Peer Mentor - FT

JOB SUMMARY: Peer Mentors are people who have personal experience living with a disability. They serve as role models, companions, educators and advocates to our consumers.  Although not professional counselors, Peer Mentors are treatment team members and trained in basic counseling skills and are people who understand living with a disability, having "been there."  (Because of the population served, disabilities include neurological disabilities, psychiatric disabilities, cognitive or learning disabilities, and/or recovery from substance abuse.)  Peer Mentors help consumers explore options given their available resources and formulate problem-solving plans. They also serve as informal counselors, offering consumers the opportunity to discuss issues surrounding relationships, feelings, attitudes, personal goals and individual rights.  Sometimes Peer Mentors help people learn independent living skills such as money management or various household skills.  Using the Recovery Model outlined in the MHSA (Mental Health Services Act), the goal of the Peer Support Counselor is to empower consumers in creating a hopeful future where they can experience the possibilities of getting a job, earning a diploma, and having an apartment of their own. The Peer Support Counselor will support consumers in moving toward recovery, creating a meaningful role in their life, which is separate from their illness  MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONSApplicants must have attained the age of 18 years of ageEmployment is contingent on:Successfully completing a pre-employment Health Screening and a TB clearanceReceipt of “clear” or approved Live Scan results and Criminal Background ClearanceEducationHigh School Diploma or GED required.Preferred: Completion of some college-level (or equivalent) coursework in sociology, psychology, mental illness and its treatment, health care system, counseling and/or peer counseling orExperienceOne year of full-time experience performing non-professional, consumer directedservices in a  mental health, health care, or other social services agency / organization serving people with disabilities. License or Certification Valid California Driver's License preferredFirst Aid certification from persons qualified by agencies including but not limited to the American Red Cross.    Specialized Skills Ability to interact and communicate both verbally and in writing with seriously and persistently mentally ill clients, other staff and the public. Ability to set personal and professional boundaries and limits, leaving work at work and home at home. Experience and skills associated with being a disabled person helping other disabled people.Demonstrated ability to listen, empathize, and accept others.  Demonstrated openness to receiving feedback and supervision as needed.   Physical Requirements Ability to visually and audibly assess client's behavior and needs.  POTENTIAL JOB HAZARDS Assaultive clients Blood and Body Fluid Contact (Category I) Operation of company vehicle.  SAFETY PRECAUTIONS REQUIRED Demonstrated use of  CSI. Understanding of Standard Precautions. Demonstrated safe driving record with DMV    ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Be available to meet with consumers and families, including consumers and familiesin crisis.  Assist consumers in identifying and prioritizing aftercare options. Help consumers and families understand the community mental health system as well astheir options and rights within that system. Assisting consumers to communicate with other clinicians, especially during crisis. Assisting social workers with family, placement, and community agency contacts. Advocating on behalf of consumers, and promoting self-advocacy.  Modeling and training consumers in independent living skills.  Providing emotional support for consumers.  Providing feedback describing interactions with consumers.    Communicating with the coordinator of the program about problems or concerns.    Participating in in-service trainings.    Participating in on-going support with other Peer Mentors, as available. Encourages client’s interaction and socialization with other peers, providing feedback toclients on appropriate behavior while acting as a role model.