Peer Support Specialist

JOB TITLE: Peer Support Specialist

REPORTS TO:Access Center Supervisor

SCHEDULE: Saturday-Sunday 9:00am-4:00pm

LOCATION: Venice CA

STATUS: Part-Time 14 hrs/wk Non Exempt

CELL PHONE: Reimbursement for use

DRIVER POSITION: Yes if yes please reference driving policy

SALARY RANGE:$22.00/hr

ABOUT US:

Safe Place for Youth (SPY) is the leading service provider for youth experiencing or at-risk of homelessness in West Los Angeles. Founded in 2011 our agency offers trauma-informed low barrier programs that support young people in exiting the streets and achieving stability so that they can thrive not just survive. Our robust continuum of care includes street outreach drop-in services health and wellness programming case management education and employment services and housing programs.

SPY is a unique social impact agency that is committed to overcoming structural barriers to equity community collaboration and innovative youth-focused programming. If you have the skills passion and collaborative spirit join our growing team of nearly 100 employees.

SPY strives to attract and develop individuals who reflect a broad spectrum of diversity including (but by no means limited to) racial ethnic gender identity and socioeconomic dimensions. We believe that inclusion of diverse perspectives is essential to achieving long-term systemic change. We explicitly seek applications from those who self-identify as coming from historically marginalized populations to enrich and elevate our equity-centered approach to problem-solving.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

A member of the Drop-In Center team the Peer Support Specialist will assist TAY with accessing services at SPYs Drop-In Center via street outreach efforts as well as on-site engagement. The Peer Support Specialist will also create and facilitate ongoing workshops on basic life skills coping and self-help strategies supporting our members path to independence with the necessary skills needed to thrive.

WHAT YOULL DO:

• Assist with Front Desk operations during Drop-in hours ensuring members are connected with needed programs and services including medical mental health economic and legal resources.
• Conduct intakes assess needs and refer new youth to appropriate services and programs.
• Assist youth at risk of or currently experiencing homelessness with navigating CES and
• Homeless Services
• Assist youth in completing the assessment that is required to enter the CES system (NextStep Tool or VI-SPDAT) and any additional paperwork needed
• Establish authentic positive and supportive relationships with SPY members building rapport and providing support during drop-in service hours to increase knowledge of available services and resources.
• Coordinate and facilitate multiple group activities and life skill workshops that encourage communal gathering promote wellness and build connections.
• Ensure seamless communication across sites between members their case managers and partners who provide services.
• Advocate on behalf of SPY members aiding in access to mental health related services including but not limited to: information and instruction on appropriate use of resources overcoming barriers to obtaining needed care and social services
• Promote health awareness by providing community education on prevention transmission and testing through tabling groups and visual communications.
• Other duties as assigned to support the mission of the program and organization.
• Act as onsite point of contact for partners and external resource providers from the community ensuring smooth flow of services for members and positive partner relations.
• Data tracking entry into appropriate systems.
• Develop and facilitate resources workshops and toolkits to the West Los Angeles community that focus on community wellness healing and restoration.
• Document activities service plans and results in an effective manner while strictly adhering to policy and procedure.
• Attend internal meetings and all required trainings.
• Additional duties as assigned to support the mission of the organization

WHAT YOULL NEED:

• Bachelors Degree in Social Work Psychology Sociology or related field preferred.
• 2-3 years of experience in case management counseling or related experience required.
• 1-2 years of experience accessing social services (homeless services DCFS probations DPSS etc.)
• 1-2 years of experience providing peer education and knowledge of issues relating to homelessness preferred
• 1-2 years of experience providing direct services to high-risk youth is a plus
• Ability to work independently and learn from mistakes
• Reliable transportation to travel between multiple sites; is punctual and organized
• Can utilize a harm reduction trauma- informed approach
• Ability to work nights/weekends
• Ability to obtain First Aid/CPR certification and Employment Eligibility Verification
• Successful completion of background (LiveScan) check
• Strong computer skills and knowledge including word processing database
• operations spreadsheets and other software systems.
• Good verbal and written communication skills including organizational detail and interpersonal
• Ability to work effectively with people regardless of their race ethnicity background sexual orientation or gender identity.
• A strong interest in providing direct service and pursuing a career in the field of social work
• A commitment to and passion for the mission vision values and culture of SPY such as the models of harm reduction housing first trauma informed care and strength based approach
• A self-starter who is prepared to drive innovative solutions for an emerging organization
• An ability to work in a fast paced environment that requires effective collaboration with a variety of organizations and individuals
• Must possess great communication and organizational skills

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Changes in the environment such as the office or outdoors.
• Physical effort/lifting such as sedentary- up to 15-20 pounds at times.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS:

Mandated Reporting Requirements: The person holding this position is considered a mandated reporter under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 Revised July 21 2017 as a condition of employment.

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements: Effective August 9 2021 the State Health Officer has mandated that all workers paid or unpaid in homeless services organizations must provide proof of vaccination. If eligible for a booster shot proof of booster is also required. If not fully vaccinated weekly COVID-19 testing is necessary depending on the program. Please submit proof of vaccination to To request a reasonable accommodation or exemption please get in touch with HR at the same email address. Its important to note that these accommodations are limited.

Driver Positions:

Applicants are required to provide a copy of their driving record from the Department of Motor Vehicles along with a copy of their valid drivers license and proof of insurance. Job offers are contingent upon a satisfactory driving record. Examples of an unsatisfactory driving record include:

• Suspended or revoked license
• Three or more moving violations in the past 36 months
• Any violations including drugs alcohol controlled substances within the past 24 months
• Reckless driving including hit and runs within the past 24 months
• At fault accidents resulting in fatality or serious injury within the past 5 years

The motor vehicle record will need to include a review of all states listed on the individuals employment application and resume. See instructions on obtaining your driving record below:

driver positions driving is an essential job function and cannot be reasonably accommodated employment may be discontinued.

NOTE: All staff members will be considered introductory employees for the first three months of employment and will not be considered regular employees until the conclusion of this period. SPY reserves the right to extend an employees introductory period. In no way does the expiration of this introductory period change the fact that all employees are at-will. It is the supervisors responsibility to orient the employee and to communicate the expectations of the supervisor and SPY as well as to evaluate whether the employee has the necessary level of skill job knowledge motivation and attitude to become a regular member of the SPY staff. New employees are also encouraged to seek guidance and assistance during this period. Employees who fail to demonstrate the expected commitment performance and attitude may be terminated at any time during the introductory period. However completion of the introductory period does not change or alter the at-will employment status. Employees continue to have the right to terminate their employment/business relationship at any time with or without cause or notice and SPY has the same right. The organization in its sole discretion may change the job duties responsibilities and assignments of any position at any time.

BENEFITS & PERKS:

Safe Place for Youth offers a competitive benefit package including comprehensive health coverage 403b with agency contribution and vacation/sick time. We also offer unique perks including weekly meditation/mindfulness and professional development opportunities that are tailored to your individual career growth.

EEO STATEMENT:

All aspects of employment including the decision to hire promote discipline or discharge will be based on merit competence performance and business needs. Safe Place for Youth does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status under federal state or local law.

Safe Place for Youth is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. In addition the organization will consider employment-qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.

Please include references in your application