CSC PEER PARTNER na SOUTH COAST COMMUNITY SERVICES

Description

PROGRAM SUMMARY:

Drawing from their own lived experience with mental health recovery, the Peer Partner provides non-clinical support, instills hope, and fosters empowerment and engagement in services. As an integral member of the multidisciplinary CSC team, the Peer Partner helps clients build trust in the treatment process, navigate life transitions, and connect with community resources. This role also includes participating in team meetings, and contributing to a recovery-oriented, culturally responsive environment. Through mentorship, advocacy, and shared experience, the Peer Partner helps clients take an active role in their recovery and promotes wellness and resilience.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: 

The CSC (Coordinated Specialty Care) Early Psychosis Program is a specialized treatment approach designed to help individuals who are experiencing their first episode of psychosis. The goal of the program is to provide comprehensive, team-based care that addresses the various needs of young people (typically ages 16-30) who have recently experienced symptoms of psychosis. The program is aimed at improving long-term outcomes and minimizing the impact of psychosis on the individual's life.

Requirements

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS:

Education/Experience

1. High school diploma or GED.
2. Must have lived experience with psychosis or other serious mental illness (SMI) which resulted in involuntary hospitalization, juvenile justice involvement, child welfare involvement, and/or extensive history with SI/HI.

Licensure, Registration, Certification

1. Valid CA driver’s license and proof of automobile insurance.
2. Completion of CPR/First Aid/ProACT certification within the first thirty (30) days of employment.

JOB DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Build supportive, trusting relationships with identified clients by sharing lived experience with mental health and recovery.
• Meet regularly with clients to offer peer support, encouragement, and mentorship throughout their treatment journey.
• Support clients in identifying personal goals related to wellness, recovery, education, employment, and social life.
• Collaborate with the clinical team to share insights on client strengths, progress, and engagement from a peer perspective.
• Assist clients in preparing for and participating in treatment planning meetings, including CFTs and care reviews.
• Accompany clients to appointments or community-based services, when appropriate, to provide peer support.
• Document all peer support interactions accurately and in a timely manner, in line with program and agency requirements.
• Participate in team meetings, supervision, and ongoing training to maintain fidelity to the CSC model and peer role.
• Maintain healthy boundaries and uphold peer ethics while serving as a role model for recovery and resilience.
• Practice cultural humility, trauma-informed care, and client-centered approaches in all client interactions.

JOB SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES

Service Delivery 

• Meeting expectations in Service Delivery Skills encompass the ability of paraprofessional staff to identify and recommend appropriate service types that align with the needs of clients, while staying within the bounds of their training, expertise, and professional role. This competency requires an understanding of the range of services available within the organization and the ability to match those services to the specific needs and preferences of clients.

Crisis Intervention and Safety Planning

• Meeting expectations in Crisis and Safety Planning encompasses handling crisis situations effectively, including suicidal ideation, self-harm, and acute psychiatric symptoms, by adhering to established safety protocols and accessing appropriate resources. Participate as needed in the implementation of safety plans in collaboration with clients, their support systems, and the treatment team. 

Productivity & Service Billing 

• Meeting expectations in Productivity and Service Billing skills focus on the ability to hit program productivity expectations on a monthly basis.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to drive a motor vehicle without restrictions, often in heavy traffic and frequently long distances (one hour or more) to ensure safe transport to client settings and to safely transport clients to appointments as needed.
• Senses of vision, hearing and smell sufficient to regularly operate a motor vehicle, to visualize threats in the environment or risks to clients, and to operate safely in the field.
• Required to occasionally lift and carry 10-20 pounds.
• Regularly required to sit, stand, climb stairs (1 or more flights) and walk while in route to and during family visits.
• Regularly required to sit and use computer in office settings

EOE, INCLUDING DISABILITY/VETS

We are an equal opportunity employer and consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under California law.

Management reserves the right to add, change, delete or rescind duties or responsibilities of positions within the job classification at any time.