Peer Support Specialist

PathPoint is seeking a part-time (could develop into full-time) bilingual (English/Spanish) Peer Support Specialist (PSS) to join our Kids & Family Together division (K&FT) in Ventura, CA 93001. A Peer Support Specialist is someone who has the lived experience in substance use recovery or has successfully reunified with their children after involvement with the child welfare system. A PSS supports families involved with child welfare by providing peer support, education, mentorship, and healing; promoting hope, recovery, and wellness. A PSS works closely with the assigned K&FT clinician, social worker, and others on the families' treatment team.

K&FT uses a trauma-responsive and attachment-focused approach to support families involved with the child welfare system. Services are provided in-home, in-office, and/or via telehealth depending on the families' needs. K&FT provides training, specifically in Trust-Based Relational Intervention® (TBRI®), an evidence-based model. We provide a flexible working environment where providers create their own schedules and may work partially from home. Creating an environment where our employees feel supported is one of our highest priorities. We value and embrace diversity, inclusiveness, and cultural humility.

We are looking for someone who is passionate about advocating and supporting families involved with the child welfare system, has a strong understanding of psychiatric rehabilitation principles, addiction recovery practices, and trauma-informed care. Someone who is willing to share their lived experience in a professional, supportive manner and is able to work well as a team and collaborate with other professionals. Someone who is empathetic and compassionate, has good communication (oral and written) skills, is organized, detail-oriented, self-motivated, and can navigate computer software well.

The schedule for this position is Monday-Friday, with some evening availability. Minimum of 20 hours per week. 

What You'll Do:

• Engage clients and families, schedule intakes, and may assist K&FT clinician with intake paperwork as needed.
• Collaborate with families' treatment team, working together to meet family and program objectives.
• Assist with development and revision of client plans; document interactions within three business days of the date of service and in accordance with documentation standards.
• Respond to crises, assist with safety planning, and providing emotional support, coping strategies, and symptoms management.
• Deliver peer support, coaching, skill building, and psychoeducation to families on topics relevant to families involved with the child welfare system, such as: attachment, trauma, therapeutic parenting, coping skills, self-care, and more; celebrate and build on family strengths.
• Facilitate Parenting Workshops in English and Spanish.
• Advocate for clients, empower recovery through education and support, and maintain scope of practice by redirecting to K&FT clinician when appropriate.
• Maintain Outlook calendar, respond to emails promptly, and maintain timely communication.
• Participate in weekly case consultation, weekly individual administration supervision with managers, weekly peer supervision group, and monthly clinical team meetings.
• Attend client meetings (CFTMs, etc.) as requested by social worker, other services providers, client/family, or manager.

What We're Looking For:

• Must be at least 18 years of age. High school diploma or equivalent.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish)
• Must have reliable transportation to work with families in-home throughout Ventura County.
• Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Certification (CMPSS) and must maintain certification requirements in good standing with the certification board. Must be legally able to bill Medi-Cal.
• Self-identify as having lived experience with substance use recovery with a strong dedication to recovery (minimum of two years of stable recovery) OR successful reunification after child welfare involvement (case closed a minimum of 18 months ago).
• Strong interpersonal skills and oral/written communication skills. Willingness to share lived experience in a professional, supportive manner.
• Well defined organizational and time management skills.
• Able to handle intense situations, display good judgement and decision-making skills, and remain calm and clearheaded under pressure.
• Must have empathy and compassion for families involved with the child welfare system and a commitment to helping families heal and stay connected.
• Must pass pre-employment background check and health and TB screenings.
• Must have a valid driver's license with satisfactory driving record, proof of auto insurance, and reliable transportation.
• Culturally sensitive and aware of differences in employees based on cultural backgrounds; aware of one's own culture and how someone's background may lead to biases; has the skills and resources needed to work with employees from all different cultures and the ability to avoid making biased assumptions based on someone's culture.

Compensation:

Starting pay is $25.00 per hour and the position's pay range is $25-$28 per hour. The pay range is subject to change based on a variety of factors, and the maximum pay represents the wage potential based on attaining the highest level of position experience, talent, and responsibilities.

Why Work At PathPoint:

• Culture of kindness, compassion and respect.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Opportunity to make a difference in your community every day.
• Wellness time off awarded after 60 days and on 1st and 2nd anniversaries.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus flexible spending accounts.*
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and 10 holidays.*
• 403(b) retirement savings plan with company match from 2nd anniversary.
• Other perks like a wellness program, employee assistance program, and referral bonuses.

*Benefits noted with an asterisk are for full-time employees regularly scheduled for 30+ hours per week.

About PathPoint:

PathPoint, a non-profit organization based in Santa Barbara, supports people to flourish. We partner with children, adults, and families to find hope and empowerment, build life skills, access systems of support, and develop meaningful relationships. Founded in 1964, it offers services in five Central Coast and Southern California counties: Kern, Los Angeles, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our organization. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

Pre-employment background checks and health screenings will only be required post-offer.

Pre-employment background checks and health screenings will only be required post-offer.