Peer Support Specialist

Location: Pomona, CA  

Working hours: Full Time, Monday through Friday, 2 Evenings weekly approximately 5pm –9pm, weekends as needed.

About Us:

We are a compassionate organization dedicated to supporting the empowerment journey of diverse Parents, Children and Youth though Evidence-Based Programs that ensure diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. We offer a safe space for parents, caregivers and their children and youth to receive emotional support, guidance, and resources to help them navigate personal concerns. 

Learn more about Parents Anonymous^®:  https://parentsanonymous.org/ 

Learn more about the CA and National Parent and Youth Helplines: https://caparentyouthhelpline.org 

https://nationalparentyouthhelpline.org

Learn more about the United Mental Health Promoters (UMHP) program: https://dmh.lacounty.gov/resources/united-mental-health-promoters/

Position Overview:

Parents Anonymous® Inc. is looking for enthusiastic, caring, and culturally responsive Peer Support Specialists for the UMHP program to conduct outreach and education to targeted populations. You will serve as a link between the community, the Department of Mental Health and other community programs to promote mental wellness. You must be a Peer to be considered for this position. The definition of Peer is listed below.

A Peer is an individual who is self-identified as having lived experience with the process of recovery from mental illness, substance use disorder, or both, either as a consumer of these services or as the parent or family member of the consumer.

• Identify as a Peer and utilize your Peer Story for outreach, community engagement and linkages, and client support services.
• Apply the 17 Peer Support Competencies in 1:1 Peer Support and Group Interactions with ages birth to 5, DCFS, juvenile justice, elderly 65+, the unhoused population, transitional age youth, and LGBTQIA+ communities.
• Foster peer support in drop-in groups for peers such as trauma-informed activities (art, dance, drumming circles, mindfulness activities, etc.).
• Educate the populations listed above in Mental Health Awareness, COVID Prevention, Domestic Violence Prevention, and Community Violence Prevention.
• Plan and actively engage in outreach activities through in person outreach and virtual outreach to peers and organizations in targeted areas.
• Promote all Evidence Based Parents Anonymous® Programs through outreach and peer support with diverse parents, children and youth.
• Create and maintain partnerships with other community-based organizations in an effort to expand community linkage.
• Advocate and embrace the vision, mission, and goals of Parents Anonymous®.

• MUST VERIFY THAT YOU ARE A PEER (WITH LIVED EXPERIENCE): A Peer is an individual who is self-identified as having lived experience with the process of recovery from mental illness, substance use disorder, or both, either as a consumer of these services or as the parent or family member of the consumer.
• Must work 2 evenings a week and weekend hours as needed.
• Bilingual (English and Spanish) highly preferred.
• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Must have at least a high school diploma. Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, or related field is a plus.
• Must have some experience working directly with diverse Parents, Children & Youth up to 25.
• Must embrace and reflect the Mission, Vision, and Principles of Parents Anonymous® Inc.
• Must embrace the philosophy and theory of change of Parent Anonymous® including mutual support, parent leadership, shared leadership®, and personal growth and change.
• Must have well-developed computer skills.
• Must be able to work at community outreach events on weekends as needed.
• Must be culturally responsive, responsible, and seek assistance from supervisor when work challenges arise.
• Must have a smartphone.
• Must have a working vehicle, a valid driver’s license, and have the ability to go to work and outreach in the surrounding area.
• Willing to attend 80 hours of training and pass the Medi-Cal Certification of Peer Support Specialists.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $26.00 – $27.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance