Peninsula Health District is seeking a Peer Specialist to play a crucial role in supporting youth aged 12 to 25 at the allcove™ center. This position involves providing peer-to-peer assistance, conducting initial orientations, and mentoring young individuals to foster personal growth and confidence. The Peer Specialist will engage with the Youth Advisory Group, collaborate with community organizations for outreach, and enhance the visibility of the center’s services. Additionally, the role includes facilitating workshops, maintaining documentation, and embodying the core values of the health district to promote a welcoming and inclusive environment for all youth accessing the center.
about Peninsula Health Care District
Peninsula Health Care District (PHCD) is a political subdivision of the State of California, and a California Special District serving the healthcare needs of more than 200,000 mid-Peninsula residents. Founded in 1947, PHCD serves the communities of San Bruno, Millbrae, Burlingame, Hillsborough, San Mateo, and Foster City by supporting the unique health and wellness priorities of our Peninsula communities, and safeguarding access to health services, today and in the future. PHCD fulfills its commitment to the community through oversight of District assets and infrastructure, planning for future health care needs, and investing taxpayer dollars in local health-focused organizations and programs.
about allcove
Allcove is a youth drop-in center model that has evolved from the Head Space Program in Australia and Foundry Program in British Columbia, Canada. PHCD is working closely with Stanford’s Center for Youth Mental Health and Well Being (CYMHWB) leadership who have been instrumental in defining the model for California and successfully influencing the State of California Mental Health Services & Oversight Accountability Commission (MHSOAC) to provide start up grants for five pilot centers around the State. PHCD was successful in securing one of those 4-year grants.
Qualifications
Required: Associate degree in the field of social work, human services or addiction services, plus related experience working with youth and young adults with mental health and/or substance use issues or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
KNOWLEDGE: Required: Excellent working knowledge of the computer, including Microsoft Office programs (e.g., Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint), and ability to learn software programs and databases. Bilingual Spanish-English (oral and written) skills are required. Community outreach or success in actively engaging organizations in a program/project is required. Preferred: Strong understanding of Child and Adult Protective Services rules and regulations, HIPAA, Mandated reporting, and limits of confidentiality. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) methods; appropriate safety precautions and procedures; simple record keeping procedures.
Must be able to successfully pass background check, tuberculosis test and drug screen.
Must have a valid Class C California driver’s license and ability to maintain insurability under the District’s Employee Use of Automobiles Policy
Must have completed certification for Mental Health First Aid or demonstrate a willingness to complete training upon hiring.
PHYSICAL STANDARDS: Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and
Responsibilies
Performs initial orientation for youth (ranging in age from 12 years to 25) accessing allcove to include but not limited to: assisting with completion of forms, intake questionnaires and initial screening or assessments as needed; ensuring a welcoming, inclusive, and youth-friendly experience.
Provides support to the youth accessing allcove by acting as youth support and mentor. This includes but is not limited to: participating in goal-setting activities; identifying opportunities for youth to learn, grow and become more confident/improve self-esteem; providing encouragement and support to access resources; sharing and discussing common experiences to develop trust and rapport, encourage and maintain a positive and optimistic outlook; communicating, representing and promoting the peer perspective within the center. Works collaboratively with volunteer Peer Associates to provide a youth-centric experience for all young people accessing the center.
Actively engages with Youth Advisory Group members by supporting the Youth Behavioral Health Program Manager in the planning of Youth Advisory Group meetings and supporting events and outreach efforts.
Develops effective working relationships with agencies and organizations to advocate for peer empowerment including wellness, outreach and collaboration in future events and activities.
Assists supervisors with conducting outreach to educate community partners and peers about center services and resources available, including center tours, public presentations, or guest speaking engagements.
Works with Communications and Marketing to provide outreach to peers in the community through presentations at schools, outreach/tabling events and activities. Collaborates with them to develop communication and marketing materials for program activities and ensures that youth and center resources are always available
Provides support to supervisor by creating, leading and/or co-facilitating workshops and support groups. 8. Responsible for completing and maintaining related records and documentation by participating in data collection.
Exhibits clear understanding of the history, mission, and vision and serves as an ambassador of Peninsula Health District.
Serves as a role model for the District’s core values of stewardship, collaboration, inclusion, shared responsibility and transparency.
Performs assigned training, duties, and other projects and work schedule as assigned.
Must be willing to work a flexible schedule to include working until 7pm (or slightly later based on need) and occasional weekends.
COmpensation and Benefits
This is a full-time, hourly, exempt position (40hrs/week). Yearly compensation range of: Minimum- $25 - $30/hr. In addition, Peninsula Health Care District benefits include: CalPers Pension, CalPers Health, Delta Dental Plan, VSP Vision Plan and Life Insurance as well as 10 paid holidays during the year. Accrued PTO- (eligible for at least 30 days within a year from the commencement of employment).
To Apply
All applications are held in strict confidence. Please email a thoughtful cover letter and resume outlining your interest and qualifications to careers@peninsulahealthcaredistrict.org with “PHCD allcove Peer Specialist” in the subject line. Application materials submitted without a cover letter will not be considered. No exceptions.
