The Priority Center is seeking a full-time Peer Support Specialist for its Adult In-Home Crisis Stabilization Program (AIHCS). Our mission is to deliver life-changing programs to assist people in crisis by giving them the tools and support necessary to end the generational cycle of trauma- including prevention of child abuse and neglect, through early intervention and mental health services and advocacy. The AIHCS Program serves suicidal and homicidal adults who can’t be hospitalized, in order to diffuse the crisis, promote a healthy lifestyle and prevent suicidal and homicidal acts. This program has a field-based treatment team consisting of clinicians, case managers and peer mentors.

**The Priority Center also offers a 9/80 work week schedule which allows for one day off every two weeks (equivalent to having an additional 26 days off per year!)**

The primary responsibility of the Peer Support Specialistis to engage in a collaborative process of assessment, planning, facilitation, care coordination, evaluation, and advocacy for options and services to meet the comprehensive health needs of individuals in the Adult In-Home Crisis Stabilization(AIHCS) program of The Priority Center through communication and available resources.

A Peer Support Specialist has been a recipient of behavioral health "lived experience" (personal experience of recovery from mental health, substance use, or trauma conditions who receive specialized training and supervision to guide and support others who are experiencing similar mental health, substance use or trauma issues toward increased wellness).

Peer Support Specialists may offer ideas or wisdom gained through their personal experiences to inspire hope, support personal responsibility, promote understanding, offer education, and promote self-advocacy and self-determination. Peer Support Specialists provide highly individualized services in the community and promote client self-determination and decision-making. Peer Support Specialists have the ability to build trust and relationships with individuals in the program.

Goals:

1. Be part of a field-based team that supports the crisis team throughout the community.

2. Meet productivity level as defined by The Priority Center and AIHCS management.

3. Complete documentation as required by Program Director and Program Supervisor in a timely manner and meets the standards of the County of Orange Health Care Agency (HCA), HIPPA, Medi-Cal and other funding sources.

4. Obtain certification through Medi-Cal as a Peer Support Specialist.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide crisis intervention and critical safety management services primarily in the home/field to accommodate the client’s schedule.
• Provide support to the client to help them cope with stressors related to serious emotional disturbance.
• Identify resources of interest and empower the client, as well as identify and address barriers to utilizing resources.
• Consult, confer and coordinate with referring and other community agencies and resources to advocate for the mental health needs of the adult/family.
• Support the team out in the community to engage clients in peer specific services.
• Provide rehabilitation services as need to improve, maintain and restore functioning including, but not limited to, social skills, impulse control, coping skills and communication.
• Provide education as needed including, but not limited to, safety planning, setting limits, and communication.
• Assist the adult/family in identifying their natural supports, and in the absence of natural supports, investigate surrogate supports.
• Assist the client in identifying their own strengths and the strengths of their support system.
• Document all services provided for HCA contract compliance.

Position Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED and 1-3 years of experience working with adults with behavioral health concerns OR Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Sociology or related field, and demonstrated skills in working with adults in behavioral health.
• Consumer of Behavioral Health Services defined as persons with a history of being direct consumers of behavioral health service or individuals with lived experience (i.e. living with a relative, significant other who is a consumer of behavioral health services)
• Experience working with adults in the behavioral health field is required
• Access to reliable transportation and Valid California Driver’s License required
• Current auto insurance
• Live Scan fingerprinting required

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $20.00 - $23.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 403(b)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Required)

Experience:

• Mental health counseling: 1 year (Preferred)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Santa Ana, CA 92705