Job description

People's Place Peer Crisis Response and Respite Center
Respite and Response - (Full-Time)
Alameda County

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AGENCY OVERVIEW
Since 1988, we have been improving the quality of life of mental health clients* within California by promoting freedom of choice, empowerment, and independent living within the community.
We are a network of six peer-run programs throughout Alameda County. All of our programs are managed and staffed by people with lived experience with mental health, homelessness, and/or substance use challenges. We seek to meet the needs of the mental health community by providing peer-run alternatives to the traditional mental health system. We believe that people with mental health challenges have the right to determine their own pathways to recovery and wellness; that each person has a unique understanding of their own mental health experiences and what support they need to manage them; and that all people have the right to safe housing, healthy food, accessible and appropriate health care, meaningful relationships, and a sense of connection with their community. You can learn more about us on our website:

www.peerwellnesscollective.org

* Client is a word traditionally used in the clinical field to describe someone who is a consumer of behavioral health services. Due to the power dynamic and trauma associated with this word, we instead use the word Peer, consumer, or member.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
People's Place is a 100% peer-led and staffed mental health crisis response and respite program serving the communities of Berkeley and Albany, California. Our mission is to reduce and eliminate police involved interactions with individuals experiencing mental health challenges, including crisis. We are also committed to reducing the number of involuntary holds (5150) placed on these critically underserved and traumatized members of our community.

Our program is part of the Specialized Care Unit (SCU) Bridge Services initiative in Berkeley. We will be providing services for individuals who are on the verge of or experiencing a mental health crisis. Services we will be providing will include a Peer-informed approach to meet the needs of the Berkeley community at each stage of the crisis continuum, including crisis response and de-escalation, counseling/emotional support, SUD support, group and 1on1 Peer Support, referrals/warm-handoffs, resource training, and Peer respite care.

JOB DESCRIPTION
The Peer Wellness Collective is seeking Peer Support Crisis Specialists to support our emerging crisis response programs. The Peer Support Specialists working on the crisis intervention teams will work out of our South Berkeley location during regular business hours (9:00 am - 3:00 pm), to facilitate safe and effective crisis response and support and short-term (hours long) peer-respite, for folx actively in crisis. PSS workers would also be available for drop-in peer counseling, as an active measure to support pre-crisis phases. Peer Support Specialists will utilize motivational interviewing techniques, eCPR, Mental Health First Aid, and other techniques learned and practiced in Peer Support Specialists' training. Folx in this position will also be engaging in on-foot community outreach to bring services and resources to members who are unable to access in-center services.

PRIMARY JOB DUTIES:
● Daily on-foot outreach to bring folx hygiene supplies, harm reduction supplies, housing information, and other resources
● Support folx in active MH crisis and work with them through challenging and overwhelming emotions
● Utilize motivational interviewing techniques
● Model and implement trauma-informed de-escalation techniques
● Work to empower participants in making decisions for themselves, and advocating with them during the post-crisis phase
● Applying Peer-values to crisis intervention and support
● Active community engagement, i.e. meeting with local stakeholders, community members, and organizations.
● Engage in 5-day intensive training, including CPR, First Aid, Narcan, DEIA (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility), trauma-informed crisis intervention techniques, boundaries, and Peer values.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
● Personal lived experience accessing mental health services and/or mental health recovery
● Personal lived experiences in mental health crises, as the person in crisis
● Comfortable utilizing/modeling peer-informed and trauma-informed crisis intervention techniques
● 2+ years of work experience in Peer Services
● Graduate of a Peer Specialist Training program (ACAPS, BestNow!, Spirit, etc.), i.e. already a registered Peer Support Specialist or eligible for certification
● At least 1 year of professional crisis de-escalation experience [Volunteer experience counts]
● Proven motivational interviewing (MI) competency, and ability to apply MI strategy to crisis settings
● Ability to walk 5+ blocks, possibly more than once a day, carrying a 5lb - 15lbs backpack
● Experience with reporting standards, and ability and willingness to diligently capture data points
● Excellent verbal and written communication skills, and organizational skills including time management
● Ability to work in diverse and sometimes challenging situations while modeling personal recovery and wellness
● Knowledge of Consumer Movement, Peer Support, and familiarity with Alameda County mental health system and community-services

It is a plus if you have:
● Ability to speak multiple languages / Bilingual
● A graduate of BestNow! Program
● Are WRAP certified

Additional Information:
Job Title: Peer Support Crisis Specialist
Program Name: People's Place

Type of Position: Part-time and full-time positions available, only full-time positions include the benefits listed below
Salary: $27 / hour

Benefits:
● Excellent health insurance including Kaiser Health and Vision, Delta Dental, and Landmark Chiropractic and Acupuncture coverage
● 10 paid holidays and 2 personal days
● Paid time off (PTO)
● Paid sick leave
● Life insurance
● Disability insurance
● Paid training and educational opportunities
● Access to Peer Support

TO APPLY: Interested applicants please submit a chronological resume and cover letter.

In your cover letter please include the answers to the following questions:
1. Why do you want to work at The Berkeley Drop-In Center?
2. Considering both your lived and professional experiences, why would you be a good fit for this position?

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. The job posting will remain open until the position is filled.

THE PEER WELLNESS COLLECTIVE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $27.00 - $33.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Day shift

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Berkeley, CA 94703: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Application Question(s):

• People's Place is a Peer-run program, meaning that everyone who works here is a consumer of behavioral health services. Do you have lived-experiences as a Peer i.e. experience with mental health challenges, substance use challenges, homelessness, incarceration)?

Work Location: In person

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