Peer Support Specialist

Location:  Palmdale, California Working hours: Full Time, Monday through Friday, 2 Evenings weekly approximately 5pm –9pm, weekends as needed. About Us: We are a compassionate organization dedicated to supporting the personal growth and development of all Parents, Children, and Youth through trusted programs that promote broad engagement and strengthen families. We offer a welcoming environment where parents, caregivers, and their children can receive support, guidance, and resources to help them navigate personal concerns and challenges. Learn more about Parents Anonymous®:  https://parentsanonymous.org/ Learn more about the CA and National Parent and Youth Helplines: https://caparentyouthhelpline.org https://www.nationalparentyouthhelpline.org Learn more about the United Mental Health Promoters (UMHP) program:https://dmh.lacounty.gov/resources/united-mental-health-promoters/ Position Overview: Parents Anonymous® Inc. is looking for enthusiastic, caring, and culturally responsive Peer Support Specialists for the UMHP program to conduct outreach and education to targeted populations. You will serve as a link between the community, the Department of Mental Health and other community programs to promote mental wellness. You must be a Peer to be considered for this position. The definition of Peer is listed below. A Peer is an individual who is self-identified as having lived experience with the process of recovery from mental illness, substance use disorder, or both, either as a consumer of these services or as the parent or family member of the consumer. Key Responsibilities: Identify as a Peer and utilize your Peer Story for outreach, community engagement and linkages, and client support services. Apply the 17 Peer Support Competencies in 1:1 Peer Support and Group Interactions with ages birth to 5, DCFS, juvenile justice, elderly 65+, the unhoused population, transitional age youth, and LGBTQIA+ communities. Foster peer support in drop-in groups for peers such as trauma-informed activities (art, dance, drumming circles, mindfulness activities, etc.). Educate the populations listed above in Mental Health Awareness, COVID Prevention, Domestic Violence Prevention, and Community Violence Prevention. Plan and actively engage in outreach activities through in person outreach and virtual outreach to peers and organizations in targeted areas. Promote all Evidence Based Parents Anonymous® Programs through outreach and peer support with diverse parents, children and youth. Create and maintain partnerships with other community-based organizations in an effort to expand community linkage. Advocate and embrace the vision, mission, and goals of Parents Anonymous®. Qualifications MUST VERIFY THAT YOU ARE A PEER (WITH LIVED EXPERIENCE): A Peer is an individual who is self-identified as having lived experience with the process of recovery from mental illness, substance use disorder, or both, either as a consumer of these services or as the parent or family member of the consumer. Must work 2 evenings a week and weekend hours as needed. Bilingual (English and Spanish) required. Must be at least 18 years old. Must have at least a high school diploma. Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, or related field is a plus. Must have some experience working directly with diverse Parents, Children & Youth up to 25. Must embrace and reflect the Mission, Vision, and Principles of Parents Anonymous® Inc. Must embrace the philosophy and theory of change of Parent Anonymous® including mutual support, parent leadership, shared leadership®, and personal growth and change. Must have well-developed computer skills. Must be able to work at community outreach events on weekends as needed. Must be culturally responsive, responsible, and seek assistance from supervisor when work challenges arise. Must have a smartphone. Must have a working vehicle, a valid driver’s license, and have the ability to go to work and outreach in the surrounding area. Willing to attend 80 hours of training and pass the Medi-Cal Certification of Peer Support Specialists. Job Type: Full-time Pay: $26.00 - $27.00 per hour Benefits: Dental insurance Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Retirement plan Vision insurance Application Question(s): Can you speak, read, and write in Spanish in a professional setting? How many years of professional experience do you have in mental health outreach or social services? Please explain. Do you have lived experience with the process of recovery from mental illness, substance use disorder, or both, either as a consumer of these services or as the parent or immediate family member of the consumer? Are you a Certified Peer Support Specialist? If so, at what agency did you receive your certification? Are you fully vaccinated for COVID-19, including at least 1 booster? Do you have any family members currently employed by the company, or have you been referred by a current employee? If yes, please provide their name and relationship. This position is full-time, 40 hours per week, and requires you to work at least two evenings a week from 5-9pm. Does that work for you and your schedule? Education: High school or equivalent (Required) Ability to Commute: Palmdale, CA 93550 (Required) Work Location: In person