Senior Mental Health Peer Specialist



Senior Mental Health Peer Specialist

Salary

$50,142.98 - $74,676.37 Annually

Location

Indio

Job Type

Regular

Job Number

22-79727-02-CF

Department

Behavioral Health

Division

MHSA Consumer Affairs

Opening Date

01/11/2022

Closing Date

1/20/2022 5:00 PM Pacific

ABOUT THE POSITION



The County of Riverside's Behavioral Health department is seeking Senior Mental Health Peer Specialist and (Mental Health Peer Specialist/Trainee Consumer(s) for the Indio, CA location for the Indio Peer Support & Resource Center Program,  who has current or previous personal lived recovery experience as a consumer in the development of wellness and resiliency from behavioral health conditions. Under direction, to provide the highest level of information, support and assistance and advocacy for consumers and/or caregivers/family members of consumers of mental health services and to provide feedback and perspective to the mental health system relative to the impact and effectiveness of the services provided; provide specialized training and work direction to other peer specialists and to do other work as required.

The position will be assigned to RUSH-BH Desert Children's Services. Regionally and program-specifically placed, Senior Peer Support Specialist have work experience as line staff Peer Support Specialists, have provided direct service to young consumers and their family members in an Adult Services environment serving consumers with high needs. They have expertise to guide, train and support line staff, as well as directly assist community members, partner agencies and contract service providers in the utilization of appropriate community resources. Senior Peer Support Specialists have lived experience as a consumer of behavioral health services in recovery and/or family member/caregiver of a person with a behavioral health condition and has familiarity of multiple systems. This role serves in a Lead capacity. Incumbents in this class provide a full range of information, training, support, empowerment, advocacy, assessment on effectiveness and related services in order to assist consumers and caregivers in coping with navigating systems

Incumbents in this advanced level class perform the highest level of assignments in the Mental Health Peer Specialist series and report directly to either a regional manager or Peer Policy and Planning Specialist; team with mental health professionals in the provision of consumer treatment, directly assist consumers and families/caregivers in the utilization of appropriate community resources, provide education and information to consumers and the community; provide a unique consumer perspective to the mental health team; and may act in a lead capacity.

Incumbents in this class provide a full range of information, training, support, encouragement, advocacy, service effectiveness assessment and related services in order to assist the consumer and family/caregiver in coping with immediate situations. The consumer and family/caregiver perspective is provided in the development of programs and services and in formulation of treatment strategies. Incumbents of this class do not attempt to modify or change the consumer's personality structure. Classes in this series differ from those in the Clinical Therapist series in that the latter, due to advanced education and experience, use independent judgment in making diagnoses, developing treatment plans, and providing a wide range and variety of mental health services including psychotherapy. This series differs from the Behavioral Health Specialist series in that the latter does not require the unique experience of having been the recipient or having been closely associated with the direct recipient of mental health services.



***CA Driver License is required***
***Mental Health Peer Specialist Trainee ($15.00 - $23.33)***
***Mental Health Peer Specialist ($17.60 - $27.48)***

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Acts as a resource person for and assists in the training, work assignment and mentorship of other peer specialists.
• Provides guidance and leadership in the solution of the most complex consumer service and case related situations.
• Informs, trains, supports and empowers consumers and families/caregivers who directly or indirectly receive mental health services.
• Communicates, represents and promotes the consumer and families/caregivers' perspective within the mental health system.
• Develops and facilitates self-help groups for consumers, youth, family members and caregivers.
• Attends, participates and takes a leadership role in special events, conferences, workshops and trainings within the mental health system and in the community.
• Develops and promotes activities, programs and resources which support consumers and family/caregivers in achieving their goals.
• Supports the appropriate recognition, acceptance and understanding of social and cultural factors in the provision of mental health services.
• Develops effective personal and departmental working relationships with agencies and organizations to advocate for consumer and family/caregiver empowerment.
• Helps prepare and support consumers and families/caregivers at case staffings and at a variety of formal and informal hearings.
• Helps consumers and those who support them to articulate their needs.
• Focuses on and is sensitive to consumer and family/caregiver satisfaction with the services received and general satisfaction with mental health services and investigates the most sensitive complaints.
• Assists and promotes consumers and those who support them in support networks and activities.
• Documents all activities as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Experience: Depending on the assignment, current or previous experience as a consumer of mental health services or as a family member/caregiver of a former or current mental health consumer.

AND

One year of experience as a Mental Health Peer Specialist or two years of experience equivalent to the Mental Health Peer Specialist.

Knowledge of: The basic principles and practices of leadership and training; the needs and difficulties faced by clients, caregivers and families of mental health consumers; the public and/or private agency services available for families, children and adults with serious mental health needs, such as schools, social services and other systems; the self-help and consumer oriented treatment models; methods to effectively communicate with consumers, family/caretakers, the community and the mental health treatment team and

Ability to: Act in a lead capacity; understand the principles of the mental health system and effectively work within the system; effectively represent and advocate for the consumer perspective within the community and mental health system; understand and articulate the cultural and social factors affecting behavior patterns; effectively communicate the workings of the mental health system to service consumers, parents, family members and caregivers; develop and maintain strong working relationships with a wide range of community agencies and organizations; obtain and record accurate information for case documentation and other reports.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Condition of Employment

In accordance with the California Department of Public Health Order dated August 5, 2021, and amended December 22, 2021, health care facility workers who work in indoor settings where care is provided to patients or where patients have access for any purpose must be vaccinated against COVID-19 as follows: first dose of a one-dose regimen or second dose of a two-dose regimen, by September 30, 2021.  Effective February 1, 2022, all healthcare facility workers must have their booster, obtain the booster within 15 days of becoming eligible for one, or a declination form on file for the booster. Consideration may be given to candidates who are in the process of completing their vaccination regimen.
 
The Order allows for workers to be exempt from the vaccination requirements by providing the facility with a declination form signed by the individual stating either of the following: (1) the worker is declining vaccination based on Religious Beliefs; or (2) the worker is excused from receiving any COVID-19 vaccine due to Qualifying Medical Reasons.  Workers who are exempted from the vaccination requirements must observe all other infection control requirements, including face coverings and regular COVID testing at the frequency required by their work site.
 
A requirement of employment is to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination, or a completed COVID-19 Vaccination Declination form (filled out by the candidate and their medical provider as appropriate), during the pre-employment process.  Failure to submit the required documentation may render a candidate ineligible to move forward in the process.
 

 

Veterans’ Preference:  

The County has a Veterans Preference Policy. Upload a copy of your (or your spouse's) Member-4 Form DD-214 (or NGB-22) indicating dates of service, and a copy of your spouse's letter of disability (if applicable) with your application. For privacy reasons, it is recommended that you remove your social security information from the document(s). A Human Resources Representative will review the materials and determine if you qualify for veterans' preference. See the policy here: https://www.rivcocob.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/C-3-Veterans-Preference-Program.pdf 

 

Employment Documents:

Upload a copy of any license(s), official/unofficial transcript(s), degrees, and/or related employment documents to your NeoGov account. If your education was completed outside of the United States, you will need to provide a copy of your Foreign Education Equivalency evaluation from a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services or (NACES) Association of International Credential Evaluators, Inc. (AICE). 

 

What’s Next?

This recruitment is open to all applicants. 

Applicants who are current County of Riverside employees and/or current employees of the Riverside University Health System (RUHS) may be considered before other applicants depending on the volume of applications received.

Qualified applicants may be considered for future vacancies throughout the County.

For more information please contact Courtney Fairman via email cfairman@rivco.org 

GENERAL APPLICATION INFORMATION:

Please read and follow any special application instructions on this posting. Click the 'Apply' link located on this page to submit your application. For instructions on the application process, examinations, Veteran's preference, pre-employment accommodation or other employment questions, please refer to our web site, www.rc-hr.com. A pre-employment physical examination and background check may be required.

MEDICAL/DENTAL/VISION INSURANCE: A choice of different medical, dental and visions plan are available to elect. The County provides a Flexible Benefit Credit contribution as governed by the applicable LIUNA Memorandum of Understanding to contribute towards the cost of these plans.

Note: Employees on assignment through the Temporary Assignment Program (TAP) receive different benefits. See the list here.

MISCELLANEOUS RETIREMENT:  County of Riverside has three retirement Tiers through the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS).

  • Tier I (Classic Member – Formula 3% @ 60): Applicable to current and former County of Riverside local miscellaneous employees hired prior to 08/24/2012 and did not withdraw CalPERS contributions. The employee contribution is eight (8%) percent.
  • Tier II (Classic Member – Formula 2% @ 60): Applicable to local miscellaneous employees 1) hired after 08/23/2012 through 12/31/2012; 2) Previously employed with another CalPERS contracting public agency or a reciprocal retirement system, with a break in service of less than six months between the separation date with the previous employer and the appointment date with the County of Riverside. The employee contribution is seven (7%) percent.
  • Tier III (PEPRA New Member - Formula 2% @ 62): Applicable to CalPERS local miscellaneous new members hired on or after the implementation of the Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA) which took effect January 1, 2013. As of July 1, 2020, the employee contribution is 7.25% and subject to change annually.

A new member is defined as any of the following:

  1. A new hire who enters CalPERS membership for the first time on or after January 1, 2013, and who has no prior membership in any California Public Retirement System.
  2. A new hire who enters CalPERS membership for the first time on or after January 1, 2013, and who was a member with another California Public Retirement System prior to that date, but who is not subject to reciprocity upon joining CalPERS.
  3. A member who first established CalPERS membership prior to January 1, 2013, and who is rehired by a different CalPERS agency after a break in service of greater than six (6) months.

CalPERS refers to all members that do not fit within the definition of a new member as "classic members".

Contribution rates are subject to change based on the County of Riverside annual actuarial valuation.

 

Note:

This summary is for general information purposes only. Additional questions regarding retirement formulas can be sent to retirement@rivco.org or by calling the Benefits Information Line at (951) 955-4981,
Option 2.

If you have prior service credit with another CalPERS agency or within agencies, please contact CalPERS at (888) 225-7377 to determine which retirement tier would be applicable to you. CalPERS is governed by the Public Employees' Retirement Law.  The Retirement Law is complex and subject to change.  If there's any conflict between this summary and the law, the law will prevail over this summary.

DEFERRED COMPENSATION: Voluntary employee contribution with a choice between two 457 deferred compensation plan options.

VACATION ACCRUAL (Bi-Weekly Accrual):

0 < 3 year = 80 Hours (10 Days)
4 < 9 years = 120 Hours (15 Days)
10 or more years = 160 Hours (20 Days)

Maximum Vacation leave accumulation is 480 hours.

SICK LEAVE: Four (4) hours Sick Leave accrual per pay period with unlimited accrual.

HOLIDAYS: Normally 12 paid holidays per year

BEREAVEMENT LEAVE: Allowed 5 days (3 days are County paid; 2 additional days can be taken from accrued Sick Leave balance)

BASIC LIFE INSURANCE: Equal to one times annual base salary not to exceed $50,000 of term life coverage. Premiums are paid by the County. Additional Supplemental Life plan is available for employee purchase.

DISABILITY: Short-term Disability benefit pays up to a maximum of $461.54 weekly, payable up to a maximum of 52 weeks.

POST RETIREMENT MEDICAL CONTRIBUTION: A monthly contribution is made by the County towards retiree health insurance offered through the County as governed by the applicable Memorandum of Understanding.

OTHER: There may be other benefit provisions as specified in the applicable Memorandum of Understanding. Please contact the recruiter listed on the job posting directly for more information.

01
I understand that as a condition of employment I will be required to comply with the California Department of Public Health mandates by either 1) providing proof of COVID-19 vaccination as part of my onboarding process, or 2) by completing a COVID-19 Vaccine Declination form along with completing weekly COVID-19 testing.
  • Yes
  • No
02
I am willing to share my personal experience as a consumer of behavioral health services who has had a severe and persistent behavioral health diagnosis with other consumers as required of this position.
  • Yes
  • No
03
Do you possess a valid California's Driver License?
  • Yes
  • No
04
Do you fluently read, speak, and write in Spanish?
  • Yes
  • No
05
Do you have experience for the Mental Health Peer Specialist position only?
  • Yes
  • No
06
Do you possess one year of experience as a Mental Health Peer Specialist or two years of experience equivalent to the Mental Health Peer Specialist?
  • Yes
  • No
07
Do you have experience working with chidlren, adolescence, or young adults with dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorders (substance use and mental health disorders)?
  • Yes
  • No
08
Have you completed Peer Employment Training/Certified Peer Specialist Training (PET/CPS)?
  • Yes
  • No
09
How many years of experience do you have working in a Mental/Behavioral Health setting?
  • 1 year
  • 2 years
  • 3 years
  • 4 years
  • 5 or more
10
How many years of experience do you have have referring consumers to appropriate community resources?
  • None
  • Less than 6 months
  • 6 months or more, less than 1 year
  • 1 year, but less than 2 years
  • 2 years, but less than 3 years
  • 3 years, but less than 4 years
  • 4 years, but less than 5 years
  • 5 years or more
11
How many years of work experience do you have performing a variety of office support duties such as typing correspondence and/or email, data entry, record keeping, filing, answering and/or routing calls, copying, faxing, or similar activities?
  • None
  • Less than 1 year
  • 1 to 3 years
  • 3 to 5 years
  • More than 5 years
12
How many years of experience do you have developing, facilitating, training, and leading self-help groups?
  • No experience
  • Less than six months
  • One year, but less than two years
  • Six months, to less than one year
  • Two years, but less than three years
  • Three years, but less than four years
  • Four years, but less than five years
  • Five years, but less than six years
  • Six years or more
13
Are you a current regular, temporary, or per diem employee with the Riverside University Health System-Public Health (RUHS-BH)?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

Agency
County of Riverside
Address
County Admin. Center P.O. Box 1569
4080 Lemon St., 7th floor
Riverside, California, 92502-1569
Phone
(951) 955-3500