PEER SUPPORT SPECIALIST (Nonexempt)

MISSION:
Goodwill is in the business of helping people who are facing barriers, to get and keep jobs which provide purpose, pride and dignity. We believe the power of work changes lives.
The expectation of this position is to achieve organizational, team and personal goals in alignment with our Strategic Vision Priorities and through living out our organizational Values.

STRATEGIC VISION PRIORITIES:
Increase donations and maximize their value in a cost efficient way.
Increase the profit contribution of our businesses by improving their operational effectiveness.
Increase our visibility in the community and raise greater awareness of Goodwill's mission.
Increase and focus resources on services that that will help the most people with barriers get and keep jobs.
 
VALUES:
Goodwill Brand Independence
People Working & Learning Together
Innovation & Growth
Integrity
Accountability
Customer Satisfaction
Environmental Responsibility

PURPOSE OF POSITION:

To provide training and support to program participants with persistent mental illness who are working and/or volunteering in the community. The PSS helps program participants prepare for placement into volunteer opportunities and/or competitive employment, provides person-centered supports from a peer perspective, provides job coaching to facilitate job retention, assures satisfactory work performance at job sites, promotes Goodwill's brand, strengthens partnerships with employers, and completes required program documentation.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Reports directly to the Employment WORKS Program Manager.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

Will train and support program participants at work sites throughout Orange County.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Assumes a caseload of program participants ready for employment preparedness and job coaching services as recommended by Program Manager.
2. Shares personal lived experience with a mental health condition as appropriate to develop rapport, and provides career coaching as well as behavior modeling and interventions for program participants to enhance job performance.
3. Maintains consistent and effective communication with hiring authorities, job site supervisors, and employment specialists to resolve performance issues and ensure positive outcomes.
4. Reinforces grasp of work duties and models appropriate behavior to program participants at various job sites using simple and repetitive training methods.
5. Attends program enrollments for individuals who need extra support finding a work environment in which they can thrive. Promotes peer support component at intake.
6. Communicates with members of a program participant's circle of support as appropriate to help them succeed in the workforce and achieve professional goals.
7. Becomes familiar with the needs and limitations of assigned program participants to ensure appropriate supports.
8. Supports vocational trainings and/or skills workshops to bolster success and job retention of program participants.
9. Assists program participants in accessing community resources to facilitate greater well-being and independence.
10. Completes all required documentation including case notes and progress reports.
11. Drives on company business as required.
12. Works overtime as required.
13. Performs other job related duties as required.
14. Safeguards company property, including donated goods. Reports any incidents of theft or unauthorized possession of company property.
15. Acts safely at all times, following all safety rules and regulations.
16. Follows all company policies and procedures.
17. Promotes and demonstrates cooperation and teamwork. Assists and shares knowledge and information with other employees as needed.
18. Uses good interpersonal skills such as courtesy, sensitivity, politeness, and thoughtfulness.
19. Works with, trains, and/or acts as a good example for program participants receiving training at Goodwill.

Qualifications

MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS:

1. High school or GED required; some college coursework in human services or related area preferred.
2. A minimum of 2 years relevant work experience.
3. Must have, and be willing to share, lived experience with mental health services as appropriate, to cultivate effective partnership with program participants.
4. Excellent interpersonal and communications skills.
5. Effective grammar, English, and writing skills.
6. PC Proficiency in MS Office.
7. Reliable transpoflation, valid California driver's license, liability insurance, and a DMV record acceptable to Goodwill's insurance carrier.

OTHER:

Ability to maintain confidentiality when dealing with program participant information.

WORK DEVICES/MATERIALS/EQUIPMENT USED:

Various office supplies and equipment including: telephone, fax machine, adding machine, computer, printer, copy machine, file cabinets, papers/forms, calendar, pens/pencils, ruler, scissors, etc.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS :

LIFTING AND CARRYING DEMANDS:

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS: