VASH Peer Support Specialist

VASH Peer Support Specialist

SUMMARY:

The Veteran Programs Peer Advocate, as a member of the team will provide adjunctive, specialized mental health outreach and support. The HUD VASH team will provide case management services to, chronically homeless Veterans (many with co-occurring substance abuse disorders) within LA County. The goal will be to maintain independent housing for Veterans using VASH Homeless vouchers through housing support services in the community, and improve their quality of life by achieving their highest level of functioning possible with the team’s support. The Peer Advocate serves as a stable, positive role model to help the client achieve stability and success with their individually stated goals.

REPORTS TO: VASH PM/Asst. PM

HOURS: Full Time

CLASSIFICATION: Exempt

SALARY: DOE

DUTIES: Primary areas of responsibility include, but are not limited to the following:

· Provide outreach while working in tandem with a Service Coordinator and as a team identify, initiate contact and build rapport with Veterans with co-occurring disorders in the program.

· Evaluate for immediate needs such as crisis intervention, medical attention, clothing, food and develop plans for community integration.

· Assure access to local resources, including psychiatric and medical care, housing, rehabilitation programs, drug/alcohol services, socialization activities, providing transportation and accompanying the client when necessary. Communicate regularly with other treatment providers.

· Interact with members in the community and in their homes, one to one or in groups. Assist Veterans with making and keeping appointments, meetings, groups, etc.

· Co-facilitate support groups and coach members individually with independent living skills, sobriety, transitioning to work and to maintain independent housing.

· Use personal experience and successes to promote wellness and hope in the recovery process.

· Document and account for time spent on client contacts and activities in client record, etc. in accordance with Veterans Administration standards and guidelines.

· Attend daily staff meetings, supervision and trainings as requested.

· Other duties as assigned.

SKILLS:

Possesses leadership, motivational and management desires or experience; Strong clinical assessment, interpersonal and intervention skills. Accuracy in charting of required documentation. Ability to train or guide professional staff to achieve confidence and ability to work independently in the field. Able to engage and work effectively with the homeless and mentally ill population; Strong organizational skills and ability to delegate tasks to staff and monitor outcomes.

QUALIFICATIONS (Education & Experience):

Completion of Peer Advocate Certificate programwith a minimum of 1-year experience working with people experiencing homelessness and mental health challenges. Have served in the United States Military Forces. Ability to work as a team with community agencies, Veteran Administration and within the agency. California driver’s license, insurance, and a clean driving record are required.

Disclaimer:Work with the homeless population whether on the streets, in shelters or other places of habitation or services, may present inherent challenges and difficulties such as: exposure to bed bugs or other infestations, unpleasant smells or odors, unclean individuals or homes due to homelessness or mental health symptoms or poverty. While Step Up as an agency strives to protect all employees from adverse events, Step Up is not responsible for rectifying the

outcome of such exposures and considers this the nature of the field based environment and

Workplace. Step Up utilizes the principles of trauma-informed care and mental health recovery. These principles inform our Core Values of Hope, Wellness, Voice and Choice, Respect, and Collaborative Relationships. As representatives of Step Up, employees agree to adhere to these values in their interactions with members, colleagues, supervisors, and associated community members.

Step Up Core Values

HOPE – We believe all people have the capacity for positive growth and change. We use hope to inspire and motivate ourselves, our members, our colleagues, and our community.

WELLNESS – We believe in promoting a culture that supports healthy and fulfilling lives. We use a supportive

environment to foster well-being for ourselves, our members, our colleagues, and our community.

VOICE AND CHOICE – We believe in the right to choose and be heard. We use voice and choice to create meaningful outcomes and empowerment for ourselves, our members, our colleagues, and our community.

RESPECT – We believe in promoting interactions that are non-judgmental, transparent. We use respect to guide all

of our words and actions with ourselves, our members, our colleagues, and our community.

COLLABORATIVE RELATIONSHIPS – We believe in forming partnerships to share resources, knowledge, and experiences. We use collaborative relationships to strengthen accomplishments for ourselves, our members,

our colleagues, and our community.

Step Up is committed to providing quality services that adhere to the highest ethical standards and principles. All Step Up employees agree to adhere to the ethical policies and codes of conduct, as outlined in the Employee Handbook and those specified for this grant.