Certified Peer Support Specialist

General Recruitment Information:

This recruitment will establish a list of candidates to be used in filling the vacancy as well as an eligibility list that may be used for future vacancies or temporary help for up to one (1) year.

Job Opportunity:

Only online applications are accepted. It is the responsibility of each applicant to review the full job description and requirements. Resumes are encouraged, but will not be accepted in lieu of required application materials. Applications which are incomplete as of the final date to apply will be eliminated from consideration. Candidates who meet all the minimum qualifications may be invited to an oral interview. 

Essential job duties may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. The list that follows is not intended as a comprehensive list; it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed, and may be required to perform additional, position-specific tasks.
 

• Act as a resource and provide direct assistance and guidance to participants of the related programs
• Coordinate services for participants
• Support and engage participants in productive activities which promote growth toward a successful outcome
• Provide support and advocacy to help participants stabilize and benefit from treatment and services
• Support participants in combating negative self-talk, overcoming fears, and solving problems
• Provide assistance through coaching and mentoring on a one-on-one basis with participants; act as a resource for participants/family members/caregivers regarding services, referral information, and guidance in understanding agency policies and procedures
• Support participants in articulating, setting, and accomplishing goals; participate as a team member in the collaboration of assessment and treatment of participants; facilitate connections for participants/family members/caregivers to other community resources or providers. Those assigned to the Mobile Crisis Team will also work with other staff to support development of crisis plans and help to keep participants stabilized within the community 
• Participate in reciprocal education with other providers to support integration of peer support within provider teams; facilitate educational and support groups for participants/family members/caregivers
• Communicate with community-based organizations on behalf of participants, family members, and other related parties as part of connecting and engaging them in services within the community
• Provide case management services; document services provided in the Electronic Health Record accurately and in a timely fashion
• Assist with related paperwork and tasks; provide support during legal hearings; provide transportation for appointments, interviews, court hearings, etc.; collect relevant data during assessments and interventions within the scope of work
• Maintain accurate and current documentation; and attend regularly scheduled meetings and trainings
• Support the work of professional staff  
• Facilitate the provision of programmatic services to participants and corresponding education as necessary; assist with the facilitation of participant classes and peer support groups
• Accompany Behavioral Health Specialists and Behavioral Health Clinicians in the community to participate in support of participants, family members, and caregivers during crisis responses 
• Provide evidence-based resources for the safety of participants 
• Collaborate with staff and community partners; promote positive relationships and open communication between participants, family members, caregivers and other staff; and may promote programmatic services through public speaking engagements in the community, as well as personal contacts with prospective participants, family members, and caregivers

Any combination of education, training and experience which would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities may be considered qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:
 
Required: 
 
Pattern I:  High School diploma or GED equivalent AND two (2) years of experience as a Client Services Specialist or an equivalent position likely to develop the required skill set. In addition, must self-identify 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.
OR
Pattern 2:  High School diploma or GED equivalent AND two (2) years of experience in a social services, mental health, substance use disorder or public health setting which required direct client contact. In addition, must self-identify 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.
Must be able to obtain Peer Certification within six (6) months of hire. 
 
Special Requirements: 
 

• Must possess and maintain a valid Driver’s license. 
• Must maintain valid current Peer Certification after completion of probationary period.

Job Requirements:
Knowledge of:
 

• Programmatic issues faced by participants; counseling techniques 
• The principles of wellness, resiliency, and recovery; the power of beliefs/values and how they support or work against recovery 
• The steps necessary to establish healing relationships 
• The importance of self-care
• Local community resources available to participants, family members, and caregivers which may require referral 
• Cultural issues and factors in service delivery 
• Confidentiality and ethical standards
• Computers, social media platforms, texting, and telephone communication skills 
• May acquire knowledge of federal, state, and local program policies, and procedures

• Make effective decisions in stressful situations or with limited information
• Gain knowledge of applicable County, State and Federal laws, regulations, rules, policies, procedures, Federal Register notices and applicable government and/or industry internet information sites, state Medi-Cal manuals and Medicare regulations and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) and other confidentiality laws and regulations
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships at all organizational levels as well as other agencies and the general public

Selection Process:

The County of Del Norte does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, religion, gender, age, sexual preference, or disability in any of its programs, activities, or hiring practices.  All applications will be reviewed and those individuals with backgrounds most closely meeting the needs of the county will be selected for further review.  In the event of a large number of qualifying applicants, a written examination may be given to determine which applicants will be invited to attend an oral interview.  An eligibility list will be established upon completion of the oral interviews.  Expenses (i.e. travel, food, lodging) incurred in connection with the interview shall be the burden of the applicant.  In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if special accommodations are necessary at any stage of the selection process, please contact the Human Resources Office prior to the interview/examination so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

Condition of Employment:

In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act, Del Norte County is required to verify, within three days of employment of any person, that he/she is: 1) a citizen or national of the United States; 2) an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence or authorized by the Immigration and Naturalization Service to work in the United States.

Disaster Service Workers: All County of Del Norte employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through State law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the County of Del Norte requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect.  Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Work related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

Equal Opportunity Statement:

Del Norte County is an equal opportunity employer hiring employment eligible applicants. Disabled applicants who require special testing arrangements should contact the Human Resources Department prior to the filing deadline. In accordance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act, applicants must provide acceptable proof of identity or authorization to work in the United States. A thorough background investigation will be conducted prior to employment.  The investigation may include reference checks, fingerprinting, credit check, driver history and inquiry to local, state and federal files to obtain criminal history information.  All applicants who meet the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phase of the selection process. Selection processes may include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following:  application review, competitive screening, written examination, performance examination, and/or oral examination. This bulletin is solely for the purpose of announcing a job opening.  It does not constitute a contract, expressed or implied, and any provisions contained herein may be modified or revised without notice.