Peer Mentor - FT

Named one of the best places to work in California!

We are committed to providing a  career-enhancing environment for dedicated professionals desiring to make a difference in the lives of young people and their families. Stars Behavioral Health Group (SBHG) currently employs approximately 1,700 people at more than 45 different sites throughout California in Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside, Fresno, Central Valley, Stanislaus, Santa Clara, Alameda, and Sacramento counties. We serve more than 30,000 children, youth and families annually throughout the state.

Our experienced staff of Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Social Workers, Mental Health Specialists, Parent Partners and other therapists/counselors provide case management, mental health care and a range of support services in schools, homes or other community settings.  Our dedicated teams work collaboratively and in partnership with family members, school administrators and faculty, county social workers, case managers, probation officers and other agencies.

JOB SUMMARY: Peer Mentors are people who have personal experience living with a disability. They serve as role models, companions, educators and advocates to our consumers.  Although not professional counselors, Peer Mentors are treatment team members and trained in basic counseling skills and are people who understand living with a disability, having "been there."  (Because of the population served, disabilities include neurological disabilities, psychiatric disabilities, cognitive or learning disabilities, and/or recovery from substance abuse.)
 

Peer Mentors help consumers explore options given their available resources and formulate problem-solving plans. They also serve as informal counselors, offering consumers the opportunity to discuss issues surrounding relationships, feelings, attitudes, personal goals and individual rights.  Sometimes Peer Mentors help people learn independent living skills such as money management or various household skills.
 

Using the Recovery Model outlined in the MHSA (Mental Health Services Act), the goal of the Peer Support Counselor is to empower consumers in creating a hopeful future where they can experience the possibilities of getting a job, earning a diploma, and having an apartment of their own. The Peer Support Counselor will support consumers in moving toward recovery, creating a meaningful role in their life, which is separate from their illness
 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Applicants must have attained the age of 18 years of age

Employment is contingent on:

• Successfully completing a pre-employment Health Screening and a TB clearance

• Receipt of “clear” or approved Live Scan results and Criminal Background Clearance

Education

High School Diploma or GED required.

Preferred: Completion of some college-level (or equivalent) coursework in sociology, psychology, mental illness and its treatment, health care system, counseling and/or peer counseling or

Experience

One year of full-time experience performing non-professional, consumer directed
services in a  mental health, health care, or other social services agency / organization serving people with disabilities.

License or Certification

Valid California Driver's License preferred

First Aid certification from persons qualified by agencies including but not limited to the American Red Cross.   

Specialized Skills

Ability to interact and communicate both verbally and in writing with seriously and persistently mentally ill clients, other staff and the public.

Ability to set personal and professional boundaries and limits, leaving work at work and home at home.

Experience and skills associated with being a disabled person helping other disabled people.

Demonstrated ability to listen, empathize, and accept others. 

Demonstrated openness to receiving feedback and supervision as needed. 

Physical Requirements

Ability to visually and audibly assess client's behavior and needs.

POTENTIAL JOB HAZARDS

Assaultive clients

Blood and Body Fluid Contact (Category I)

Operation of company vehicle.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS REQUIRED

Demonstrated use of  CSI.

Understanding of Standard Precautions.

Demonstrated safe driving record with DMV

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Be available to meet with consumers and families, including consumers and families
   in crisis. 

2. Assist consumers in identifying and prioritizing aftercare options.

3. Help consumers and families understand the community mental health system as well as
   their options and rights within that system.

4. Assisting consumers to communicate with other clinicians, especially during crisis.

5. Assisting social workers with family, placement, and community agency contacts.

6. Advocating on behalf of consumers, and promoting self-advocacy. 

7. Modeling and training consumers in independent living skills. 

8. Providing emotional support for consumers. 

9. Providing feedback describing interactions with consumers.   

10. Communicating with the coordinator of the program about problems or concerns.   

11. Participating in in-service trainings.   

12. Participating in on-going support with other Peer Mentors, as available.

13. Encourages client’s interaction and socialization with other peers, providing feedback to
    clients on appropriate behavior while acting as a role model.

We offer: 
 

• DailyPay
• MFTI and ACSW’s receive supervision for BBS hours
• Competitive compensation
• Company paid benefits package including medical, dental and vision and many other voluntary benefits
• Rewarding work environment with excellent opportunities for career growth
• Excellent work/life balance including generous vacation and holiday pay
• Meaningful relationships with your co-workers and the individuals we serve
• Family-oriented environment
• On the job training including paid CEU opportunities and career development
• Flexible work schedule and environment
• Mileage reimbursement