Peer Support Specialist

The Peer Support Specialist provides peer support and advocacy to consumers of Seneca’s services. Peer support may include one-on-one peer support as well as in group settings. The Peer Support Specialist draws upon their own personal experience navigating systems to work individually with youth and/or family members to engage them in the process, increase their involvement, and assist them in achieving their care plan goals. This includes a wide range of activities in order to function as a member of the supporting team as well as provide individual support. The Peer Support Specialist may also be involved in community awareness and leadership activities.

About San Luis Obispo Wraparound

Seneca offers "Wraparound" services to youth and families experiencing emotional/behavioral challenges in the home. The Wraparound programs are strengths-based, family-driven, flexible, and creative, with the goal of helping the family develop the skills and supports to prevent or reduce the possibility of out-of-home placement of their child. A family-based team addresses the needs of the entire family, not just the child of focus. This family-based team consists of family members, Seneca's Therapists, Youth Counselors, Parent Partners, Facilitators and other community members who have an important role in the family.

About Seneca

Seneca Family of Agencies is committed to providing traditionally marginalized communities a network of outstanding mental health, community based, and educational services. We are committed to building a diverse staff. Our programs are deeply engaged in conversations and trainings on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in order to bring equity and justice to the youth and families we serve.

Responsibilities:

• Provide and communicate guidance, expertise, and support for youth, families, and/or any other natural supports one-on-one and in group settings.
• Demonstrate high level engagement and alignment skills, to build trust and rapport with youth, families, and collateral supports.
• Work as a “collaborative advocate,” helping youth, caregivers, and family members understand the mandates and perspectives of other team members while navigating through county systems.
• Use knowledge of community resources, school systems, or other mental health services to help youth and families identify and connect to a family safety network and/or natural support team in the community.
• Provide coaching and support related to safety planning/self-control plans as well as self-care plans for youth/families.
• Attend and participate in mental health awareness activities in the community.
  • Participate in peer forums which may include public speaking engagements.
• Complete all training requirements as indicated by supervisor.
• Participate in weekly supervision/mentorship with the supervisor or designee.
• Maintain accurate and high-quality documentation and paperwork including but not limited to mental health notes, timesheets, expense reports, and mileage.
• Participate in on-call rotation, if applicable per program requirements.
• Utilize crisis communication and de-escalation techniques as per Seneca's EQ-4 model training.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma/GED.
• Personal, lived experience with relevant systems (e.g., child welfare, juvenile justice, mental health, special education, etc.).
• At least 18 years of age.
• TB test clearance, fingerprinting clearance, and any other state/federal licensing or certification requirements.
• Valid driver's license, clean driving record, and insurability through Seneca Family of Agencies’ insurance policy.

Schedule

• Full-time
  • Monday - Friday, 9:30am - 6pm
• Hybrid, provide in-person services and complete documentation remotely
• Voluntary on-call shifts available

Benefits

• Starting at $24.94 - $27.44 hourly
• Actual salary is dependent on creditable experience above the minimum qualifications for the role
• An additional compensation upon passing the bilingual language proficiency exam
• Salary increases each year
• Mileage reimbursement

• Stipends provided to staff members participating in the emergency on-call shifts

• Comprehensive benefits package:

• Medical, dental, vision, chiropractic, acupuncture coverage, and fertility coverage
• 50% paid premiums for dependents
• Long-term disability, family leave, and life insurance
• 403b Retirement Plan
• Employer-paid Employee Assistance Plan
• 5 weeks of Paid Time off and 11 Paid Holidays
• Seneca is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness certified employer
• Scholarship opportunities, ongoing training, and professional development opportunities

Key Words: nonprofit, mental health, mental health agency, behavioral health, healthcare, counselor, youth advocate, family advocate, children advocate, peer counselor, certified peer counselor, adolescent, advocate.