Job Description

JOB SUMMARY

The Peer Specialist works as a team member with several social service professional and paraprofessional staff ensuring the delivery of quality care in accordance to the rules and regulations established by the Los Angeles Department of Mental Health for contracted agencies as well as adhering to the mission of St. Joseph Center.  

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The Peer Specialist’s key areas of responsibility include:  

KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY: 

• Provide extra support and assistance to clients with accessing resources in the community.  Establish and maintain professional and positive relationships with staff, clients, and community providers.    
• Adhere to housing first and harm reduction model of peer advocacy with clients. Conduct interactions with clients and other professionals in a respectful and courteous manner. 
• Listen attentively to client complaints and suggestions and address their issues fairly and professionally, coordinate with immediate supervisor for supervision.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES: 

• Perform wellness check on existing clients and on all new referrals. 
• Assist and support clients in maintaining cooperative and effective relationships with case managers and landlords. 
• Coordinate social, educational, and recreational activities for clients.
• Initiate peer-led groups and events for clients   
• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, conferences, program evaluation and program development.
• May be dispatched via county-wide 211 referral system as needed.

Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned. The duties and responsibilities listed are designed to provide typical examples of the work performed; not all duties and responsibilities assigned are included here, nor is it expected that all similar positions will be assigned every duty and responsibility.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Must be highly motivated and a self-starter.  The ability to communicate with and relate to a diverse group of people including clients, community, and other staff.  Must have excellent organizational skills.  
• Have an understanding in how to work with low income and homeless individuals.  Knowledge of how to work effectively in a harm reduction environment.     
• Demonstrate cooperative and professional behavior at all times and maintain a professional appearance.

EXPERIENCE:

• Lived experience receiving services for mental health, homelessness and/or substance use.  Experience and general knowledge of working with individuals who may be mentally ill, HIV positive, and/or have chemical dependency issues is highly desired.

EDUCATION:

• A combination of education in psychology, social work or a related field, as well as lived experience related to this position.

DIRECT REPORTS:

This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities.  

COMPUTER SKILLS:

• Proficiency in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Ability to use widely supported internet browsers.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES AND REGISTRATIONS:

• Valid California Class C Driver License or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions. 
• Valid automobile liability insurance.

Additional Information

Status: Full time/Non-Exempt

Salary: DOE

Employment with St. Joseph Center is contingent on completion of satisfactory background check.

For consideration, please submit cover letter and resume. St. Joseph Center is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. All applicants for employment are invited to voluntarily self-identify their gender, race, ethnicity, and veteran status, by completing the EEO Information. Providing your EEO Information is voluntary and refusal to self-identify will not subject applicants to any adverse treatment. Similarly, applicants who do self-identify will not be subject to any adverse treatment based on the information they provide.

St. Joseph center invites you to review the current "EEO is The Law" poster as part of the application process. A link to the current poster is located here.

 https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf