Job Description

Description

Position Title: Peer Support Specialist Project Ninety

Program/Dept:Substance Use Treatment Services
Reports to:Program Director of P90 SUTS OP/IOP
Classification:Regular, Full-Time, Non-Exempt
Salary Range: $28+ DOEE & Benefits

About Us:  Caminar is a leading behavioral health organization that supports youth and adults across multiple counties in Northern California and the San Francisco Bay Area. Caminar builds strength and stability through comprehensive mental health and substance use treatment, and wrap-around services, delivered through evidence-based, whole-person care. Founded in 1964, Caminar's vision is to be a beacon of safety, compassion, and fulfillment, supporting all those in our communities who need it most. Our mission is to build strength and stability through comprehensive mental health and substance use treatment delivered through evidence-based, whole-person care.

Caminar values diversity. People of all races, ethnicities, countries of origin, faiths, abilities, sexual orientations, and gender identities are welcome here. To learn more, please visit www.caminar.org.             

Position Summary:The Peer Support Specialist is an entry-level position requiring utilization and knowledge of lived experience to support adults with substance abuse disorders. The position of Peer Support Specialist is under the direct supervision of Program Director of SUTS OP/IOP Project Ninety. This position must be available to provide clients in Substance Use Treatment with positive and supportive engagement, safety, through a wellness and recovery model.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

As a Peer Support Specialist, your primary responsibility is to offer assistance, advocacy, and mentorship to individuals receiving Substance Use Treatment services on-site or in the community.  You will draw upon your personal lived experience with mental health or substance use challenges and recovery to establish rapport and build relationships with clients.

Peer Support: Engage with individuals enrolled in substance use treatment, providing emotional support, empathy, and understanding based on lived experience.

Advocacy: Help individuals navigate the complexities of the Santa Clara County Behavioral Health   system, assisting with accessing appropriate services, resources, and benefits. Advocate for the rights and preferences of clients to ensure they receive person-centered care.

Education and Guidance: Provide information and education on available mental health and substance use services, treatment options, and recovery strategies. Assist individuals in developing self-management skills and coping mechanisms.

Care Coordination: Collaborate with healthcare providers, case managers, and other professionals involved in client's care to ensure a holistic and integrated approach. Facilitate communication and promote collaboration between different service providers.

Peer-led Support Groups: Organize and facilitate peer-led support groups or recovery-focused activities to create a sense of community and promote social connections among clients in treatment.

Documentation and Reporting: Maintain accurate and timely records of interactions, services provided, and outcomes achieved. Adhere to privacy and confidentiality regulations when handling sensitive information.

Professional Development: Engage in ongoing training and professional development opportunities to enhance your knowledge of mental health, substance use, and recovery-oriented practices. Stay updated with changes in the CalAIM program and related policies.

Facilitate Intakes: interview prospective clients, schedule and facilitate administrative client intakes.

Administrative Duties: Supports related duties of administration office at 114 S Delaware St.

Qualifications & Skills:

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Must be certified as a Peer Support Specialist through CalMHSA
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to establish rapport and build trusting relationships.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, collaborating with various stakeholders.
• Understanding of recovery-oriented principles and person-centered care.
• Familiarity with community resources and support services available to individuals with mental health or substance use needs.
• Interpersonal skills – focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; Maintains confidentiality; Listens to others without interrupting; Keeps emotions under control.
• Language Skills – Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general agency safety procedures, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.  Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and clinical documents.  Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from guests, guests’ families, and other professionals. 
• Computer Skills – To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of Internet software and standard office software as well as the ability to develop competency in specialized behavioral health software as needed.
• Must be passionate about Caminar’s mission.

Position Requirements:

• Physical: Occasionally required to push/pull objects up to 50 lbs., and to lift/carry objects up to 25 lbs. Frequently required to perform moderately difficult manipulative tasks such as typing, writing, etc. Must be able to walk, stand, and sit for extended periods.
• Sensory: Frequently required to read documents, written reports, and plans. Must be able to distinguish normal sounds with some background noise, as in answering the phone, interacting with residents and staff, etc. Must be able to speak clearly and understand/be understood using the English language.
• Cognitive: Frequently required to concentrate on moderate detail with constant interruption. Must be able to attend a task/function for 20-45 minutes at a time. Frequently required to understand and relate to specific ideas, several at a time. Must be able to remember multiple tasks/assignments given to self and others over a period of several days.
• Environmental Conditions: Frequent exposure to varied office and mixed (residential/office) environments. Occasional exposure to toxins and poisonous substances, dust, and loud noises.
• Equipment: Frequently required to use a computer, phone, and fax machine.

Essential Requirements:

• Must be able to meet and receive a criminal records clearance, as required by Title XXII, other licensing regulations, and Caminar practices.
• This position may require limited, occasional, or frequent driving.  If required, a valid California driver license, a reliable personal vehicle, and current personal auto insurance is required by law.  In addition, an MVR sufficient to obtain and maintain insurability under agency auto liability policies are all essential job requirements.
• Must be able to pass post offer, pre-employment medical and drug tests as required under State Community Care Licensing regulations and/or agency policies.
• If applicable, a personal cell phone with reliable service and a data plan to use for business purposes.
• May be required to obtain and maintain First Aid and CPR certification.

We've Got You Covered 

Medical, Dental, and Vision
Health coverage choices to fit you and your family’s needs. A zero-cost option for employee only and generous contributions to employee and dependent premiums.

Flexible Spending Account
Receive tax savings on out-of-pocket health care costs.

Employee Wellness Program
We’ll reimburse you for a portion of your gym/fitness dues.

Life, Long-term Disability, and AD&D Insurance
Provided at no cost to our full-time employees. Includes an option to purchase additional life coverage for both employees and dependents. 

Paid Time Off
We offer twelve paid holidays and a generous sick and vacation benefit.

401(K) Retirement Savings Plan
We offer options for both pre-tax and post-tax (Roth) contributions. 
The plan also offers an employer match on eligible employee deferrals at one year of service.

Commuter Benefits
Commuting to work each day can be expensive. Receive tax savings on your commuting costs!

Employee Assistance Program
 For whatever issue you might face, our Life Assistance Program offers free, confidential assistance at no cost to you.

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