Turning Point of Central California, Inc. was founded in 1970. For over 50 years now, we have been transforming lives across the state of California. From Mental Health to Community Corrections, Children's Services, Housing Programs, Recovery Services, Substance Abuse Disorders & more; we serve people in need. Our desire is to see individuals reach their full potential, and create lasting change that will stand the test of time.

JOB SUMMARY

This position's primary worksite is the Hope House Madera site, located at 117 North R. St., Suite 103. Madera, CA 93637. The Peer Support Specialist II reports to the management team that oversees the position and is responsible for holding hope for those they serve. The role of the Peer Support Specialist II collaborates with and offers support to other peer team members, fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment. The Peer Support Specialists II is available as a resource to help program participants identify and build on strengths and empower them to choose for themselves, their own pathways to wellness and recovery.

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Provide wellness and recovery-focused peer-to-peer support in a community center setting.
2. Use active listening, motivational interviewing, and peer support skills to understand an individual's needs and respond appropriately.
3. Serve as an advocate and mentor, modeling and demonstrating competency in effective coping skills, self-help strategies, and wellness and recovery principles.
4. Develop and maintain professional peer support relationships that are respectful, trusting, empathetic, collaborative, and mutual with the person served to empower the individual to identify specific wellness and recovery hopes, preferences, and goals.
5. Lead wellness and recovery groups and activities to support participants in building daily life skills, social skills, mental wellness, and physical wellness, reducing harm, stress management, building self-esteem, enhancing social connections, and developing interpersonal effectiveness skills.
6. Remain readily available in the common area throughout most of the shift to foster a sense of approachability and encourage members to seek support or engage in conversations.
7. Available as a resource for peer team members for on-the-job guidance and support as needed. Collaborate with peer team members on how to approach and facilitate groups, workshops, and program activities.
8. Provide clerical support with ordering supplies, filing, and other general office duties as needed.
9. Provide member orientation for new participants, including a tour of the center and a review of participant guidelines, services, activities, and group schedules.
10. Provides peer assistance and mentoring to promote engagement in supportive networks, natural supports, and activities within and outside the behavioral health system, such as crisis hotlines, counseling services, or other community support options.
11. Maintain confidentiality and respect the confidential nature of conversations with individuals seeking support and adhere to professional boundaries, ethics, and legal guidelines.
12. Outreach to unengaged individuals, face-to-face or by phone.
13. Communicate, share insights, collaborate, and work closely with other members of the team to ensure a coordinated and effective response to each individual served.
14. Participate in training and professional development opportunities to enhance knowledge and skills related to peer support and crisis intervention.
15. Ensure members and visitors comply with program policies and schedules.
16. Remain flexible and adaptable to changes in workload and assignments.
17. Provide the management team with timely reports on unusual occurrences that might impact the overall program operation or the health and safety of participants, family members, guests, or employees.
18. Think and act quickly and efficiently in emergencies.
19. Will drive on Agency business.
20. Will travel between wellness centers as needed.

ESSENTIAL JOB REQUIREMENTS

1. High school diploma or GED is required.
2. Two (2) years of recent paid or volunteer experience in a behavioral health, social service, or other related field.
3. Ability to facilitate peer support groups.
4. Must satisfy all requirements and successfully complete a Peer Support Services (PSS) training program that will qualify for state-recognized PSS certification within the first 12 months of hire.
5. Ability to work with individuals and staff members of diverse cultural backgrounds.
6. Ability to read and write in English at a level sufficient to successfully perform required duties.
7. Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
8. Ability to make informed and ethical decisions in complex and sensitive situations.
9. Ability to generate timely, accurate, and legible written reports and documents.
10. Operate modern office equipment, including computer equipment and specialized software applications and programs.
11. Must complete at least 40 hours of assigned training on an annual basis.
12. Physical presence in the Wellness Center is required
13. Basic computer skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint, Office 365, Teams, Zoom, and other communication/meeting platforms.
14. Must possess a valid driver's license and have access to a dependable means of transportation that is properly insured and operated in accordance with all laws throughout the course of employment in this position. Agency insurer authorization is required.
15. Pass a criminal background check.
16. Pass a pre-employment drug screen and TB test.

COMPANY BENEFITS:

• Pay Range: Class 105 ($16.15 - $21.26/hour)
• Company paid benefits package including medical, dental, vision, Employee Assistance Program, Pension Fund and many other voluntary benefits
• Qualified non-profit for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program
• Regular work schedule (Monday through Friday, 8am - 5pm)

We are a diverse, inclusive and equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, creed, age (40+), disability status, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, protected military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Turning Point of Central California, Inc. will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if Turning Point of Central California, Inc. is concerned about conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting the Civil Rights Department Fair Chance Act webpage.