Mental Health Peer Support Worker

Under supervision, the Mental Health Peer Support Worker provides support and wellness/recovery services to peers (consumers of mental health services and their family members/caregivers) in the community. The County of Santa Clara Behavioral Health Services Department (BHSD) strives to be a premier integrated behavioral health care provider, employer, and partner. We are a passionate team of caring, courageous staff and professionals dedicated to transforming the lives of individuals, children, families, and older adults impacted by mental health and substance use challenges. To support achievement of their hopes, dreams, and quality of life goals, our team provides high quality whole-person care and comprehensive community-based behavioral services through the lens of race, equity, diversity and inclusion. We are looking for stellar health care professionals like you to start a rewarding career with us and be a partner for health and wellness in the community. This Mental Health Peer Support Worker posting is being opened to create a list that will be used to fill vacancies for the next 3-4 months. Qualified applicants will remain on the list for the next 3-4 months and will be referred to available vacancies during that time. The supplemental questions on the bulletin are important for the filtering process, so be sure to select all those that you are interested in. Learn more about the County of Santa Clara Behavioral Health Services at and follow us on: YouTube Live Event - County of Santa Clara Behavioral Health Services Department - YouTube Facebook LinkedIn (Depending on Assignment) Informs peers regarding the wellness and recovery process, including the consumer/family, self-help and empowerment movements and self-help practices in support of mental health recovery; Communicates, represents and promotes the peer perspective within the mental health system; Provides peer assistance and mentoring on a one-to-one basis; Develops and promotes wellness and recovery groups; Assists in a variety of support activities including peer support groups, peer recovery and family and/or psycho-educational groups; Advocates for peers in the development of a strength-based wellness and recovery plan; Develops effective working relationships with agencies and organizations to advocate for consumer and family/caregiver empowerment including self-help and wellness/recovery movements; May provide outreach to peers in the community; Assists peers in navigation of the mental health system, referral to various county agencies, community mental health organizations, accessing benefits, personal medical services, social and recreational opportunities, special events, conferences, workshops and training; Advocates that peers' needs are met by appropriate caregivers; Develops communication and marketing materials for program activities; Confers with professional staff to assist in evaluating peer needs or problems; Provides appropriate documentation and paperwork as needed on peer services; May provide transportation to peers; Attends trainings and staff meetings as required; May perform as a disaster service worker; Performs related work as assigned. Sufficient education, training and experience to demonstrate possession of the knowledge and abilities listed below. Experience Note: The knowledge and abilities are typically acquired through lived experience as a consumer (or family member/caregiver) of the services provided by a mental health services program AND six (6) months of experience providing direct mental health peer support or peer recovery services to individuals or working with family members/caregivers of individuals with mental health issues. A valid California driver's license and County permit. Knowledge of: Community resources available to peers; Outreach and engagement methods for mental health programs; Principles of mental health recovery; Strength-based approach to peer support; Group and individual peer support in a mental health recovery program; Cultural issues and factors in service delivery; Customer service; Basic computer applications; Available crisis intervention resources; Confidentiality and ethical standards. Ability to: Learn outreach and advocacy methods; Provide wellness, recovery, and family support; Provide individual peer assistance for mental health recovery; Adhere to standard office practices and work schedules; Communicate effectively; Establish effective working relationships with staff, peers, community members and others; Use strength-based approach to peer support; Provide transportation to peers as needed; Maintain confidentiality and ethical standards; Provide excellent customer service; Refer peers to crisis intervention resources; Recognize signs of potential referable problems.