Bilingual Peer Behavior Interventionist

POSITION TITLE: Bilingual Peer Behavior Interventionist

This full-time position (program set to conclude in June 2026)

Company Description: NAMI San Diego & Imperial Counties (National Alliance on Mental Illness) is a nonprofit organization that provides free education, support services, and advocacy to improve the quality of life of everyone affected by mental health concerns.

Work location: This position is based in Imperial County. The work location is hybrid; that is, our Bilingual Behavior Interventionists will work from their home office, as well as at the office and in the community, as needed. Given that our program serves individuals within all areas of the Imperial Valley, our team may find themselves traveling to areas such as Ocotillo, Salton City, and Winterhaven.

Primary Responsibilities/Function: Our Peer Behavior Interventionists will support a program for which NAMI San Diego & Imperial Counties is collaborating with the San Diego Regional Center in Imperial Valley.

The "Transition Age Youth Mental Health Program" supports individuals ages 14-22 who are not effectively accessing mental health services at school districts. Specifically, With the support of our Program Manager and Clinician, our Peer Behavior Interventionists connect individuals to needed mental health services; provide strategies to change/reduce behaviors that are causing them challenges in school; accompany youth and families to IEP meetings; conduct outreach activities and trainings with schools and the community.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct screening assessments to determine eligibility into our programs, as well as questionnaires and assessments that help identify underlying mental health, substance use concerns and suicidality.
• Complete assessments to determine client's needs, develop and provide a written plan for supporting the individuals, in which you highlight needs, how these will be addressed.
• Provide peer support.
• Connect individuals and their families with mental health, substance use, and education resources.
• Maintain contact and meet regularly with clients.
• Support individuals with applying for needed benefits.
• Provide behavior strategies to clients and their families.
• Complete follow up assessments to determine client's progress towards goals; document findings and update the client's plan.
• Document services, intakes, visits, and submit to Program Manager and Clinician within three business days.
• Communicate and collaborate with staff from San Diego Regional Center, client's family members and school staff.
• Participate in IEP meetings, meetings with San Diego Regional Center, and various other meetings.
• Facilitate/co-facilitate trainings for Providers and Family Members on topics related to dual diagnosis (IDD with co-occurring behavioral health condition.)
• Builds and maintains relationships and conducts outreach activities with the community as well as providers/staff at: school systems, mental health and substance use treatment/programs, jails, courts, etc. This may include giving formal presentations and trainings to large groups of individuals.
• Provide culturally and linguistically appropriate services.
• Works collaboratively in a teamwork style with demonstrated ability to relate effectively with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Other duties as assigned.

Accountability: Reports to the Program Manager.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with qualified disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Prolonged periods of standing and walking.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.

Minimum Requirements, including linguistic and cultural skills, education, experiences, licenses and certifications:

• Bachelor's degree in a human services field of study (such as, psychology, social work, child development, etc.) OR Bachelor's degree in a different field of study and at least 3 years of experience supporting individuals living with intellectual/developmental disabilities (IDD).
• At least one year of experience supporting individuals living with intellectual/developmental disabilities (includes work experience, as well as experience supporting a loved one)
• Personal lived experience or with a family member or loved one with developmental disabilities and/or behavioral health challenges preferred
• In-depth knowledge of Imperial County's services, resources, and culture.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish).
• Completion of Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Training is preferred.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, positivity, attention to detail, flexibility, and enjoy working in an ever-changing environment.
• Excellent planning, organizing, analyzing, problem solving, time management and coordinating skills.
• Able to work with minimal direction and supervision.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Strong positive viewpoint towards individuals with developmental disabilities, mental health challenges, and history of substance use, and their families.
• Natural ability to build and maintain relationships and find common ground with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to get along and work effectively with others.
• Able to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing.
• Regular, predictable attendance is required.
• Intermediate knowledge of computer software (Microsoft Office, Word, Excel), email and web navigation.
• Must be willing and able to drive personal car,
• Possess valid California Driver's License and comprehensive automobile insurance as required by law.
• Must have a satisfactory driving record.

Due to our work with vulnerable populations and county contractor requirements, applicants will be required to undergo a background check following a contingent offer of employment and must receive satisfactory results prior to a final offer of employment. If you have any questions regarding this requirement, please feel free to reach out to HR@namisd.org.