JOB TITLE | Peer Support Specialist

REPORTS TO | Program Manager

PROGRAM | Kings Whole Person Care (KWPC), Champions

POSITIONS SUPERVISED | No

ORGANIZATIONAL DESCRIPTION

Champions is a nonprofit organization that has served Kings County and the surrounding areas since 2000. Initially specializing in substance abuse treatment and recovery, Champions has grown to become one of the main providers for social and community-based programs within Kings County. Champions programs serve women, women with children, and men as well as those involved in the criminal justice system, homeless populations, cultural and ethnic minorities, and those with co-occurring disorders.

JOB SUMMARY

Under the direct supervision of the Program Manager, the Peer Support Specialist will provide supportive services to the community (individually and as a team member) to build strong relationships with residents, businesses, and community groups. The Peer Support Specialist will need to go in the field to engage with at-risk adults on their immediate needs. Experience working with adults by linking to services such as crisis intervention, service coordination, skill building and family education. Meeting with clients at community locations, to provide advocacy, referrals, and community resources as needed.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

  • Interprets program services to residents of Kings County;

  • Building and maintaining partnerships with community agencies and other serving contacts to spread awareness of the resources available to them;

  • Distributes informational material to residents to describe what, where, and when program services are available to them;

  • Serves as a point of contact for clients and relay client needs to the appropriate channels;

  • Provides liaison services between clients, potential clients and other social agencies providing services for said client population;

  • Planning and conducting activities & workshops for homeless adults in the community (drop in centers, libraries);

  • Supports KWPC staff as needed with various advocacy activities;

  • Assists KWPC staff with follow-up on cases and establishes and maintains contact with families of program participants where applicable;

  • Will provide input regarding program effectiveness, increased or additional service needs, community resources, etc.;

  • Prepares monthly reports for supervisor on services provided as required;

  • May coordinate with KWPC staff to assist clients in transportation and/or childcare services in availing themselves of program services;

  • Uses computer applications such as spreadsheets, word processing, calendar, e-mail and database software in performing work assignments and ensures appropriate and comprehensive documentation within the KWPC data system;

  • Complies with all program policies and procedures; including State/Federal or Certification/Licensure requirements;

  • Work collaboratively with KWPC and Champions staff and referring parties and service providers;

  • Participates in staff meetings as necessary, in order to address client needs, program issues, and assist in the integration of services for clientele;

  • Participate in applicable meetings, training, conferences, etc. as required both internally and externally;

  • Remains culturally sensitive and respectful in all client and staff interactions;

  • Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

  • Minimum High School Diploma/GED;

  • Sensitivity in relating to persons of varying backgrounds and demonstrate ability to work with diverse groups of people possessing various strengths, aptitudes and abilities;

  • Familiarity in working with adults who are receiving services similar to crisis intervention, service coordination, skill building and family education;

  • Good knowledge of the community resources within the Kings County and good knowledge of the local community and population;

  • Familiar with local social agencies available to deal with problems in the area; familiarity with health and social problems and attitudes in the community;

  • Ability to speak before groups effectively; to demonstrate emotional maturity and sound judgment; to work with sensitivity and consideration of the client’s needs and abilities; ability to work with integrity and to tolerate differing points of view and beliefs;

  • Physical condition commensurate with the duties of the position;

  • Valid California driver’s license and insurable driving record (Required)

  • Successful completion of a physical exam and TB test

  • Live scan fingerprinting clearance for FBI, DOJ and CAI

  • Ability to work in crisis situations in a professional and mature manner.

  • Familiarity and ease working with issues related to homelessness, substance abuse, mental health diagnosis, and history of trauma.

  • Effective written and oral communications skills with the ability to connect with people from varied backgrounds.

  • Proven working knowledge of Microsoft Office; ability to learn and use program-specific software.

  • Ability to work flexible schedules/shifts/areas as holiday and weekend work may be required.

  • Bilingual (English and Spanish speaking) preferred.

ORGANIZATION RELATIONSHIPS/INTERACTIONS

Interfaces with all levels of management, staff, clients, residents and families including partner agencies.

PHYSICAL SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Must have the visual, physical and technical ability to independently operate a variety of office equipment including the use of a computer. Will also require bending, stooping, filing, lifting of at least 25 lbs. or more and able to interrupt physical altercations. Ability to verbally communicate well with others.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Services may involve travel to offsite locations for assessments, service provision, and crisis management.

EMPLOYMENT STATUS

Part-time, Nonexempt

ANTICIPATED HOURS

This position may include working non-traditional business hours, swing or graveyard shifts and/or weekends, all varying shifts.