Do you want to work with a great team to help students overcome challenges? Would you like to be associated with the largest, most innovative and comprehensive nonprofit of its kind in the United States serving children with special needs related to autism spectrum disorder, learning disabilities, ADHD, developmental delays?

The Help Group is seeking a qualified Peer Support Specialist to join our dynamic team at our Culver City Center This is an ideal position for individuals with experience and passion for helping young adults children with special needs reach their fullest potential. The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to assist the teacher with all aspects of classroom instruction and behavior management, utilizing a positive, strengths-based approach

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must have lived experience of being diagnosed with a mental illness and successfully transitioned to self-sufficiency or having a family member diagnosed with a mental illness with at least one (1) year of experience in providing peer support and community linkage and able to functions as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in related field (psychology, sociology, social work, special education or human services) preferred, bilingual in Spanish desired. High School Diploma/GED with proven experience of providing at least one (1) year peer and community supports to population with diagnosed mental health illness might be considered
• Familiarity with principles of family-centered, strengths-based services. Knowledge of the community resources. Computer skills required and at least two (2) years’ experience with using electronic tablets and mobile application technology.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational and time management skills necessary for cooperative working relationship with all levels of professional staff
• Valid drivers’ license, good driving record and reliable personal vehicle to provide in home service to families.

JOB SUMMARY

Active member of PIER Program Multidisciplinary Team (PPMT) whose goal is to increase early identification of psychotic disorder in youth ages 12-25 as well as increase knowledge of symptoms by those who live and /or work with them. PIER Program Community Worker will provide peer support to youth and family within the context of PIER Program Multidisciplinary Team and will coordinate in-house data collection to ensure that all clients complete electronic outcome measures for UC Davis Evaluation

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• As PIER Team member, actively participate and engage in community outreach to identify schools, service providers, cultural and religious organizations, etc., that have contacts with youth 12-25 years and provide psychoeducation on recognizing symptoms of risk for psychosis to generate PIER referrals
• Provide client and family support, act as advocate for client and family in all aspects of the PIER Program process. Assist in developing clients’ crisis and safety plan, provide crisis intervention to clients on an as-needed basis.
• Participate in PIER Program Multidisciplinary Team outreach activities, in case treatment meetings 2 x week, helping the engagement of child, family, extended family and informal resources.
• Guide family through intricacies of service delivery system and assist families with contacting and following through with community resources.
• Model and coach youth and family in such areas as communication skills, anger management, problem solving, stress management, appropriate discipline, accessing supports and resources etc.
• Provide direct services to youth and families in a variety of setting, i.e., clinic, community, in home, as needed and appropriate
• Assist clients, if needed to interface with DCFS, DMH, court systems, schools, employment resources and various community linkages.
• Attend regularly scheduled weekly supervision, staff meetings, community meetings and other meetings as assigned.
• Conduct all functions in accordance with Agency guidelines, policies and procedures.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
• Arrange work schedule or required hours to the benefit of the PIER Program and clients with approval of the PIER Program Coordinator

The Help Group offers wonderful training opportunities, a supportive, professional work environment and great benefits, including:

• 100% Employer-sponsored Health Insurance Plan
• Dental, Vision and Life Insurance
• 403b Retirement Plan
• Flexible Spending Account
• Vacation and Sick Leave

We are an equal opportunity employer that values diversity at all levels. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply.