Peer Program Specialist

SUMMARY:

The Peer Program Specialist provides overall administrative and technical support to programs developed by California Mental Health Services Authority (CalMHSA) and/or services provided on behalf of counties to enhance services in county mental health and substance use disorder programs, including but not limited to the Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Certification Program. The Peer Program Specialist will ensure that the diverse peer population is represented, and their voices are heard. Peers include but is not limited to a person with lived-experience of mental health and/or substance use conditions, those who identify as family members, partners, or caregivers of someone with lived-experience of mental health or substance use conditions. This individual is responsible for assuring CalMHSA is responsive to and informed by the voice, strengths, and preferences of Peers Community.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include but are not limited to:

• Identifies as and advocates on behalf of collective Peers.
• Provides direct support for applicants of the peer certification program and maintains accurate status of the Peer Certification Registry.Coordinates and produces compliance report; based on training provider curriculum reviews.
• Collaborates on policies and procedures for program implementation
• Facilitate community stakeholder meetings
• Answer policy and program questions from members of the public.
• Provide technical assistance to training vendors for the peer certification program.
• Attend staff meetings.
• Create and give presentations to educate the community about peer certification.
• Executes program administrative functions, development, design, implementation, and data collection for programs including but not limited to the peer certification program.
• Assists, coordinates, and supports access to CalMHSA’s training modules.
• Assists program staff and counties it represents.
• Collaborates in auditing and evaluation of programs.
• Gathers data, prepares reports, and presents recommendations.
• Collaborates on communication to stakeholders including preparation of presentations and reporting latest updates in the program, and creating agendas.
• Other duties as assigned.

BACKGROUND CHECK ELIGIBLE DUTIES
This position requires access to sensitive systems and confidential information as part of its essential functions. The Program Specialist will regularly access applications containing county records, employee demographic data, and protected health information (PHI) related to behavioral health services. Due to the sensitive nature of this information and the need to maintain HIPAA compliance, this role is subject to background check requirements. The successful candidate must demonstrate the ability to handle confidential information responsibly, maintain the integrity and security of all systems, and prevent both accidental and malicious misuse of protected data. This position's access to personally identifiable information (PII) and PHI necessitates adherence to all CalMHSA privacy and security policies.

QUALIFICATIONS –

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• Three to five years of experience in behavioral health—such as mental health, substance use, or Peer-run/advocacy/support services—or a bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration, mental health service delivery, organizational development, or a related field.
• Self-identified as having experience with the process of recovery from a mental illness or substance use disorder, either as a consumer of these services or as the parent, caregiver or family member of a consumer.
• Able to professionally share personal lived experience with others.
• Have a strong understanding of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
• Have a basic understanding of project management concepts.
• Excellent speaking and writing skills.
• Excellent collaboration and team-focused skills and experience.
• An intermediate to advanced knowledge of computers and Microsoft Office Suite (Microsoft 360).

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential functions satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

• Dedicated to improving the behavioral health delivery system and workforce.
• Bilingual (ie. Spanish speaking) applicants strongly encouraged to apply.
• Able to attend to detail.
• Dedicated to providing excellent customer services to all members, partners, contractors, and employees.
• Identify opportunities for improvement and makes constructive suggestions for change.
• Professional written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to multi-task and change directions quickly.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced office environment.

COMPUTER SKILLS – Demonstrate the ability to use a computer and applicable computer software effectively. Intermediate knowledge of Excel & Word, Adobe, PowerPoint, and Outlook. Experience with DocuSign and any other project management product software required.

LANGUAGE SKILLS and MATHEMATICAL SKILLS - Demonstrate the ability to read, comprehend, and respond appropriately through written or verbal form; demonstrate tactfulness when communicating including internal communication with staff members of all levels; ability to communicate with a variety of audiences effectively. Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all measure units, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.

REASONING – Demonstrate the ability to effectively apply common sense and follow through to daily tasks; demonstrate the ability to work with little or no supervision; demonstrate excellent analytical skills; demonstrate the ability to efficiently conduct research and ask appropriate probing questions to complete necessary tasks.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS - The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and stand; use phone and headset; use hands, arms, fingers to type; answer phones; write; use calculator; demonstrate strength to lift and carry materials weighing up to 10 pounds; demonstrate clear vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone; and drive a motor vehicle on public roads and highways.

SENSORY DEMANDS - The incumbent must spend long hours in intense concentration. The incumbent must also spend long hours on the computer entering information which requires attention to detail and high levels of accuracy.

MENTAL DEMANDS - There are a number of deadlines associated with this position, which may cause significant pressure. The incumbent must also deal with a wide variety of people on various issues.

REGULAR WORK SCHEDULE – Varies depending on business needs; however, company normal business hours are 8:00am to 5:00pm, Monday – Friday.