Peer Support Specialist

Peer Support Specialist

For over 100 years, Vista Del Mar Child & Family Services (VDM) has taken great pride in providing exceptional programs and services for children and families throughout LA County. VDM envisions a community where all children and families are equipped and prepared to live productive, fulfilling lives. We serve the most vulnerable in Los Angeles, many of whom have faced multi-generational inequities. Vista Del Mar is guided by core values of empowerment, equity, and excellence.

At Vista Del Mar, our success is empowered by our staff, families, residents, and clients. We believe in the inclusion and liberation of marginalized communities, standing in unity for justice and recognizing long-standing systemic oppression. We acknowledge we are part of an unjust system and strongly advocate to change oppressive systems and the unconscious bias that affect staff, clients, and families in all communities. Vista is committed to developing a culture of healing, community care, and creating a sense of belonging. Our actions will be louder than our words.

Folks who are Black, Indigenous, people of color, LGBTQ+, of a marginalized gender, disabled, parents, are/have been system-impacted, are immigrants, and anyone who has experienced systemic oppression, and/or gender-based violence are encouraged to apply.

Vista Del Mar provides a trauma-responsive continuum of services to empower children, youth, and families in Southern California to lead fulfilling lives.

Position Overview

Peer Support Worker functions as a member of the Mobile Crisis Outreach Team that responds to Crisis calls dispatched by the Department of Mental Health (DMH) in Service Area 5. The position is committed to promoting a non-judgmental and respectful attitude with regard to individuals in need of crisis mental health services.

Essential Job Duties

1. Participates in the ongoing mobile response outreach team (MCOT) that is on call for crisis calls dispatched by DMH to Vista Del M Response time is 90 minutes and assigned staff must meet this criterion for each referred/dispatched case.

2. Provides resources or linkages to clients served by MCOT.

3. Monitors progress of linkages or referrals as needed.

4. Acts as a liaison to local Police Departments, Probation offices, shelters, Crisis services, and so on, to inform them of MCOT services and collaborate in the care of individuals in mental health crises.

5. Advocates for high quality care of individuals with mental health concerns in the community and Child/Family serving systems.

6. Supports individuals as a peer and someone with a common background.

7. Builds partnerships with professionals through non-adversarial advocacy.

8. Promotes a strength-based culture in the community and Vista milieu.

9. Represents and models Peer Support voice in all program activities.

10. Links individuals/clients with others to reduce isolation/stigma that occurs with mental health challenges.

11. Connects clients with community resources;

12. Offers support and encouragement to youth/adults/families as needed;

13. Serves as role model and advocates for the needs of clients;

14. Assists in the ongoing development and evaluation of the service program;

15. Participates in the 24-hour on-call system.

16. Is responsible for documenting all client contacts in accordance with agency guidelines and DMH guidelines as applicable.

What You Bring To VDM?

1. Must be a survivor or utilizer of services related to recovery of mental illness, substance addiction, homelessness, sexual abuse/trafficking, and so on.

2. Requires skills in engaging and working clients by using their own experience as engagement tool.

3. Crisis management experience is required.

4. Ability to listen to clients and respect their answers maybe different than one's own.

5. Ability to work flexible hours including some evening/weekend availability.

6. Must be self-directed and efficient in use of time management skills.

7. Must function as a productive member of a service team and maintain clear and appropriate boundaries with other members of the team and families.

8. Maintains a sense of professionalism at all times.

9. Ability to set clear priorities and remain focused at all times.

10. Possesses a High School diploma, some college preferred.

11. Must have good verbal and written communication skills.

12. Must have basic computer skills.

13. Must be able to function independently.

Salary - $66,560

Full benefits offered (Medical, Dental, Vision)

FSA/Dependent Care and Supplemental benefits through The Standard

403(b) 3% Employer contribution based off annual salary

4 Mental Health Days

Up to 12 Paid Holidays

Up to 25% for Cell Phone Discounts with 3 Major Carriers (AT&T, Verizon, Sprint)

Our nationally recognized clinical programs have been awarded a Gold Seal by the Joint Commission, the highest level of accreditation possible. In addition, our educational facilities are fully accredited through the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), and our graduate degree program is recognized worldwide for its high quality of instructions.

Vista Del Mar is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. Therefore, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Vista Del Mar will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations as part of this commitment.