OVERIVEW:

The Peer Counselor will promote Catholic Charities' mission and values and build effective relationships that inspire others to action inside and outside the organization. Knowledge and experience in treating trauma using trauma-informed care are essential. This role requires someone adaptable, self-reflective, and an empathetic team player with strong interpersonal skills and a desire to support the needs of children, families, adults, older adults, and probation youth. The Peer Counselor will bring an understanding of cultural competency, conflict resolution, self-initiative, and a genuine interest in professional and personal growth. This individual should also demonstrate interest and proven skill in implementing best practices.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Peer Counselor will provide support to children, families, adults, older adults, and probation youth. The Behavioral Health Division serves clients under multiple programs:

CalWorks

Supportive Therapeutic Options Program (STOP)

Prevention and Early Intervention-school based (PEI)

Wellness & Recovery Medication Services (WARMS)

Responsive Intervention Services and Intervention (RISE)

Substance Abuse Prevention/Alternative Activities

Community-based Drop-in Services

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Initiate contact with the client and complete a common intake form to gather demographics and documentation of client eligibility for services.

• Maintain documentation per Catholic Charities standards in the AWARDS data system and other required systems.

• Work with clients (ages 8-90+) dealing with trauma, and behavioral and mental health issues, including dual diagnosis, addictions, and cognitive disabilities.

• Assist adults/older clients with basic living needs (shelter, clothing, etc.)

• Consult with individual clients or families about community knowledge, needed resources, and their strengths in accessing services, including utility discounts and other essential services.

• Provide/identify appropriate community resources and consultation to the client regarding those resources to accomplish their goals.

• Conduct group sessions for resource sharing and learning socialization skills.

• Assist clients in resolving crises and help create safety plans.

• Initiates, develops, arranges, and offers psychoeducational workshops and community education services on life skills, substance abuse prevention, financial education, health care, and social activities with community organizations and assists clients in accessing these services as needed.

• Attend bi-weekly supervision meetings.

• Attend all necessary staff meetings to facilitate client services coordination and collaboration.

• Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

SUMMARY OF OTHER DUTIES:

• Facilitate a minimum of 3-5 groups a week

• Provide community-based services for group sessions and assistance as needed.

• Update group presentations and psychoeducation curriculum

QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Preferred Associate of Arts certificate in social work, human services, counseling

• Minimum of two years experience in human services or Behavioral Health focused on substance abuse prevention/education.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Bilingual in Spanish highly preferred

• Effective verbal and written communication skills

• Excellent cross-cultural, inter-generational, and interpersonal skills to address the needs of diverse, ethnic, and homeless community clients.

• Knowledge of community resources, organizations, and supports.

• Knowledge of mental health and alcohol, substance abuse, and recovery treatment services

• Knowledge of working with different age groups

• High energy and patience in working with clients facing multiple challenges. ·

• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team.

• Knowledge of trauma-informed care, strength-based, and motivational interviewing skills.

• Availability to flexible work hours, e.g., evening until 7:00 pm, and Saturdays.

• CPR and First Aid Certification or ability to obtain the certification as indicated.

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS:

• Some local traveling may be needed. If using your car, clean DMV record, proof of current auto insurance, and valid driver's license per agency policy.

• Successful results from a criminal background check, including fingerprint clearance.

• Must provide TB test results

• Provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination and booster(s) status

MANDATED REPORTER STATUS

This position requires you to work with adults and children, and your profession qualifies you as "mandated reporters" of Elder abuse or neglect. Child abuse or neglect, which is found in California Penal Code Section 11164-11174.3 and Welfare and Institution Code 15610-15610.70. In addition, you are required to report suspected cases of child abuse and neglect and Elder abuse and neglect.

TO APPLY: Please submit resume to jobs@catholiccharitiesscc.org and use the job position title as the subject line.

This position description intends to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. It is not intended to include all duties and responsibilities. The order in which duties and responsibilities are listed is not significant Because of a need to remain responsive to the needs of our clients and our Agency's operations, responsibilities may be modified at any time.

Catholic Charities is a non-profit, non-discriminatory service organization and employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation or disability. Persons seeking employment are entitled to freedom from harassment and retaliation and reasonable accommodation for qualified disabilities.

***When applying, please note that you saw the job posted on the NOVAworks Job Board. If you need help with your resumé, please see a NOVAworks Career Advisor.