Peer Support Specialist

About Us:

VOALA

Helping Our Most Vulnerable Change Their Life Stories

Volunteers of America is a non-profit human services organization committed to serving people in need strengthening families and building communities. VOALA provides a variety of social services to Los Angeles area communities such as Head Start programs Upward Bound college prep programs veterans services homeless shelters low-income housing program as well as drug and alcohol rehabilitation. Learn more at .

PAY RATE: $21.05 - $22.16 Per Hour

BENEFITS: VOALA offers competitive medical dental vision and retirement benefits.

JOB SUMMARY AND PURPOSE

As a staff member of the treatment team the Peer Support Specialist performs a wide range of tasks to assist peers in regaining independence within the community and mastery over their own recovery process. Based on similar experiences this position offers the Veteran empathy support and advice as challenges are faced along the way. The Peer Support Specialist adds experience-based competencies and real-world examples that complement the training and expertise of the clinical staff members.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Peer Counsellor: Share personal experiences skills strengths supports and resources in your recovery from mental health and/or substance abuse issues.
• Accompany participants to appointments and meetings housing searches voucher application/issuance sessions and any other veteran-centered activity.
• In coordination with the Benefit Specialist assist participants in developing recovery plans with the skills strengths supports and resources to aid them in achieving goals and plans; work with case manager or treatment team in needed steps for self-directed recovery (most often within the home of the Veteran)
• Assist participants with setting up and sustaining self-help (mutual support) groups and with locating and joining existing groups
• Assist Case Managers with helping the participants identify and eliminate barriers and maintain employment/housing/sobriety
• Develop skills required to progress to Benefit Specialist/Case Manager.

Qualifications

REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to pass a fingerprint clearance background check including criminal history personal references employment and education verifications
• Current TB screening and Immunization Records (within 5 days of hire)
• Copy of Current Professional License (if applicable)
• Current BLS Certification (within 15 days of hire)
• Valid Drivers license
• Completion of all required trainings (within 30 days of hire)

EDUCATION:

• High school diploma (or GED/High School Equivalence Certificate)

EXPERIENCE:

• Personal experience in recovery from mental health and/or substance abuse issues

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• U. S. Armed Forces veteran preferred
• Current California drivers license and clean driving record

Volunteers of Americais an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color religion sex national origin disability protected Veteran Status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal state or local law.

This employer participates in E-Verify as required by the federal government and will provide the federal government with your Form 1-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

If E-Verify cannot confirm that you are authorized to work this employer is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact Department of Homeland Security (OHS) or Social Security Administration (SSA) so you can begin to resolve the issue before the employer can take any action against you including terminating your employment.