What are the responsibilities and job description for the Bilingual Peer Specialist - GMOT position at SCHARP?
The role of the Peer Specialist on the Gateway Mobile Outreach Team (GMOT) encompasses extensive knowledge of the recovery journey, effective rapport building, and fostering individuals' resilience in order to obtain and maintain housing and lead a fulfilling life within society. As a GMOT Peer Specialist, the primary responsibility involves offering compassionate care to persons experiencing homelessness. To this end, the Peer Specialist will assist consumers with identifying and reducing barriers to obtaining and maintaining housing while advocating for consumers’ autonomy, empowerment, and decision-making throughout the entire process of engagement, rehabilitation, and support services. The GMOT Peer Specialist position also plays a vital role in providing guidance to consumers regarding community resources, crisis intervention, mental health support, medical treatment, substance abuse assistance, and rapport building with consumer’s support system.
Position Competencies:
● Ability to relate to and build trusting relationships with persons experiencing homelessness, serious mental illness, and/or co-occurring disorders that impair ability to function in the community.
● Ability to remain knowledgeable on current LA County housing resources and effectively assist homeless individuals with housing navigation, housing retention, and access to community social services.
● Ability to respond quickly, effectively and with equanimity to member crises and life situations.
● Ability to work as a team member and to work with other agencies, community resources and member’s families.
● Must be organized and punctual; the team will begin and end the day at the designated location and utilize agency vans for outreach and engagement based on a weekly schedule provided to the Gateway Homelessness Manager, Gilbert Saldate.
● Ability to demonstrate adequate literacy skills to perform work duties will be considered.
● Must have valid California Driver's license and ability to drive company vehicle with adequate insurance.
Position Requirements:
● Must have valid California Mental Health Service Authority certification as a peer specialist.
● Must have experience or a family member with experience being displaced, in living with and managing a psychiatric disorder, or having knowledge about 12-step programs and all aspects of recovery from substance abuse/dependence.
● Must be able to pass California State Department of Justice criminal background investigation, Live Scan and/or fingerprinting.
● High School Diploma or equivalent preferred.
● Must have valid California Driver's license and the availability of a car with adequate insurance.