Peer Support Specialist
3 months ago
Los Angeles
Job DescriptionDescription: JOB TITLE: Peer Support Specialist REPORTS TO:Access Center Supervisor SCHEDULE: Saturday-Sunday 9:00am-5:30pm LOCATION: Venice, CA STATUS: Part-Time, 16 hrs/wk, Non Exempt CELL PHONE: Reimbursement for use DRIVER POSITION: Yes [if yes, please reference driving policy] SALARY RANGE: $22.00/hr ABOUT US: Safe Place for Youth (SPY) is the leading service provider for youth experiencing or at-risk of homelessness in West Los Angeles. Founded in 2011, our agency offers trauma-informed, low barrier programs that support young people in exiting the streets and achieving stability so that they can thrive, not just survive. Our robust continuum of care includes street outreach, drop-in services, health and wellness programming, case management, education and employment services, and housing programs. SPY is a unique social impact agency that is committed to overcoming structural barriers to equity, community collaboration, and innovative youth-focused programming. If you have the skills, passion and collaborative spirit, join our growing team of nearly 100 employees. SPY strives to attract and develop individuals who reflect a broad spectrum of diversity, including (but by no means limited to) racial, ethnic, gender identity and socioeconomic dimensions. We believe that inclusion of diverse perspectives is essential to achieving long-term, systemic change. We explicitly seek applications from those who self-identify as coming from historically marginalized populations to enrich and elevate our equity-centered approach to problem-solving. ABOUT THE ROLE: A member of the Drop-In Center team, the Peer Support Specialist will assist TAY with accessing services at SPY’s Drop-In Center via street outreach efforts as well as on-site engagement. The Peer Support Specialist will also create and facilitate ongoing workshops on basic life skills, coping and self-help strategies, supporting our members path to independence with the necessary skills needed to thrive. WHAT YOU’LL DO: • Assist with Front Desk operations during Drop-in hours ensuring members are connected with needed programs and services including medical, mental health, economic, and legal resources., • Conduct intakes, assess needs, and refer new youth to appropriate services and programs., • Assist youth at risk of or currently experiencing homelessness with navigating CES and, • Homeless Services, • Assist youth in completing the assessment that is required to enter the CES system (NextStep Tool or VI-SPDAT) and any additional paperwork needed, • Establish authentic, positive, and supportive relationships with SPY members, building rapport and providing support during drop-in service hours to increase knowledge of available services and resources., • Coordinate and facilitate multiple group activities and life skill workshops that encourage communal gathering, promote wellness and build connections., • Ensure seamless communication across sites between members, their case managers and partners who provide services., • Advocate on behalf of SPY members aiding in access to mental health related services, including but not limited to: information and instruction on appropriate use of resources, overcoming barriers to obtaining needed care and social services, • Promote health awareness by providing community education on prevention, transmission and testing through tabling, groups and visual communications., • Other duties as assigned to support the mission of the program and organization., • Act as onsite point of contact for partners and external resource providers from the community, ensuring smooth flow of services for members and positive partner relations., • Data tracking entry into appropriate systems., • Develop and facilitate resources, workshops and toolkits to the West Los Angeles community that focus on community wellness, healing and restoration., • Document activities, service plans, and results in an effective manner while strictly adhering to policy and procedure., • Attend internal meetings and all required trainings., • Additional duties as assigned to support the mission of the organization Requirements: WHAT YOU’LL NEED: • Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Sociology or related field preferred., • 2-3 years of experience in case management, counseling or related experience required., • 1-2 years of experience accessing social services (homeless services, DCFS, probations, DPSS, etc.), • 1-2 years of experience providing peer education and knowledge of issues relating to homelessness preferred, • 1-2 years of experience providing direct services to high-risk youth is a plus, • Ability to work independently and learn from mistakes, • Reliable transportation to travel between multiple sites; is punctual and organized, • Can utilize a harm reduction, trauma- informed approach, • Ability to work nights/weekends, • Ability to obtain First Aid/CPR certification and Employment Eligibility Verification, • Successful completion of background (LiveScan) check, • Strong computer skills and knowledge including word processing, database, • operations, spreadsheets and other software systems., • Good verbal and written communication skills, including organizational, detail, and interpersonal, • Ability to work effectively with people regardless of their race, ethnicity, background, sexual orientation or gender identity., • A strong interest in providing direct service and pursuing a career in the field of social work, • A commitment to and passion for the mission, vision, values and culture of SPY, such as the models of harm reduction, housing first, trauma informed care, and strength based approach, • A self-starter who is prepared to drive innovative solutions for an emerging organization, • An ability to work in a fast paced environment that requires effective collaboration with a variety of organizations and individuals, • Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer., • Changes in the environment, such as the office or outdoors. Mandated Reporting Requirements: The person holding this position is considered a ‘mandated reporter’ under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 Revised July 21, 2017 as a condition of employment. COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements: Effective August 9, 2021, the State Health Officer has mandated that all workers, paid or unpaid, in homeless services organizations must provide proof of vaccination. If eligible for a booster shot, proof of booster is also required. If not fully vaccinated, weekly COVID-19 testing is necessary depending on the program. Please submit proof of vaccination to . To request a reasonable accommodation or exemption, please get in touch with HR at the same email address. It's important to note that these accommodations are limited. Driver Positions: Applicants are required to provide a copy of their driving record from the Department of Motor Vehicles, along with a copy of their valid driver’s license and proof of insurance. Job offers are contingent upon a satisfactory driving record. Examples of an unsatisfactory driving record include: • Suspended or revoked license, • Three or more moving violations in the past 36 months, • Any violations, including drugs, alcohol, controlled substances, within the past 24 months, • Reckless driving, including hit and runs, within the past 24 months For driver positions, driving is an essential job function and cannot be reasonably accommodated, employment may be discontinued. NOTE: All staff members will be considered introductory employees for the first three months of employment and will not be considered regular employees until the conclusion of this period. SPY reserves the right to extend an employee’s introductory period. In no way does the expiration of this introductory period change the fact that all employees are at-will. It is the supervisor’s responsibility to orient the employee and to communicate the expectations of the supervisor and SPY, as well as to evaluate whether the employee has the necessary level of skill, job knowledge, motivation, and attitude to become a regular member of the SPY staff. New employees are also encouraged to seek guidance and assistance during this period. Employees who fail to demonstrate the expected commitment, performance and attitude may be terminated at any time during the introductory period. However, completion of the introductory period does not change or alter the “at-will” employment status. Employees continue to have the right to terminate their employment/business relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice, and SPY has the same right. The organization, in its sole discretion, may change the job duties, responsibilities and assignments of any position, at any time. BENEFITS & PERKS: Safe Place for Youth offers a competitive benefit package including comprehensive health coverage, 403b with agency contribution, and vacation/sick time. We also offer unique perks including weekly meditation/mindfulness and professional development opportunities that are tailored to your individual career growth. EEO STATEMENT: All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. Safe Place for Youth does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status under federal, state, or local law. Safe Place for Youth is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. In addition, the organization will consider employment-qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring. Please include references in your application
Cleaning
Driver & Delivery
Kitchen Porter
Chef & Cook
Waiters
Construction & Trades
Security
Fast Food
Salon & Beauty
Office & Admin
Retail
Sales & Marketing
Warehouse
Customer Service
Host & Hostess
Barista
Entertainment
Accounting & Finance
Animal Care
Art, Media, Design
Bar Staff
Child Care
Education
Engineering
Events & Promotion
Fashion
Healthcare
Information Technology
Legal
Management
Manufacturing
Online Jobs
Science
Sports & Wellness
Writing & Editing
Other
Page 2