Transitional Age Youth Peer Specialist - Seneca Family of Agencies

Overview

Are you passionate about supporting the children and families that we serve and have personal experience navigating child welfare and/or behavioral health services? At Seneca, we seek a compassionate and assertive individual to give back to our communities by becoming our next Transitional Age Youth (TAY) Peer Specialist.

The Transitional Age Youth Peer Specialist provides peer support and advocacy to consumers of Seneca’s services. Peer support may include one-on-one peer support as well as in group settings. The Peer Support Specialist draws upon their own personal experience navigating systems to work individually with youth and/or family members to engage them in the process, increase their involvement, and assist them in achieving their care plan goals. This includes a wide range of activities in order to function as a member of the supporting team as well as provide individual support. The Peer Support Specialist may also be involved in community awareness and leadership activities.

ABOUT RIVERSIDE WRAPAROUND

Seneca offers "Wraparound" services to youth and families experiencing emotional/behavioral challenges in the home. The Wraparound programs are strengths-based, family-driven, flexible, and creative, with the goal of helping the family develop the skills and supports to prevent or reduce the possibility of out-of-home placement of their child. A family-based team addresses the needs of the entire family, not just the child of focus. This family-based team consists of family members, Seneca's Therapists, Youth Counselors, Parent Partners, Facilitators and other community members who have an important role in the family.

ABOUT SENECA

Seneca Family of Agencies is committed to providing traditionally marginalized communities a network of outstanding mental health, community based, and educational services. We are committed to building a diverse staff and strongly encourages people of color to apply. Our programs are deeply engaged in conversations and trainings on  Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in order to bring equity and justice to the youth and families we serve.

Responsibilities

• Provide and communicate guidance, expertise, and support for youth, families, and/or any other natural supports one-on-one and in group settings.
• Demonstrate high level engagement and alignment skills, to build trust and rapport with youth, families, and collateral supports.
• Work as a “collaborative advocate,” helping youth, caregivers, and family members understand the mandates and perspectives of other team members while navigating through county systems.
• Use knowledge of community resources, school systems, or other mental health services to help youth and families identify and connect to a family safety network and/or natural support team in the community.
• Provide coaching and support related to safety planning/self-control plans as well as self-care plans for youth/families.
• Attend and participate in mental health awareness activities in the community.
• Participate in peer forums which may include public speaking engagements.
• Complete all training requirements as indicated by supervisor.
• Participate in weekly supervision/mentorship with the supervisor or designee.
• Maintain accurate and high-quality documentation and paperwork including but not limited to mental health notes, timesheets, expense reports, and mileage.
• Participate in on-call rotation, if applicable per program requirements.
• Utilize crisis communication and de-escalation techniques as per Seneca's EQ-4 model training. This may include intervening with the clients' behavioral program through physical management of the clients, if applicable. Training in additional crisis intervention modalities such as CPI may be required.

Qualifications

REQUIRED

• High school diploma/GED.
• Personal, lived experience with relevant systems (e.g., child welfare, juvenile justice, mental health, special education, etc.).
• Ability to work as a part of a multidisciplinary team in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work with diverse population.
• Strong organization and communication skills.
• At least 18 years of age.
• TB test clearance, fingerprinting clearance, and any other state/federal licensing or certification requirements.
• Own vehicle, valid driver's license, clean driving record, and insurability through Seneca Family of Agencies’ insurance policy.
• Proof of up-to-date COVID-19 vaccination.

Schedule

• Full-time
  • Monday-Friday: 10am-6:30pm.
• Hybrid; provide in-person services & complete documentation remote.
• Extensive travel throughout Riverside and surrounding counties.

Benefits

• Staring at $21.22 to $23.72 per hour. 
  • Additional compensation provided upon passing bilingual language proficiency exam.
  • Actual salary dependent on creditable experience above the minimum qualifications.
  • Salary increases each year.
• Seneca is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness certified employer.
• Mileage reimbursement.
• Comprehensive employee benefits package:
  • Medical, dental, vision, chiropractic, acupuncture, and fertility coverage.
  • Long-term disability, family leave, and life insurance.
  • 50% paid premiums for dependents.
  • 403b retirement plan.
  • Employer-Paid Assistance Plan.
• 5 weeks of Paid Time off and 11 Paid Holidays.
• Relocation assistance may be available.