Consumer Peer Advocate
(S.T.E.P. Program)

Summary: As a member of the Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) team, the Consumer Peer Advocate provides adjunctive, supportive services to clients who are recovering from chronic and persistent mental illness, many are or have been homeless.  Some struggle with substance use and abuse.  The Peer Advocate serves as a stable, positive role model to help members achieve stability and success with their individually stated goals.

Duties:  Primary duties include, but are not limited to the following:

Interact with members in the community and on site one to one or in groups.  Assist clients with making and keeping appointments, meetings, groups, etc.  

Provide emotional support both routinely and in crisis situations.  Provide support in conjunction with Service Coordinators to assist clients reach and maintain their personal objectives and goals.

Co-facilitate support groups and coach members individually with independent living skills, sobriety, transitioning to work or independent housing.

Use personal experience and successes to promote wellness and hope in the recovery process.

Document and account for time spent on client contacts and activities in client record, etc. in accordance with Department of Mental Health standards and guidelines.

Other duties as assigned or desired with guidance support and approval of the clinical staff. 

Reports to:   S.T.E.P. Team Leader

Hours:   Up to 20 hours per week (Occasional weekend day.)

Salary:   Minimum wage to $10.00 per hour

Classification:   Non-exempt

Qualifications: The candidate should be a mental health consumer who has completed a certificate program or referred by an affiliate agency.  They should be stable and in good standing at their agency.  They should be housed, clean and sober for at least one year and continue to participate in AA or support meetings if appropriate.  They should have a good working knowledge of mental health concerns and the progression of mental illness among our population.  Familiarity with public transportation and local resources is essential.  High school diploma or equivalent, Consumer Service Training and California Driver’s License and insurance is helpful.  Equal opportunity employer.

Please email or fax resumes to Marc Van Asselt at marc@stepuponsecond.org or 310.394.6883.

STREET OUTREACH SERVICE COORDINATOR

The Street Outreach Service Coordinator along with a Peer Advocate initiates and maintains contact with homeless mentally ill adults within the City of Santa Monica eventually linking them to services within Step Up on Second or the community to improve their quality of life by achieving their highest level of functioning. 

                       
The Team will work in tandem with a Peer Advocate Service Coordinator and as a team identify, initiate contact and build rapport with mentally ill homeless adults on the streets of Santa Monica and in the community. Collaborate with Licensed staff to evaluate for a qualifying mental illness diagnosis.  Evaluate for immediate needs such as crisis intervention, medical attention, showers, clothing, food, emergency shelter, etc. Develop rapport and continue to make street outreach to same individuals until linkage and services are accepted.  Outreach to business owners, SMPD Homeless Services division, etc. for community relations and referrals.  Assure access to local resources, including psychiatric and medical care, Communicate regularly with other treatment providers. Maintain charts in compliance with funder requirements. As time allows, assist in the daily operation of the center. Attend daily staff meetings, supervision and trainings as requested.

Qualifications: BA, CADAC, with experience in street outreach or BA, BS in related field with a minimum of 2 years experience working with mentally ill adults in a community setting.  Case Management experience is essential, including the ability to chart patient progress to meet documentation requirements.  Must have own transportation and current California drivers license and insurance.  Position requires occasional driving and transporting. 

Reports To:   Program Coordinator

Full Time - Maximum grant period One year Grant

Non-exempt

Service Coordinator 1 - $31,500 - $41,300 annual

Please email or fax resumes to Aaron Criswell  at  aaron@stepuponsecond.org or 310.394. 6883, or Ed Parker at ed@stepuponsecond.org or 310.394.6883.

Job Description –Part Time Licensed Clinician

Summary:   A Licensed MH professional will provide and coordinate clinical support for homeless adults with diagnosed or perceived psychiatric disabilities at a community agency. The intent of this position is to afford these individuals the comfort and familiarity they seek; ongoing care as required and then gradually transition them off-site to a partner agency such as Step Up on Second for appropriate services

Duties:    Primary responsibilities

• Licensed Mental Health professional will provide clinical services to homeless adults who may or may not have a diagnosed mental illness on site at the partner agency.  The schedule will be determined by both parties.

• Make comprehensive evaluations of level of functioning, support network, adequacy of living arrangements, financial status, physical health, level of self-care, complete Adult Initial Assessments and make a provisional diagnosis in concert with the psychiatrist or other Step Up Licensed clinicians as needed

• Participate in that agency’s case conferences with agency staff and clinicians from their partner agency (Step Up on Second) giving clinical input regarding referrals, assessment and treatment either on site or referrals out.

• Provide staff work-stress related support in the form of training, crisis intervention, and workshops to help ensure that interactions with severely mentally ill client are conducted in a productive, safe, and healthy manner for all parties.

• Conduct client and/or family centered support groups as determined by need from the partner agency. Possible early evening group.

• Attend Step Up Meetings as appropriate and maintain communication with Step Up staff for referrals, updates and other related issues as needed.

• Maintain records in Client Track system and ensure proper confidentially of all documentation and record keeping.

Reports To: Associate Director
Hours: Non-Exempt  – Max 8 hours per week (benefits not included)
Salary: Hourly - $25.00 to $30.00 depending on experience.

Qualifications:   Licensed Social Worker or M.F.T with at least 2 years experience working with mentally ill adults in a community setting.  Case management experience is essential, including the ability to chart patient progress to meet documentation requirements. Interview will involve a review of this ability. Must have own transportation and current driver’s license.

Fax resume to (310) 394-6883.