(P47) Vocational Education Peer Support Specialist

at  Granite Wellness Centers

Consider a career at Granite Wellness Centers! Apply now and make a difference in your community by helping support the success of our clients. We are a local non-profit focused on providing wellness services in Nevada and Placer Counties, offering a competitive benefits package to qualifying employees which includes:

WELLNESS FOCUSED WORKPLACE

If you enjoy helping others and want to work with great people, we are looking for a motivated, positive individual who is ready for their next adventure.

SUMMARY

This position performs a variety of work in support of Granite Wellness Centers’ ACTion team program. Specifically, the participants in this program will receive guidance/assistance to obtain vocational training, internships and employment so that identified life goals can be achieved. This position will identify and build relationships within the community for support of the vocational trainings that will ultimately build the skill sets of the participants. The clients have current or previous involvement in the criminal justice system; have a substance use or mental health issue; and live in Placer County.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ability to exhibit empathy for people with substance use disorders, mental health challenges and/or criminal justice backgrounds.
• If in recovery, a minimum of two years continuous abstinence.
• Experience in teaching and group facilitation.
• Ability to interact positively and professionally with persons of diverse socio-economic backgrounds and education.
• Valid California driver’s license and current auto insurance.
• Ability to communicate in writing and verbally.
• Knowledge of legal confidentiality requirements.
• Ability to present a professional image to the community.
• Knowledge of community resources and social services programs, especially those related to vocational and educational options.
• Experience organizing, implementing and managing multiple responsibilities under pressure.
• Experience in the use of computer databases, word and excel.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with peers, supervisors, community resources and clients served.
• Willingness to obtain the education necessary to maintain the above qualifications.
• Bilingual candidate, preferred

EDUCATION:

• Associate’s degree from an accredited educational institution with major course work in human/social services or vocational/educational services. High school diploma and on the job experience can be substituted for degree.
• Two years of job-related experience with demonstrated competence.

• Conducts interviews with clients to determine strengths, needs and life goals.
• Will network with employer, service providers, educational institutions, and others to obtain information and availability of vocational/educational opportunities and manage continuous coordination with said services.
• Assess physical/mental abilities of clients as well as available community resources to plan, develop, and implement appropriate Individualized Action Plans. As well as understand clients’ barriers to employment.
• Instruct individuals in career development techniques that include resume building, interviewing, job searches and application strategies.
• Instruct and direct clients in how to build their skill sets via opportunities such as educational, internships and volunteer work.
• Develops and implements action plans that present supportive strategies to meet client employment needs as well as their financial budget limitations.
• Monitors delivery of services and quality of the vocational program selected; reassessing client needs including tracking of client progress, well-being and plan effectiveness.
• Refers qualified clients to appropriate community educational services and employment organizations; advocates for or assists the client in obtaining such services.
• Prepares complete and accurate notes; writes correspondence, reports and other written materials; may prepare statistical reports and summaries; inputs data.
• Explains agency and program rules, regulations, and procedures; assists clients in completing required forms and in gathering necessary documentation.
• Confers with ACTion team and partners regarding client needs, scheduling and coordination of activities.
• Contributes to the efficiency and effectiveness of the agency’s service to its customers by offering suggestions and directing or participating as an active member of a team.
• Promotes interagency collaboration and interface amongst community agencies; participates in outreach activities; makes community referrals for educational and employment opportunities.
• Continuously compiles and studies current occupational and educational movements within the community so that resources are current and relevant to client needs.
• Recommends policies and procedures to enhance program performance and evaluation.
• Review and submit all billing and program reports required by funding sources and monitoring entities.
• Attend all required meetings and participate in additional and/or special projects as required.
• Perform related duties as assigned.