Have you or a close family member struggled with a mental illness? Would you like to use your experience to support others in their recovery journeys? The Workforce Investment Grant seeks to increase peer representation in the Behavioral Health workforce. A peer is an individual who has experienced a mental health challenge, or who is a parent or close family member of someone who has experienced a mental health challenge. A mental health challenge covers a broad range of categories, including alcohol and substance use disorder (SUD), depression, anxiety, and many other conditions that can impact a person’s wellbeing.

This program offers paid internships directly in the behavioral health field to prepare interns for a successful career in behavioral health by providing them with practical skills, knowledge, and hands-on experience in a variety of social service settings. Learn what it means to use your lived experience to help others through their recovery journeys, expand your knowledge of what it means to be a peer through the Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist training, and connect with others who have also experienced moving through the world while navigating the mental health sector.

Mission Statement:

Transitions Mental Health Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating stigma and promoting recovery and wellness for people with mental illness through work, housing, community and family support services.

Organization Description

Transitions – Mental Health Association is a leading non-profit agency committed to providing comprehensive mental health services and support to individuals and families by inspiring hope, growth, recovery and wellness in our communities. TMHA has decades of experience with teams of compassionate staff. TMHA is a driving force in improving mental health and wellness in our communities and a supportive and inclusive work environment that values diversity and individual contributions.

Position Title : Workforce Investment Grant Intern

Program : Workforce Investment Grant

Position Summary:

The Workforce Investment Grant Peer Intern will engage in peer training to enhance job readiness to work in the behavioral health field. They will shadow designated program staff and demonstrate skills learned by providing direct service. They will connect with community agencies to develop and strengthen reciprocal referral pathways to TMHA’s peer and family services programs. They will also assist in the development, planning and engaging in TMHA’s Employee Resource Groups.

The Workforce Investment Grant will elevate the capacity and expertise of existing peer staff who are building careers in the field, improve current information technology for our peer-run programs and provide ongoing training and support for peer staff in the workplace. Interns will receive a high level of formal on-the-job training as well as participate in peer certification “extended education” training provided through this project. The ultimate goal is to recruit future peer staff as positions become available at the agency or in our local system of care.

Hours/ Salary

Part-time, 20 hours per week. Anticipated hiring wage is $17.00 per hour.

Responsibilities and Duties:

1. Engage in training and orientation to designated programs and services.

2. Shadow various program staff and demonstrate skills learned during direct service contacts.

3. Support Coordinator with connecting with community agencies to develop and deploy reciprocal referral pathways to TMHA peer and family programs.

4. Participate in formal peer certification training and continued education training to develop and enhance job readiness/retention skills.

5. Attend training on Electronic Health Record systems (EHR), i.e. Apricot, Clinicians gateway and acquire the skills needed to input data.

6. Document in respective EHR’s intake data and services provided.

7. Support Coordinator in the development and deployment of Employee Resource Groups.

8. Promote, encourage and maintain trauma-informed practices in all services and activities.

9. Practice and promote, both individually and in team meetings, the Collaborative Communication Guidelines

10. Attend weekly staff meetings

11. All other duties as assigned.

Job Environment:

1. Minor physical activity; may include moving or lifting up to 5 lbs.

2. Staff time will be spent in an office setting utilizing phone, computer, and office skills. There is also opportunity to work remotely.

Must be an individual with experience as a consumer of mental health services or a family member of a consumer of mental health services. High school diploma or equivalent. Strong interpersonal skills, collaborative work style and oral/written communication skills. Well defined organizational and time management skills. Ability to work independently and flexibly. Able to deal effectively with a variety of people and personality types regardless of age, ethnicity, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression or socio-economic level. Ability to handle intense situations, display good judgment and decision making skills, and remain calm and clearheaded under pressure. Must have a strong commitment to the right and ability of each person with a severe and persistent mental illness to live in a safe living environment, develop a meaningful role in the community, and have access to competent and continuous supports and services. Must have a strong commitment in clients’ rights to self-govern and create their own choices and goals. Must use reasonable precautions in the performance of one’s duties and adhere to all applicable safety rules and practices. Conduct self in such a manner as to assure at all times, maximum safety to one’s self, fellow employees, clients, and other persons contacted through TMHA business. Ability to work well within a team and maintain a professional, respectful attitude in the workplace. Ability to be willing to work with supervisor oversight and direction.

Conditions of employment include: Must be at least 18 years of age; possess a valid CA Driver’s License, reliable transportation, proof of auto insurance, and DMV driving record that meets TMHA’s current vehicle insurance requirements. May be required to utilize personal vehicle and auto insurance. Ability to possess and maintain good physical and mental health. Comply with a T.B. assessment (possibly a TB test if needed to confirm a negative tuberculosis result) and receipt of a criminal record clearance through fingerprinting.· Must be able to successfully complete First Aid and CPR training.

Physical Demands:

1. Seeing
2. Hearing
3. Speaking
4. Stooping/Bending
5. Moving around office
6. Moving between offices/clients
7. Driving
8. Climbing
9. Lifting/carrying heavy items
10. Computer use
11. Pushing/pulling/dragging items
12. Standing for long periods
13. Working outside
14. Using hands/fingers