<p>GENERAL PURPOSE OF THE JOB</p> <p>The Peer Support Specialist engages with allcove youth, provides peer-to-peer support services, and supports outreach efforts to youth and the community, promoting visibility, access, and encouraging participation in the the allcoveTM center.</p> <p>This position plays a key role in fostering a safe, empowering, and growth-oriented environment for youth and young people while supporting overall program operations and community engagement efforts.</p> <p>STANDARD REQUIREMENTS</p> <ul> <li> <p>Is knowledgeable of HIPAA and Patient Rights and ensures an atmosphere that allows for the privacy, dignity, and well-being of all in a safe, secure environment.</p> </li><li> <p>Supports and cooperates with specific procedures and programs for:</p> </li><li> <p>Safety includes universal precautions and safe work practices, established fire/safety/disaster plans, risk management, security, reporting and correcting unsafe working conditions, equipment repair, and maintenance needs.</p> </li><li> <p>Confidentiality of all data, including Client, Employee, and Operations data.</p> </li><li> <p>Quality Improvement and compliance with all regulatory requirements.</p> </li><li> <p>Compliance with current law and policy to provide a work environment free from sexual harassment and all illegal, discriminatory behavior.</p> </li><li> <p>Supports and participates in joint teamwork:</p> </li><li> <p>Cooperates and works together with all co-workers.</p> </li><li> <p>Uses tactful, appropriate communication in sensitive and emotional situations.</p> </li><li> <p>Follow up with supervisor or co-workers regarding reported complaints, problems, and concerns.</p> </li><li> <p>Completes requirements for training anti-harassment, policies and procedures, and other work duties as assigned.</p> </li></ul> <p>ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS</p> <p>Youth engagement and participation</p> <ul> <li>Performing initial orientation for youth (ranging in age from 12 years to 25 years) accessing allcove to include but not limited to: assisting with completion of forms, intake questionnaires, and initial screening or assessments as needed; ensuring a welcoming, inclusive, and youth-friendly experience. </li><li>Providing support to the youth accessing allcove by acting as youth support and mentor. This includes but is not limited to: participating in goal-setting activities; identifying opportunities for youth to learn, grow and become more confident/improve self-esteem; providing encouragement and support to access resources; sharing and discussing common experiences to develop trust and rapport, encouraging and maintaining an optimistic outlook; communicating, representing, and promoting the peer perspective within the center. </li><li>Working closely with the center team to ensure that the views of young people and families are integrated into service planning and service delivery. </li><li>Engaging Youth Advisory Group members by supporting the allcove Youth Outreach Specialist in the planning of Youth Advisory Group meetings and supporting events and outreach efforts. </li><li>Developing effective working relationships with agencies and organizations to advocate for peer empowerment, including wellness, outreach, and collaboration in future events and activities. </li><li>Conducting outreach to educate community partners and peers about center services and resources available, including center tours, public presentations, or guest speaking engagements. </li><li>Collaborating with Communications and Marketing to provide outreach to peers in the community through presentations at schools, outreach/tabling events and activities including communication and marketing materials for program activities and ensures that youth and center resources are always available. </li><li>Supporting supervisor by leading or co-facilitating workshops </li><li>Completing and maintaining related records and documentation by participating in data collection. </li></ul> <p>General</p> <ul> <li>Keep up to date with relevant youth sector trends, gaps and information. </li><li>Participate in relevant training and development activities as an effective team member. </li></ul> <p>QUALIFICATIONS</p> <ul> <li>GED or High School Diploma required, plus related experience working with youth and young adults with health and/or substance use issues or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. </li><li>Bachelor's degree in healthcare, social services, or human services field preferred. </li><li>Education and experience working with adolescents and young adults in a mental health or health-related field. </li></ul> <p>Demonstrated understanding of youth participation approaches relevant to successful uptake of community programs by youth mental health clients ages 12 to 25.</p> <ul> <li>Demonstrated understanding of the challenges and experiences of young people from diverse backgrounds including BIPOC, LGBTQ+ and unhoused young people. </li><li>Strong group facilitation and community engagement skills. A broad understanding of the challenges and experiences of youth including specific local community factors. </li><li>Proven track record in building and maintaining effective working relationships with a range of stakeholders such as young people, family members and health professionals from other agencies. </li><li>Ability to plan, implement, deliver and evaluate community awareness projects and mental health literacy programs within an allocated budget. </li><li>Demonstrated experience: </li><li>Working with young people with mental health, substance use and other social issues. </li><li>In community development or community awareness and education initiatives. </li><li>Coordinating and facilitating youth programs, events and activities within a community setting. </li><li>Demonstrated ability to develop, implement and evaluate community awareness programs. </li><li>Exceptional ability to engage and communicate to groups of people, tailoring communication to suit a specific target group or age range. </li><li>Broad knowledge of the range of services available to young people in the local community, health, education, employment and youth sectors. </li><li>Basic analysis and problem-solving skills. </li><li>Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple and competing work tasks and deliver to agreed deadlines. </li><li>Demonstrated willingness and ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team. </li><li>Good understanding on how to effectively use social media as a communication tool and work with marketing staff to consistently uplift youth voice. </li><li>Highly developed verbal and written communication skills. </li><li>Proficient computer skills including Microsoft Office, email and database applications. </li><li>Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to priorities and manage multiple and competing work tasks and deliver to agreed deadlines. </li><li>Knowledge of principles and techniques of social, cultural, and intergenerational dynamics of Asian immigrants and refugees. </li><li>Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends. </li><li>Field work may be required. </li><li>Reliable Transportation. </li><li>Successfully meet the post-offer/pre-hire physical, and fingerprint, requirements and receive an eligibility status for the Level II Background Check required by the State of California. </li></ul> <p>SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES</p> <p>Does this job have supervisory responsibilities? No</p>