PEER ADVOCATE

Job Details Job Location:
Wellness - Los Angeles, CA Salary Range: $22.25 - $22.92

Title of Position: Peer Advocate

Location: Wellness Center

Exempt/Non-Exempt: Non-Exempt

Union/Non-Union: Non-Union

Supervisor: Clinical Supervisor

Gateways Hospital and Mental Health Center, located in Los Angeles, is a non-profit organization that provides an array of comprehensive mental health services for Children, Adolescents, Transitional Aged Youth, and Adults suffering from mental illness in the Greater Los Angeles area. The organization consists of a standalone fifty-five (55)-bed hospital and six outlying outpatient facilities that have anywhere from fourteen (14) beds to one hundred and thirty-four (134) beds.

The organization has approximately four hundred (400) employees.

SUMMARY OF POSITION
The role of the peer advocate is to provide peer-to-peer support and self-help services to clients. The position is for an individual who has experience with, or knowledge of, the needs of those diagnosed with major mental illnesses and how to assist them with accessing community resources.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Provides peers with community resources.
• Provides educational or wellness groups.
• Provides social activities within the clinic and in the community.
• Provides individual peer counseling.
• Provides initial assessments.
• Develops strategies for outreach.
• Assists peers in obtaining benefits and entitlements.
• Documents services as needed in clinically acceptable format.
• Demonstrates the ability to manage competing demands upon time.
• Demonstrates the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.
• Demonstrates the ability to deal tactfully with personnel, clients, family members, visitors, government agencies/personnel, and the general public.
• Demonstrates the ability and willingness to work harmoniously with other personnel.
• Demonstrates patience, tact, a cheerful disposition, and enthusiasm, as well as the willingness to handle difficult clients.
• Is able to relate information concerning a client's condition to co-workers and immediate supervisor.
• Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills.
• Exercises good judgment.
• Interfaces smoothly with outside agencies and representatives from DMH.
• Demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of the principles of The Recovery Model.
• Provides targeted case management.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS

• Ability to work and relate effectively with a multi-disciplinary treatment team, clients, and the public.
• Knowledge of community resources.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work independently and use good judgment.
• Ability to work with adult clients.
• Legible handwriting.
• Ability to work various hours and shifts.
• Ability to lead an educational or support group.
• Knowledge of computer email and basic computer skills.
• Ability to work indoors and outdoors.

EDUCATION & CERTIFICATES

• High school graduate or GED preferred.
• Certificated Peer Support Specialist is required.

EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS

• Prior work experience in peer support activities.

REQUIREMENTS

• Must pass Department of Justice (DOJ), Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), and Community Care Licensing (CCL) background clearance.
• Valid California Driver’s license.
• TB clearance.
• Driving record acceptable for coverage by Gateways insurance carrier.
• Fire and Safety Training*.
• First Aid Training Certification*.
• CPR Certification*.
• Crisis Prevention Institute Training (CPI)**.

* Note:

If indicated certifications/licenses are lacking, they must be obtained within 180 days of hire.

** Training needs to be completed within 30 days from the date of hire on a designated date provided by onboarding. Staff need to be certified at the commensurate level for their role to perform their job duties (staff will be taken off the schedule if certification is not achieved).

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• To perform this job, you must be able to carry out all essential functions successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the job.
• Employee will be required to lift and/or move unassisted up to 25 pounds.