Peer Counselor

JOB SUMMARY: 

The Victor Community Support Services (VCSS) Peer Counselor, under the direct supervision of the Program Supervisor, assists with site start up including consultation on facilities and service design.  This position develops Peer Support Groups as needed, provides one to one mentoring and support, and assists with the identification and engagement of potential new clients (if applicable), as well as assisting with community resource development and linking.

 ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 

1.     Assists with aspects of specialized site start up, including consultation on the physical design and layout of facilities and overall site design, if applicable to your site. 

2.     Develops and facilitates Peer Support Groups and skill based groups as necessary to provide a comprehensive peer support system for participating Transitional Aged Youth (TAY). 

3.     Provides one to one mentoring to assigned TAY. 

4.     Participates as a member of the TAY Service Planning Team to ensure coordination and integration of services.  

5.     Completes all client documentation according to Agency and regulatory standards within Scope of Practice. 

6.     Provides the initial orientation to the TAY program as assigned by the Site Supervisor. 

7.     Assists with community resource development and facilitates linkage for TAY with such resources, acting as an advocate for the TAY consumers. 

8.     Meets Agency service delivery standard. 

9.     Completes other duties as assigned. 

MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: 

1.     Must possess a High School Diploma or general education degree (GED). 

2.     Must have previous work experience with transitional aged youth in school, residential, outpatient treatment or foster home setting AND/OR be a previous consumer of these systems. 

3.     Proficient on computer programs and databases. 

4.     Must have basic knowledge of the English language; dual language preferred. 

POSITION/SITE REQUIREMENTS: 

1.     Must be physically and mentally fit in accordance with the Agency’s Policy: Physical Fitness Standards and Examinations.  Must be willing to take a Tuberculosis (TB) test and drug screening test.

2.     Must be willing to complete a personal background investigation conducted by the State of California. 

3.     Must be able to obtain First Aid Certification.  Must obtain a CPR Certification (only when required by local county or site). 

4.     Must be flexible to work nights and weekends, may need to work a split-shift, varying schedule according to operational need. 

5.     Must be willing to work within a culturally integrated workplace and be willing to respect human differences based upon protected classes as defined by state, federal and local laws, or any other condition that distinguishes people from one another.

 PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: 

1.     Have an adequate range of body motion and mobility to work in a residential, office or outdoor environment including standing and walking (even and uneven surfaces), alternating between standing and sitting for extended periods of time, bending, kneeling, twisting, reaching balancing and occasional carrying and lifting up to 25 pounds occasionally, and up to 10 pounds frequently. 

2.     Physically able to walk up and down stairs routinely. 

3.     Physically able to perform CPR and First Aid as trained.  

4.     Must be able to sit for prolonged periods of time in a vehicle for traveling to recreational activities, home visits, DCFS and court locations which may be up to 100 miles driving distance. 

5.     Requires the ability to utilize computer and telephone systems, which includes the coordination of eye and hand and fine manipulation by the hands and fingers for typing, writing and working with files. 

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

1.     Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. 

2.     Previous experience working with the public and/or government agencies. 

3.     A valid California driver's license, personal automobile insurance and driving record that meets the standards outlined in the Agency’s Policy: Motor Vehicle Operating Standards.   

Compensation: 

• Pay Range: $22.59/per hour - $31.05/per hour (actual salary is dependent on verification of applicable experience above the minimum qualifications for the role)
• Additional $1.00 - $3.00 per hour for Education   
• Additional $1.92 per hour for Bilingual in Spanish 

BENEFITS: 

• Low cost Medical, Dental and Vision
• Life Insurance plan for employee and family
• 8 Paid Holidays, PTO and Sick pay
• Retirement Savings Plan (403B)
• 100% Employer Funded Retirement Plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• Mileage Reimbursement
• Verizon Wireless Discount
• Employee Referral Bonus Program
• Flexible Community-Based Schedules