Peer Support Specialist (Part Time) - Felton Institute

Peer Support Specialist (Part Time)

(re)MIND® San Mateo

Early Psychosis Division

Agency Overview

Felton Institute responds to the needs of our community by providing innovative, evidence-informed social services that transform lives. Our organization offers 50+ programs that address mental health, the unhoused, early care and education, those impacted by the justice system, transitional age youth, as well as aging adults. Our programs combine the latest scientific research with cultural sensitivity and a deep commitment to supporting and reflecting the communities we serve. Felton offers a dynamic, challenging, and supportive work environment where we encourage the use of professional development, that staff can utilize throughout their career.

Division Description

Felton Institute’s Early Psychosis award winning program (re)MIND® (formerly PREP) was originally developed in partnership with the University of California San Francisco (UCSF). Felton’s (re)MIND® is an early psychosis coordinated specialty care model for early detection and treatment of schizophrenia spectrum disorders. (re)MIND® core evidence-based practices include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Psychosis (CBTp), Strength-Based Care Management, Multi-family Group Therapy, Peer Support, Algorithm-Based Medication Management and Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model of supported education and employment. The (re)MIND® model has two additional components, Felton BEAM and BEAM UP, for individuals diagnosed with bipolar or mood disorders with psychosis and for individuals at clinical high risk of developing psychosis, respectively. Funded through partnerships with county behavioral health departments, the Felton Early Psychosis Division operates outpatient coordinated specialty care for early psychosis programs in San Francisco, Alameda, San Mateo, and Marin, and offers excellent training and workforce development.

Job Description

The Peer Support Specialist is a member of the treatment team with the role of partnering with participants in the recovery process by engaging and building relationships through sharing their own personal lived experience of mental health issues. The Peer Support Specialist enhances engagement by inspiring hope and empowering participants to develop their own self-advocacy, and when necessary, models advocacy on behalf of the participant to achieve their goals. The Peer Support Specialist is expected to provide services in the community, including but not limited to schools, job sites, family homes, or other community locations. This position reports directly to the Clinical Program Manager.

Specific Responsibilities

• Provide direct support to participants including but not limited to wellness checks, teaching of independent living skills, and assist participants with linkage to various community resources and services including medical, benefits, housing, etc…
• Provide individual support to empower and strengthen participant self-responsibility, including support to access community resources that foster hope, resiliency, and recovery, develop skills to communicate with medical providers, pharmacists and other treatment providers.
• Assist participants to get to and from appointments in the community as needed.
• Provide outreach and engagement in collaboration with the team in the form of phone calls, one-on-one outreach meetings, community activities with participants, and group activities.
• Maintain regular communication with team members including attendance at weekly team meetings, staff meetings, and any offsite treatment team meetings that may be established, as well as regular contact with team members regarding participant updates on an ongoing basis.
• Facilitate skills-based socialization groups including activity groups in the community
• Assist with coordination of orientations and graduations for the participants and families
• Assist participants to participate in the events and connect with appropriate TAY resources in the community
• Coordinate caseload determined by program needs in weekly supervision with Clinical Program Manager and by close collaboration with team in weekly meetings.
• Create and maintain updated community resource binder and regularly distribute updated resources to the team.
• Participate actively in supervision, staff meetings, case conferences and all agency meetings and trainings as assigned by Clinical Program Manager.
• Meet required number of direct service contact hours per week and document all participant contacts in compliance with mandated quality assurance standards.
• Meet all deadlines and comply with agency's requirements.
• Engage in outreach events, conferences, open houses, etc, and provide information about (re)MIND® to other mental health providers and the general public as needed.
• Availability to work some evenings and/or weekends with advance notice.
• Other duties as assigned. 

Minimum Qualification

• A minimum of one year in recovery and personal experience with mental health issues and/or substance abuse required. Mental health outreach/engagement experience highly desirable.
• High school diploma or equivalent experience required.
• MediCal Peer Support Specialist Certification required.
• Peer Specialist Training program and/or WRAP facilitator training a plus.
• Personal lived experience of psychiatric hospitalization, disability and/or navigating public services a plus.
• Counseling/mentoring skills and ability to engage participants and family members.
• Demonstrated ability to interact with and respect differences of opinion, beliefs, culture, appearances and ways of life.
• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and ability to type 45 WPM.
• Valid California Drivers’ License with an excellent driving record.
• Bilingual/Bicultural and fluent in Spanish or threshold Asian languages preferred.

Competencies

• Knowledge of respective county behavioral health and school systems preferred.
• Knowledge of various cultural and spiritual understandings of psychosis a plus.
• Ability to perform some physical tasks, including assisting participants with public transportation, moving, cleaning, etc…
• Ability to establish trusting, hopeful relationships with participants and their families and collaborate effectively with community partners.
• Strong communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, ability to prioritize tasks and manage time effectively.
• Openness to learning, immediately applying new information and modifying practices.
• Ability to be comfortable working in a variety of environments, including schools, job sites, family homes, and other community locations.
• Demonstrated experience as a team player with a welcoming attitude.

Additional Information:

Reports to: Clinical Program Manager

Job Type: Part Time (.4 FTE)

Work Schedule: Onsite

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Salary Range: $33.50 - $37.50 per hour (DOE)

Benefits (subject to election and eligibility): Fully-Paid Medical and Dental Plans; Health Reimbursement Card, Paid Time Off (personal, vacation, and sick time), 403B with company match.

Applying Instruction:

Candidates should apply for the position at our career page “careers.felton.org” OR directly email resumes to “jobs@felton.org”.

IMP NOTE: Job responsibilities are subject to change according to program requirements.