Peer Support Advocate

POSITION TITLE: Peer Support Advocate- MAT

DEPARTMENT: Behavioral Health

REPORTS TO: Director of Substance Use and Latinx Services

SCHEDULE: Full Time; Monday- Friday

LOCATION: Fairfield, CA- travel between sites required

PAY RANGE: $25.19 to $30.79 hourly

About CommuniCare+OLE

Established in 2023, CommuniCare+OLE is the result of a union of two health centers with a deep roots in their respective communities and reputations for providing high-quality primary care to all, regardless of insurance or ability to pay: OLE Health of Napa and Solano Counties and CommuniCare Health Centers of Yolo County. Building on a legacy established by both organizations in 1972, CommuniCare+OLE is a network of federally-qualified health centers with 17 sites across Napa, Solano, and Yolo Counties. It offers comprehensive care, including medical, dental, behavioral health and substance use treatment, nutrition, optometry, pharmacy, care coordination, referrals, and enrollment assistance to more than 70,000 individuals, and no one is turned away due to lack of insurance, immigration status, or ability to pay. Many services are offered outside of its sites, including mobile health, home visiting, and community and school-based programs.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision Coverage
• Employer covers 90% of employee medical, dental and vision premium and 50% of dependent premium
• 18 days of PTO (Vacation & Sick)
• 10 Paid Holidays + 1 Float Holiday
• 4% Employer Match for 403(b) retirement plan
• Tuition Reimbursement of up to $2,000 per Calendar Year for part-time and full-time employees (prorated per Full-Time Equivalent)
• Life & Accidental Insurance Coverage
• Employer contribution for Health Savings Account
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Limited FSA Options
  
  

The following statements are intended to describe the major elements and requirements of the position and should not be taken as an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of individuals assigned to this job.

JOB SUMMARY: The MAT (Medication Assisted Treatment) Peer Support Advocate works under the direction of the Director of Substance Use and Latinx Services to provide consistent social support and advocacy services for patients accessing MAT at CommuniCare+OLE and other collaborating agencies. The Peer Support Advocate identifies as having personal experience as a member of the target service population and demonstrated success navigating systems and achieving stability (example: mental health services, Substance Use Disorder Treatment, and/or criminal justice systems). Peer Support Advocate utilizes personal experience, non-judgment, and a client-centered approach with each patient while identifying their unique stability, resource and wellness needs. The Peer Support Advocate demonstrates an ability to engage in trauma-informed and responsive service delivery and uses and models destigmatizing and strength-based language with clients and partners alike. Peer Advocate understands and/or develops an understanding of the Social Determinants of Health and works to link clients to critical resources, benefits, and supports

Education, Experience, Training

• Peer Support Certification preferred
• Varied, peer support training preferred
• Lived experience as someone who has successfully navigated mental health, substance use disorder treatment and achieved 2 years of stability. Previous personal experience completing a diversion program a plus.
• Experience supporting those who have involvement in the criminal justice system and may have a range of mental health conditions, including those who have severe and persistent conditions and/or experiencing substance use disorders.
• Bilingual English/Spanish strongly preferred.
• Must have valid driver’s license and clean driving record
• BLS (must be AHA or Red Cross) required.
  
  

KNOWLEDGE OF WORK

Demonstrated knowledge of local SUD Treatment/Mental Health and health care delivery system.

Experience working in a busy environment, often under pressure, without compromising accuracy, attention to detail, and courtesy to clients, staff and other agency staff.

Demonstrated commitment to high quality health care for low income populations.

Duties And Responsibilities

Provides in-person and telehealth social support, modeling, and advocacy for clients experiencing a range of mental health symptoms and/or substance use disorders.

Assist people in preparing for health care/treatment visits and appointments and managing complex health systems.

Complete necessary documentation and tracking in a timely manner.

Develop effective working relationships with community resources. Support with reducing barriers to success, helping to coordinate services and actively supporting linkage to resources.

Collaborate with other programs inside and outside of agency to assist in the appropriate transfer of care and follow-up services.

Ability to develop relationships with clients, respect client choice, build trust, identify needs and use a Harm Reduction approach.

Responsible for tracking systems including scheduling follow-up appointments, scheduling appointments, assisting with referrals, discharge planning, and referrals.

Completes documentation of all client interactions and services within 48 -hours of services in accordance with working hours, all documentation must comply with relevant guidelines. Participate in peer chart reviews and other quality improvement efforts.

Identify and assist in promoting wellness and recovery by assisting in setting recovery goals, action steps and achievement of goals

Creates a supportive discharge or program completion process, in collaboration with other members of the team.

Responsible for remaining within established ethical standards, including those of confidentiality and mandated reporting.

Assist with general health education materials and distribution of materials to clients.

Assist with problem-solving to reduce crises.

Complies with established department policies and procedures, objectives, quality assurance program, safety, environmental, and patient service standards.

As safe and appropriate to do so, transport clients or support with transportation arrangements.

Attend and participate in special events, conferences, workshops and trainings

Other duties as assigned