Job Information
San Mateo County, CA Senior Peer Support Worker - Behavioral Health & Recovery Services (County Promotional Only) in United States
Senior Peer Support Worker - Behavioral Health & Recovery Services (County Promotional Only)
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Senior Peer Support Worker - Behavioral Health & Recovery Services (County Promotional Only)
Salary
$69,700.80 - $87,152.00 Annually
Location
County of San Mateo, CA
Job Type
Full-Time
Job Number
G117V
Department
Behavioral Health and Recovery Services
Opening Date
09/23/2024
Closing Date
10/7/2024 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
Benefits
Questions
Description
Make a difference in someone's life and in your community! San Mateo County Health's Behavioral Health and Recovery Services Division (BHRS) has a rewarding opportunity for an experienced individual to join our team as Senior Peer Support Worker. There is currently one vacancy in BHRS’ Pathways Mental Health Court Program located in Belmont, CA. The position may travel throughout the County to provide services.
The Senior Peer Support Worker will work with adults who are diagnosed with severe mental health challenges who are coming out of jail, and will collaborate with them, their families, and other staff to develop treatment goals; offer peer supportive and recovery-based services; assist with meeting and engaging mental health consumers in support of their recovery goals; support clients and their families in all phases of recovery; provide wellness/recovery and educational services; lead Wellness and Recovery skill groups; and assist clients in connecting to community-based resources.
This Senior Peer Support Worker will bring their own consumer perspective to help engage clients in their recovery; will provide support and advocacy; support achievement of their goals; and help clients and their families cope with mental illness, co-occurring substance use and/or physical illness. The Senior Peer Support Worker will work with a culturally diverse population and provide services to clients and families with limited English speaking proficiency.
The Senior Peer Support Worker will conduct home visits to provide practical assistance to clients in their homes enabling them to reside in the community; transport clients to and from their medical and/or mental health appointments; assist clients in making follow-up appointments; and make reminder calls about appointments. Additionally, shopping for groceries and other necessities with clients, or purchasing needed items for groups. This position will also co-facilitate a Saturday club house meeting and activities and events for Pathways clients.
Working within the multi-disciplinary team, that consists of a Superior Court Judge, a District Attorney, Private Public Defender, Probation Officers and BHRS staff, the Senior Peer Support Worker will present information regarding clients in Judges Chambers; assist in activities that enhance wellness and engage clients in their recovery; will assist clients in achieving their goals, obtaining benefits, and accessing medical care; teach and coach clients to access community resources, develop independent living skills such as shopping, using public transportation, and engaging in social and recreational activities; and work with clients to develop Wellness, Recovery Action Plans (WRAP).
This is an advanced level position in which incumbents perform difficult and complex types of duties, exercising a high level of autonomy, judgment, and initiative, demonstrated by a high level of involvement in the development of client support/care plan, significant levels of advocacy with external groups on behalf of the clients and advanced level of group facilitation, community education and training activities.
Rewarding Aspects of the Job
As a Senior Peer Support Worker, you will make a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals with severe mental illness involved in the criminal justice system, many of whom may not have had prior access to supportive programs. The opportunity to assess clients' needs and develop tailored plans for their reintegration into the community allows you to directly contribute to their personal growth and recovery. You will work alongside compassionate colleagues, collaborating to help clients successfully transition post-incarceration.
One of the most fulfilling aspects is witnessing clients achieve important milestones, whether it is their first significant accomplishment or their graduation in court. Your role in motivating and guiding them toward health, education, and independence will help them realize their potential. The positive effect of your work will extend to their families and the wider community, making your contributions even more impactful. Additionally, being part of a diverse team of professionals dedicated to serving the justice-involved population will enhance the sense of purpose and fulfillment in your work.
Challenging Aspects of the Job
One of the key challenges in this role is managing a caseload with competing deadlines while providing intensive case management to justice-involved individuals. Balancing the urgent needs of clients with the administrative responsibilities required for successful reintegration can be demanding. Coordinating with multiple partners adds complexity as you navigate different systems and processes. Ensuring that clients receive the necessary resources and support in a timely manner, despite these logistical challenges, will require strong organizational skills and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances.
The ideal candidate will be:
A consumer of mental health services.
Experienced using their knowledge gained through life experience as a consumer of mental health services to provide peer support services for people with mental illness and/or co-occurring challenges of substance use and/or other physical illness.
Educated and/or experienced as a peer coach for people living with mental illness and/or co-occurring challenges of substance use and other physical illness.
Knowledgeable of the criminal justice system through lived experience or from family or client's experience.
Able to present factual information regarding clients in meetings held in Judges Chambers, and in meetings with other criminal justice professionals.
Knowledgeable about community resources and advocating for resources and services for individuals living with mental illness and/or co-occurring substance use and other physical illness and their families.
Effective in written and oral communication and interaction with individuals living with mental illness and/or co-occurring substance use and other physical illness and their families and also from diverse communities.
Able to accurately record notes from client contacts through an electronic medical record system.
Experienced in using cross-cultural or bilingual skills to engage a diverse community.
Experienced in driving/transporting clients to appointments.
Be experienced working in jail settings.
Basic computer skills.
Have sound judgment with ability to follow chain of command protocols for communication.
NOTE: The eligible list generated from this recruitment may be used to fill future extra-help, term, unclassified, and regular classified vacancies.
Qualifications
Jail Clearance: This position requires that the applicant obtain and maintain a jail clearance as a condition of employment.
Funding Qualifications: Must be a consumer of mental health services to meet the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) funding requirement.
Education and Experience:
Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and skills is qualifying. A typical way of gaining the knowledge and skills is two years of experience providing community services of a remedial and educational nature which includes experience counseling and conducting outreach to the client population served.
Licensure/Certification:
Some positions may require possession of a class C California driver license or equivalent.
Knowledge of:
Applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules and regulations and County program policies and guidelines.
Problems, needs, attitudes and behavior patterns of disadvantaged individuals and of the total community served.
Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment and applications related to the work.
Social and community resources.
Basic techniques and dynamics of assessment and engagement.
Techniques for group and individual counseling.
Case management techniques and processes.
Perform effectively in stressful, emotional, and confrontational situations.
Recognize factors causing reaction or changes in a client’s condition or behavior.
Evaluate information received and make appropriate recommendations and referrals.
Identification, development, and utilization of social and community resources.
Techniques for effectively representing the County in contacts with the general public, other agencies, community groups, and various business, professional, educational, and regulatory organizations.
Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, clientele, and staff.
Skill/Ability to:
Effectively market and represent a program, its clients, and services to external agencies.
Interpret, explain, and apply administrative and departmental policies and procedures.
Organize, maintain, and update office database and records systems.
Organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.
Enter and retrieve data from a computer with sufficient speed and accuracy to perform assigned work.
Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
Interpret agency programs and policies to members of the community served.
Write clear and comprehensive reports.
Analyze problems, formulate plans and put them into effect with a minimum of supervision.
Stand and walk for extended periods of time and lift and carry equipment and supplies used in the course of the work.
Physical Demands:
Must possess mobility to work in the field as well as an office environment; to operate a motor vehicle for home visits, jail visits, to attend meetings, and visit various County sites; to inspect sites including client homes; vision and smell to assess environmental situations, identify conditions, and to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking on uneven terrain, and climbing and descending structures to access client homes and interact with members of the community. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate above-mentioned tools and equipment. Positions in this classification bend, stoop, kneel, reach, and climb to perform work. Employees must possess the ability to lift and carry materials, objects, and children weighing up to 60 pounds, with the use of proper equipment.
Environmental Elements:
Employees frequently work outdoors and are exposed to varying weather conditions, loud or excessive noise levels, unpleasant odors, dust, fumes, allergens, vermin, parasites, or insects, toxic substances; infectious agents, and cold and/or hot temperatures. Incumbents may be exposed to blood and body fluids performing duties. Protective clothing such as gloves, masks, or gown may be necessary when performing client assessments or when supporting client job training. Employees may interact with members of the public or with staff in a highly emotional setting while interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.
Application/Examination
County Promotional Only. Only current County of San Mateo or County of San Mateo Superior Court of California employees with at least six months (1040 hours) of continuous service in a classified, regular, probationary, extra-help/limited term positions prior to the final filing date may apply.
A supplemental application form must be submitted in addition to our regular employment application form. Resume or CV will not be accepted as a substitute for the required employment application and supplemental questionnaire.
The examination process will consist of an application screening (pass/fail) based on the candidates' application and responses to the supplemental questions. Candidates who pass the application screening will be invited to a panel interview (weight: 100%). Depending on the number of applicants, an application appraisal of education and experience may be used in place of other examinations or further evaluation of work experience may be conducted to group applicants by level of qualification. All applicants who meet the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phase of the examination. All examinations will be given in San Mateo County, California and applicants must participate at their own expense.
IMPORTANT: Applications for this position will only be accepted online. If you are currently on the County's website, you may click the "Apply" button. If you are not on the County's website, please go to https://jobs.smcgov.org to apply. Online applications must be received by the Human Resources Department before midnight on the final filing date.
TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE
Final Filing Date: Monday, October 7, 2024 11:59 PM
Application Screening: October 9, 2024
Panel Interviews: October 28 and/or 29, 2024
San Mateo County is centrally located between San Francisco, San Jose, and the East Bay. With over 750,000 residents, San Mateo is one of the largest and most diverse counties in California and serves a multitude of culturally, ethnically and linguistically diverse communities. The County of San Mateo is committed to advancing equity in order to ensure that all employees are welcomed in a safe and inclusive environment. The County seeks to hire, support, and retain employees who reflect our diverse community. We encourage applicants with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply. Eighty percent of employees surveyed stated that they would recommend the County as a great place to work. The County of San Mateo is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering diversity, equity and inclusion at all levels.
HR Contact: Kristin Herman (09232024) - Senior Community Worker (G117)
Please visit www.smcgov.org/media/100151/download?inline= for a complete listing of all benefits for this classification.
Benefits are offered to eligible employees of the County of San Mateo. All benefits are subject to change.
As an additional benefit, the County offers extensive training and development programs designed to improve skills and enhance career opportunities. Most programs are offered on County time at no cost to you.
County employees are also covered by the federal Social Security system and earn benefits for retirement based on salary and time worked.
01
This is a County Promotional Only recruitment. Only current County of San Mateo or County of San Mateo Superior Court of California employees with at least six months (1040 hours) of continuous service in a classified, regular, probationary, extra-help/limited term positions prior to the final filing date may apply. Do you meet this requirement? (A "No" answer will disqualify you from this recruitment.)
Yes
No
02
IMPORTANT: Applicants for this position are required to submit responses to the supplemental questions below. Your responses will provide detailed information about your background and experience related to this position. This information will weigh heavily in the application screening by the subject matter experts and will also be used in the selection process. Answer the questions completely, paying attention to the multi-parts of the questions. While being thorough and detailed, also be concise. Your strategic use of language as well as neatness, clarity of expression, attention to detail, proper use of grammar and the ability to follow instructions will be considered in the evaluation process. A resume will not be accepted as a substitute for your responses.
I have read and understand these instructions.
03
Being a consumer of mental health services is required to be eligible for this position. Are you currently or have you previously been a consumer of mental health services? (A "No" answer to this question will disqualify you from this recruitment.)
Yes
No
04
Describe what you have used from your own recovery experiences to engage, coach and provide peer support to consumers of mental health and/or alcohol and other drug services to aid in their recovery.
05
Describe your experience working with and supporting clients involved with the criminal justice system, including your interaction with criminal justice professionals such as Judges, Attorneys, Probation Department, Sheriff's Office and Police. Include your role, responsibilities and how these experiences will assist you in working in a collaborative court setting like the Pathways Mental Health Court.
Required Question
Agency
County of San Mateo
Address
County of San Mateo Human Resources Department 500 County Center, 4th Floor Redwood City, California, 94063-1663
Phone
(650) 363-4343
Website
https://jobs.smcgov.org
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