IPS Peer Support Specialist

Position Title:                    IPS Peer Specialist 
Program/Dept:                 Solano Jobs Plus
Reports to:                         IPS Director
Classification:                   Regular, Full-Time, Non-Exempt
Salary Range:                    $21.43 Hourly + Full Benefits Package

**1 year contract

About Us:     Caminar and our divisions transformed the lives of over 31,000 youth and adults across San Mateo, Santa Clara, San Francisco, Solano, Contra Costa, and Butte counties last year through education, behavioral health care, and support. Driven by compassion, science, and our understanding of root causes, we deliver high-quality prevention, treatment, and recovery services to those with complex mental health, substance use, and co-occurring needs. 

We understand that quality behavioral health outcomes occur when a person is supported in all their basic human needs, and we actively partner with our clients and the community to address the social determinants of health that lead to sustained well-being. We are here to empower and support the most vulnerable members of our community to move toward wellness, resilience, and independence.

Caminar values diversity. People of all races, ethnicities, countries of origin, faith, abilities, sexual orientations, gender identities are welcome here. 

Position Summary:  Under supervision of the IPS Director, the IPS Peer Specialist will provide vocational support services to individuals with mental health challenges. The IPS Peer Specialist is responsible for providing direct peer to peer support and advocacy to individuals receiving services and facilitates peer run groups. The IPS Peer Specialist helps to facilitate a positive and appropriate group environment. Also, provides one on one coaching and encouragement for consumers who are working on their vocational goals. The IPS Peer Specialist performs a wide range of tasks to assist consumers through their wellness and recovery journey. Peer Specialists function as role models demonstrating techniques in recovery and in ongoing coping skills.

Job Duties & Responsibilities:

• Attend and participate in mental health treatment meetings and IPS unit meetings.
• Discuss goals for employment and education with people. Help people explore career choices.
• Request services and make referrals for services that people need. For example, referrals for housing services or counseling, based on the person’s preferences.
• Help people consider disclosing a disability (or other personal information) to employers and whether to ask for a job accommodation.
• Teach wellness management strategies.
• Engage people who are new to the program, or people who have missed appointments.
• Help people identify different options for money management.
• Teach people how to use available transportation.
• Share personal stories to inspire others.
• Assist in gathering identification documentation for employment.
• Discuss social situations at work.
• Assist with completing job applications and submitting resumes.
• Meet with working people to talk about their jobs.
• Discuss different ways to save paychecks for long-­‐term goals or to budget income.
• Provide ongoing supports after the employment specialist is no longer involved.
• Facilitating on-site peer–run groups.
• Assisting consumers in developing empowerment skills through self-advocacy and stigma-busting activities.
• Other duties as needed/assigned.

Qualifications, Skills, & Requirements:

• Must be passionate about Caminar's mission.
• High School Diploma or GED is required. BA in psychology or related field is preferred.
• A minimum of two years of direct service provision to people with disabilities, preferably in a social rehabilitation or vocational setting is preferred.

Special Requirements:

• Must be able to meet and receive a criminal records clearance, as required by Title XXII, other licensing regulations, and Caminar practices.
• This position requires frequent driving. A valid California driver license, reliable personal vehicle, current personal auto insurance as required by law, and an MVR sufficient to obtain and reasonably maintain insurability under agency auto liability policies are all essential job requirements.
• Must be able to pass post-offer, pre-employment medical and drug tests as required under State Community Care Licensing regulations and/or agency policies.
• A personal cell phone with reliable service and, if applicable, a data plan to use for business purposes.
• May be required to obtain and maintain First Aid and CPR certification.

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