Peer Support Specialist (Part-Time) - Care Team

JOB SUMMARY: The City of West Hollywood intends to establish a 24/7/365 mobile support service, “West Hollywood Care Team” (Care Team) designed to rapidly respond to community members experiencing a behavioral health crisis and other unmet social service needs, within West Hollywood city limits. Care Team services may take place in private homes/apartments/condo units, schools, workplaces, or any other community-based location. Consumers served may include residents, both housed and unhoused, students, members of the local workforce and visitors.

The City of West Hollywood is designing the Care Team to integrate with the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (LACDMH) network of Field Intervention Teams (FIT), which is the County’s behavioral health crisis responder system served by Mobile Crisis Outreach Teams (MCOT) and Psychiatric Mobile Response Teams (PMRT).

The Cares Peer Support Specialist has lived experience as a recipient of mental health services, and /or parent of a youth who has received mental health services, and/or houselessness and/or system involvement, and can utilize these unique personal, practical, valuable experiences, and first-hand insight to benefit the team and consumers i.e., Adults, Youth, Children and their families as well as the community.

The Cares Support Specialist has expertise in the recovery process, symptom management, and consumers persistence to lead a satisfying life in society. Cares Peer Support Specialist is also responsible for providing stabilization interventions, advocating for client voice and choice, self-determination, and decision-making in the planning, delivery, and evaluation of treatment, rehabilitation, and support services. Cares Peer Support Specialist will provide consultation to consumers regarding community resources, crisis intervention, and available community services i.e., housing, mental health services, medical treatment, and substance abuse services.

Starting Pay Range:

$33.80 - $34 per hour (starting pay will be based on previous work experience and educational background.)

Shift Schedule: Saturday - Sunday 2pm - 10:30pm

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

Be at least 18 years of age.

Possess a high school diploma or equivalent degree.

Be self-identified as having experience with the process of recovery from a mental illness or substance use disorder, either as a consumer of these services or as the parent, caregiver, or family member of a consumer. If the lived experience includes a history of substance use, a minimum of two (2) years of continuous sobriety prior to the date of employment is required, and ongoing sobriety must be maintained throughout the duration of employment.

Be willing to share their lived experience.

Have a strong dedication to recovery.

Agree, in writing, to adhere to the Code of Ethics.

Certification in peer support is preferred but not required. If not certified, upon hire successfully complete the training requirements for a peer support specialist and pass the certification examination or go through the grandparenting process to become certified.

Maintains all required licenses and certifications.

As this position requires the driving of company vehicles for crisis intervention, including the provision of urgent or emergency services, driving is an essential function of this position. Candidate qualifications therefore include:

Valid California driver’s license.

Acceptable driving record as determined Agency policy.

Proof of auto insurance meeting minimum coverage requirements.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The ability to physically manage and/or de-escalate consumers/residents.

Frequent driving in the community with consumers.

Frequent/continuous intermittent standing/walking, occasional/intermittent sitting.

Continuous use of bilateral upper extremities in fine motor activities requiring fingering, grasping, and forward reaching between waist and chest level.

Reaching at or above shoulder level may be necessary.

Bending, squatting, kneeling, pushing/pulling, twisting, and climbing.

Occasional/intermittent lifting and carrying objects/equipment weighing up to 25 pounds.

Continuous use of near vision, hearing, and verbal communication skills in handling telephone calls, interacting with customers and co-workers and performing job duties.

Requires physical presence in the office during shift.

Ability to practice physical intervention for safety of consumers according to training and policy.

Ability to operate a motor vehicle.

All candidates who are presented with a conditional offer of employment must satisfy a pre-employment background check, drug, and health screen.

Sycamores is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.

Further, Sycamores is a Fair Chance employer and complies with California Government Code Section 12952, Employment Discrimination: Conviction History.