Job Description
About Us:
VOALA
Helping Our Most Vulnerable Change Their Life Stories
Volunteers of America is a non-profit human services organization committed to serving people in need, strengthening families, and building communities.
VOALA provides a variety of social services to Los Angeles area communities such as Head Start programs, Upward Bound college prep programs, veterans’ services, homeless shelters, low-income housing program as well as drug and alcohol rehabilitation.
Learn more at www.voala.org .
JOB SUMMARY AND PURPOSE
As a staff member of the treatment team, the Peer Support Specialist performs a wide range of tasks to assist peers in regaining independence within the community and mastery over their own recovery process.
Based on similar experiences, this position offers the Veteran empathy, support, and advice as challenges are faced along the way.
The Peer Support Specialist adds experience-based competencies and real-world examples that complement the training and expertise of the clinical staff members.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Peer Counsellor: Share personal experiences, skills, strengths, supports and resources in your recovery from mental health and/or substance abuse issues.
Accompany participants to appointments and meetings, housing searches, voucher application/issuance sessions, and any other veteran-centered activity.
In coordination with the Benefit Specialist, assist participants in developing recovery plans with the skills, strengths, supports and resources to aid them in achieving goals and plans; work with case manager or treatment team in needed steps for self-directed recovery (most often within the home of the Veteran) Assist participants with setting up and sustaining self-help (mutual support) groups and with locating and joining existing groups Assist Case Managers with helping the participants identify and eliminate barriers and maintain employment/housing/sobriety Develop skills required to progress to Benefit Specialist/Case Manager.
Qualifications
REQUIREMENTS:
Must be able to pass a fingerprint clearance, background check, including criminal history, personal references, employment and education verifications
EDUCATION:
High school diploma (or GED/High School Equivalence Certificate)
EXPERIENCE:
Personal experience in recovery from mental health and/or substance abuse issues
KNOWLEDGE:
Personal experience in recovery from mental health and/or substance abuse issues; or Personal experience with homelessness; knowledge of the barriers to housing
TECHNOLOGY SKILLS:
SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Ability to coach and mentor staff veterans/clients.
INTERPERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:
Client
– focused, Prompt, collaborative/team player, regular attendance, adaptable, communicator, organized, consistent, compassionate, conflict resolution.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Current California driver’s license and clean driving record
Volunteers of America is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex including sexual orientation and gender identity, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law
This employer participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form 1-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.
If E-Verify cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, this employer is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact Department of Homeland Security (OHS) or Social Security Administration (SSA) so you can begin to resolve the issue before the employer can take any action against you, including terminating your employment.