POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Peer Specialist is responsible for supporting clients with a substance use disorder (SUD) by conducting assessments and providing individual and family counseling, psychoeducation, case management, and other support services that help clients obtain employment and self-sufficiency goals. This role will uphold and champion the agency’s mission, vision, and values and contribute to a collaborative and inclusive work culture.

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities:

• Attend and participate in weekly Family Service Team (FST) meetings with the CalWORKs team, the client and his/her sources of support, and other service providers.
• Provide assessment and facilitate linkage to resources and services that will support clients’ educational and employment goals.
• Share personal experience to inspire others towards reaching their personal goals.
• Develop individualized care plan for each client.
• Conduct individual and family counseling sessions
• Conduct assessments and formulate individualized plan driven by the client.
• Help clients remove barriers to workforce engagement.
• Represent clients and intervene on their behalf with public officials.
• Teach and model strategies for self-care and wellness.
• Provide consistent outreach and engagement for clients who are new to the program and/or have missed appointments.
• Develop and implement individual and group educational activities for clients.
• Participate in all agency activities, meetings, events, etc.
• Maintain all client files and complete appropriate service documentation.

Other

• Attend trainings and participate in events relevant to key responsibilities
• Track and regularly report on key metrics for responsible function areas
• Leads and collaborate on special projects related to agency objectives as appropriate

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:

• Lived mental health and/or substance abuse experience.
• Drug and Alcohol certification or training preferred.
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.
• Understanding of trauma and trauma-informed interventions.
• Knowledge of alcohol and drug prevention and recovery/ treatment programs and principles.
• Knowledge of and sensitive to diverse populations including the Latino and African American Community.
• Non-Profit and Community Based Organization experience highly desirable.
• Demonstrates and models excellent “customer service” orientation, especially in the ability to interact with people at all levels within and outside the agency.
• Thinks independently and can make informed decisions when needed.
• Exercises extreme discretion with the ability to hold, balance and transmit public and confidential information needed by various parties.
• Proficient using MS Office products, particularly Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint.
• Acquires or maintains proficiency in using Google Drive products, including Docs, Sheets, and Forms.
• Valid CA Driver’s license
• Auto insurance: Personal vehicle may be used for business related purposes; it is recommended you inform your auto insurance carrier.
• Current state-mandated guidelines requires employees in this position to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, including booster shots. Accommodations may be available as required by law. Applicants who are offered a position will be asked about their vaccination status and applications will be required to provide proof of vaccinations against COVID-19 including booster shots. The agency can provide accommodations as required by law in certain circumstances.

BENEFITS:

• Excellent Health benefits package for you and your family including:
• Medical/dental/vision benefits with 95% employee & 80% dependent employer premium contribution and employer paid life insurance.
• Vacation, 15 paid holidays, 12 paid sick days upon accrual
• Employee Assistance Plan to support yours and your family’s wellbeing and finances
• 403(b) retirement plan
• Work-life wellbeing & excellent work hours
• Supportive/Collaborative work environment
• Opportunities for Growth and Professional Development
• License and Certification renewals reimbursed

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $22.73 - $23.35 per hour

Expected hours: 37.5 per week

Benefits:

• 403(b)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Mileage reimbursement
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Required)

Experience:

• trauma informed intervention: 1 year (Preferred)

Language:

• Spanish (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Hayward, CA 94545 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Hayward, CA 94545: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Willingness to travel:

• 25% (Required)

Work Location: In person