Program Support Assistant; Peer Navigator

Overview

This position is within the Public Services unit of the District of Columbia Public Library system, in the Service Design and Engagement department and serves as a Program Support Assistant. This position supports the Peer Outreach Program, which serves individuals experiencing homelessness, mental illness, substance use disorders and returning citizens. Program Support Assistants refer eligible customers to services in the community.

Under the general direction of the Health and Human Services Assistant Manager, the incumbent will work to connect customers with services in the community. They will build trust with those experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness to help meet basic needs, including access to food, clothing, showers, laundry, transportation, identification, public benefits, and recovery support services. The Program Support Assistants will provide housing assessments and work with other providers to connect customers to housing resources.

The incumbent will work at various libraries throughout the DCPL system and must be self-directed, willing to work without an on-site supervisor, and willing to take direction from branch managers who are ultimately responsible for the smooth running of branch libraries.

• Conducts community-based outreach for consumers to assess needs and promote treatment engagement
• Participates in case reviews regarding client needs and strengths; responsible for reporting services and referrals
• Engage individuals who need/want to be connected to services including mental health services, substance use recovery services, housing, etc.
• Identify and engage individuals who may be experiencing homelessness in and around library branches
• Work with homeless customers to help identify needs, such as housing, mental health, substance abuse, food, etc. and work with customers on goal setting
• Assist individual customers with applying for public benefits including Medicaid, SSI/SSDI, and TANF, including accompanying customers to apply for public benefits and other services
• Participate in supervision with DCPL Health and Human Services Assistant Manager
• Receive referrals from library staff, mental health providers, and other social service agencies and perform assessments to determine the patron’s individual needs
• Participate in daily check-ins with outreach team members and Health & Human Services Assistant Manager
• Maintain a binder of services for customer referrals
• Participate in trainings such as HMIS training, SOAR training, SPDAT training, Department of Behavioral Health and other trainings to increase knowledge of street outreach, peer support, motivational interviewing, goal setting, harm reduction, etc.
• Participate in DCPL front-line staff trainings related to homelessness, mental illness, etc.
• Maintain confidentiality of records in conformity with the District of Columbia federal law and regulations
• Performs other duties as assigned

The incumbent must possess a High School Diploma or GED plus a minimum of one (1) year of experience providing direct customer service to customers, preferably vulnerable populations. At least one (1) year at the next lower grade level (CS 6; CS 5 and below will not be considered). The incumbent must be a certified Peer Specialist, having completed training and certification through an accredited program.

Experience working in an urban public library is preferred.

• Must be a certified Peer Specialist through an accredited behavioral health certification program. Proof of certification is required
• Knowledge of the policies, practices, and procedures of the Peer Outreach Program
• Knowledge of the signs and symptoms of mental illness and substance abuse and the ability to assist the consumers to access care services
• Ability to maintain individual consumer interaction records. Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
• Ability to travel using public transportation
• Working knowledge of technology (computers and cell phones)

A District resident applying for certain Career Service, Educational Service, Management Supervisory Service, or attorney positions may be awarded a 10-point residency preference over non-District applicants, unless the person declines the preference points. If selected, the applicant must present no less than 8 proofs of bona fide District residency and maintain such residency for 7 consecutive years from the effective date of the appointment.

Failure to maintain residency will result in forfeiture of employment.

This position is subject to general suitability screening, including verification of employment history, reference checks, and degree/license verification as applicable. Enhanced suitability screening, if indicated, may include criminal background check, traffic record check, consumer credit check, and mandatory drug and alcohol test, with employment contingent upon…