FCNI is a community focused non-profit based in San Luis Obispo, CA. We work in partnership with San Luis Obispo County agencies and other community-based organizations to provide hope, stability, support , and empowerment to those in need. Our mission could not be accomplished without the dedication, passion, and commitment of our incredible team. Our employees are truly our most valuable asset. The collective sum of the individual differences, life experiences, knowledge, inventiveness, innovation, self-expression, unique capabilities and talent that our employees invest in their work represents a significant part of not only our culture, but our reputation and our collective achievements as well.

We are currently looking to add a new member to our dynamic team for the position of Peer Specialist in the Transitional Age Youth Housing program. The Peer Specialist provides support, guidance and advocacy to individuals who are navigating interaction with the legal system, i.e., CWS, Probation, and/or engagement with Mental Health, Substance Abuse, and/or Special Education supports. As someone who has navigated similar struggles, the Peer Specialist utilized their personal journey to inspire hope, promote empowerment, and facilitate stability. The Peer Specialist builds trusting relationships, provides direct peer support services, and collaborates with clients and treatment teams to promote successful outcomes. 

COMPENSATION

• Starting rate is determined by education and experience
  • Peer Specialist I: $18.50-$27.75 per hour
  • Peer Specialist II: $26.00-$39.00 per hour
• Full Time, Non-Exempt classification per FLSA 
• Spanish Bilingual differential - 10% increase on the employee's hourly base rate of pay
• Mileage reimbursement $0.67 cents per mile

• Eligible to enroll into benefits on the 1st of the month following employee's first day of employment. These are all high quality and comprehensive plans.
  • FCNI will cover 75% of employee's premium and 60% of employee's dependent's premium on the primary plan offered-Aetna PPO Health Benefit, Vision and Dental PPO.
  • HSA & AFLAC plans available 
• Humana Life Insurance 
• Employee Assistance Program - Aetna Resources and Support at no charge to the employee which includes resources and support in:
  • Emotional well-being support
  • Legal services
  • Daily life assistance
  • Financial services, etc.
• 403(b) plan which allows employees to contribute a portion of their salary pre-tax toward their retirement with a monthly employer match. Eligibility provisions apply.
• 13 paid holidays annually
• 17 days of PTO accrued annually (increases after 3 years of service)
• Hybrid work environment (position dependent) 
• Monthly staff events, including wellness activities and birthday and anniversary celebrations 

EDUCATION & QUALIFICATIONS 

• Peer Specialist I: High School diploma or equivalent required, Associate or Bachelor’s degree preferred. Direct experience working in and/or being the recipient of services from Behavioral Health, Social Services, Juvenile Justice and/or special education required. Former recipient of FCNI services is desired 
• Peer Specialist II (MHRS): Associate degree required, Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, or a related field preferred and six (6) years full-time equivalent experience in a Behavioral Health setting as a specialist in the fields of physical restoration, social adjustment, or vocational adjustment OR Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, or a related field preferred and four (4) years full-time equivalent experience in a Behavioral Health setting as a specialist in the fields of physical restoration, social adjustment, or vocational adjustment 
• Must be computer literate with proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and knowledge of database and reporting tools
• Excellent communication skills (verbal, written, and interpersonal)
• Excellent time management, organizational and multi-tasking skills
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail
• Ability to maintain discretion and confidentiality with sensitive information 
• Must pass a background check, pre-employment physical, drug, tuberculosis screening and other conditions of employment.

RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Support clients in navigating complex systems to access agency services and community resources, including housing, employment, education, health and mental health services. 
• Educate clients about their rights and options. Empowering clients to make informed decisions and assert their needs to access individualized services that enhance movement toward self-sufficiency. 
• Provide expertise and life skills coaching on topics related to the client’s needs and goals, including psychoeducation on mental health and substance use topics, such as symptom management, relapse prevention, and developing healthy coping skills. 
• Provide emotional support, active listening and validation to clients in distress, connecting them with appropriate services as needed.
• Helping clients develop coping strategies, safety plans, and crisis management techniques to navigate challenging situations and prevent escalation. 
• Work collaboratively with treatment teams to integrate peer support into client case plans to contribute a peer perspective and advocate for client-centered care. 
•  Maintain accurate and timely documentation of peer support activities, client interactions, and progress and complete required documentation in accordance with agency policies, confidentiality standards, and regulatory requirements. 
• Provide advocacy and “peer voice” to state and county-level advisory boards, governmental agencies, or legislative groups responsible to make decisions regards or affecting services provided to youth and families.
• Other duties and projects as assigned