specialists shall adhere to the Certified Peer Specialist Code of Ethics.
8. Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings.
9. Meet outcome expectations outlined in grants, funding sources, or licensing agency requirements.
10. Complete all documentation in Next-Gen or other designated systems.
11. Document and report unusual occurrences, incidents, and injuries.
12. Respond promptly and appropriately to emergency situations.
13. Always maintain client confidentiality.
14. Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

1. A Certified Peer Specialist must have at least a high school diploma or equivalent.
2. Successfully complete the 80-hour training requirement for a Peer Support Specialist through a Cal-MHSA-approved training entity or be able to complete the certification training within 180 days from the hire date.
3. Pass the certification examination.
4. Be supervised at all times by a qualified mental health professional (e.g., LCSW, LMFT, PhD).
5. Self-identify as having experience with the recovery process from a mental illness or substance use disorder, either as a consumer of these services or as a parent, caregiver, or family member of a consumer.
6. Demonstrate knowledge of and basic competence in the following areas: harm reduction, motivational interviewing, strengths-based care, participant-centered care, and trauma-informed care.
7. Demonstrate an understanding of the impact of trauma on behavioral and medical conditions.
8. Be able to document services accurately, thoroughly, and in a timely manner using Next-Gen.
9. Demonstrate effective interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
10. Have the ability to collaborate effectively in a team setting.

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

Employee Benefits:

At JWCH Institute, Inc., we believe in taking care of those who take care of others. If you work 30+ hours per week, you’ll enjoy competitive pay and a robust benefits package that includes:

• Medical, Dental, Vision
• Monthly employer-sponsored allowance for assistance with health premiums.
• Funded Health Savings Account (up to deductible) to assist with carrier-approved medical expenses.
• Paid time off (vacation, sick leave) and 13 paid holidays.
• 401(k) Safe Harbor Profit Sharing plan.
• Mileage reimbursement.
• Short- and long-term disability plans (LTD/STD).
• Life insurance policy & AD&D, and more!

Become part of a team where your work matters. Apply today and help us change lives, one patient at a time.

JWCH Institute, Inc + Wesley Health Centers is an Equal Opportunity and Fair Chance Employer.