Peer Support Counselor

About the position The position has primary responsibility for using their lived experience and knowledge of the system to provide outreach and engagement, support, advocacy, and direct services to program clients of all age ranges. Peer Support Counselors are people who have lived experience in the mental health, judicial, and/or social service systems in some capacity. They serve as role models, companions, educators and advocates to our clients. The Peer Support Counselors will support clients in moving toward recovery, creating a meaningful role in their life, which is separate from their illness. Valley Star Community Services One Stop TAY Center provides counseling and an array of supportive mental health, substance abuse, employment and educational services. Services are provided in the office, home or in community locations. Amenities like showers, laundry, phone and internet services available on site. Center helps young adults ages 16-25 focus on their goals through a variety of services: Individual and family counseling, Group Counseling, Psychiatric care, Medication management, Crisis intervention services, Intense case management, Housing and vocational support, Independent living skills training.

Responsibilities

• Using lived experience and knowledge of the system to provide outreach and engagement
• Provide support, advocacy, and direct services to program clients of all age ranges
• Serve as role models, companions, educators and advocates to clients
• Support clients in moving toward recovery and creating a meaningful role in their life, separate from their illness

Requirements

• Must have attained the age of 18 years of age
• High School diploma or equivalent (e.g. GED, HiSET, etc.) required
• Personal experience as a consumer in the child welfare, probation, or mental health systems
• One (1) year of full-time experience performing non-professional, consumer directed services mental health, health care, or other social services agency / organization serving people with disabilities preferred
• Valid California Driver's License
• Meets agency driver eligibility criteria
• First Aid certification from persons qualified by agencies including but not limited to the American Red Cross

Nice-to-haves

• Peer Support Specialist Certification: successful completion of the certification process within one year of employment (preferred)

Benefits

• Competitive Compensation
• Generous Time Off
• Employer-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Additional voluntary benefits to support your lifestyle
• On-the-job training
• Access to paid CEU opportunities
• Career development programs
• Supervision for BBS hours for AMFT, ACSW, and APCC professionals (where applicable)
• Employee Recognition & Rewards