Peer Support Worker (BSV)

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Job description

Position Summary:

The Peer Support Worker is a member of the Health Care for the Homeless (HCH), and Street Medicine Team. The Peer Support worker is responsible for promoting awareness of and access to opioid treatment services. Peer Support Worker will be conducted by traveling to visit homeless people in their surroundings, including encampments, abandoned buildings, parks, meal programs, bus stations, streets, alleys or under bridges. Peer Support Worker will carry supplies of information-referral materials and incentive items to enroll into the program.

Essential Functions:

* Develops and maintains familiarity with client population.
* Comply with established Clinica Sierra Vista policies.
* Uphold the mission of Clinica Sierra Vista.
* Learns and maintains knowledge of the locations and movements of homeless persons and the social and physical environments, problems and resources used, as well as other patterns or characteristics of the sub-culture.
* Establishes and maintains regular contact with key individuals and other members of the homeless population and familiarizes them with the services provided by the CSV to refer into programs.
* Locates and contacts homeless persons whose behavior or history is indicative of severe, OUD illness, establishes rapport and offers support and assistance; informs and directs individuals to HCH Project for further evaluation and treatment; maintains contact with homeless individuals who may be physically or mentally ill, but initially refuse services.
* Provides other services to homeless persons, as necessary and appropriate.
* Develops and maintains familiarity with all relevant public and private agencies and service providers in Bakersfield.
* Provides adequate background and other referral information and coordination necessary for the HCH and other agencies to facilitate service.
* Maintains adequate records as to outreach activities; fulfills all other documentation requirements as required by administration of grants for supportive services.

Qualifications:

* Education: AA or High school diploma or GED equivalent
* Experience working with homeless and persons from diverse cultures and income levels.
* Bilingual proficiency in second language is preferred.
* Intermediate skill level in the use of a PC and related software applications (MS Office, Access and Excel)
* Excellent verbal, written communication and listening skills.
* Proficiency in basic mathematics and analytical comprehension.
* Strong interpersonal skills with a demonstrated ability to work independently on individual and assigned tasks while exhibiting good judgment.
* Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality.
* Ability to manage multiple competing priorities and work well in a fast-paced environment.
* Understanding of basic healthcare principles with the ability to make reasonable and appropriate referrals.
* Ability to work as a team member.
* Ability to work some evenings and weekends.
* One to two years' work experience working with homeless, community-based non-profit program development or another related field preferred.

Other Requirements:

* Must pass a criminal background clearance.
* Local travel to outreach and enrollment sites: must have a valid California Driver's License and a properly insured vehicle for use on the job.
* Current TB clearance.
* Must be able to carry forms and supplies up to 35 pounds.
* Full vaccination for NOVEL CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) is required.

Physical Requirements:

Bending/Twisting 20%

Walking 30%

Sitting 20%

Push/Pulling 0%

Reaching Overhead 0%

Driving 10%

Standing 10%

Repetitive Motion 10%

Must be able to lift up to 50lbs.

Clinica Sierra Vista values human rights, goodwill, respect, inclusivity, equality, and recognizes that the organization derives its strength from a rich diversity of thoughts, ideas, and contributions. As leaders in healthcare industry, we aspire to be an employer of choice by promoting an organizational culture that reflects these core values. We seek to attract, develop, and retain a talented and dedicated workforce where people of diverse races, genders, religions, cultures, political affiliations and lifestyles thrive. Our goal is to create a welcoming and inclusive environment that empowers our employees to provide the highest level of service to our community of residents and businesses; they're counting on us.

Clinica Sierra Vista is an equal opportunity employer and strives to attract qualified applicants from all walks of life without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military and veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state and/or local law. We aim to create an environment that celebrates and embraces the diversity of our workforce. We welcome you to join our team!