Encompass Community Services
Peer Specialist- Youth Programs
Encompass Community Services, Santa Cruz, California, us, 95061
Overview
The CORE Peer Specialist for the Encompass Wraparound and SUD programs is community-based, serving youth and probation youth ages 14-21. The Peer Specialist provides a safe, welcoming environment using a trauma-informed model, motivational interviewing, and positive youth development. Responsibilities include mentorship to identify strengths and personal goals, guidance and advocacy for probation youth and families navigating the juvenile justice system, substance use services, and other community systems, as well as outreach in schools and community locations and leading educational youth groups. Services are delivered with dignity, respect, and a commitment to each individual\'s right of choice. The position is scheduled to work 40 hours per week.
Responsibilities
Engagement, Mentorship, and Education
Build trust and rapport with youth and families by sharing lived experience and offering relatable support.
Promote engagement in recovery and resiliency-building services through outreach at schools and community events.
Provide youth mentoring, advocacy, and support in setting and pursuing personal goals, including recovery goals.
Educate youth and parents/guardians on local health services, substance use education, daily living skills, and accessing community resources in individual sessions and group settings.
Conduct educational and support sessions for parents/guardians.
Support youth in identifying strengths, coping strategies, and natural supports.
System Navigation and Advocacy
Help individuals navigate systems such as education, legal, and mental health services.
Advocate with external service providers to ensure coordinated care and support.
Promote self-determination, personal responsibility, and empowerment in recovery and life decisions.
Work alongside licensed therapists and behavioral health professionals to complement traditional treatment approaches.
Attend and contribute to team planning meetings, uplifting the youth\'s voice in decision-making.
Participate in team trainings, supervision, and reflective practice.
Team Collaboration
Help ensure coordinated care through collaboration with the team.
Professionalism and Documentation
Maintain accurate and timely documentation as required.
Demonstrate organization, clear task completion, and strong communication across cultures and identities.
Model positive relationships, respectful boundaries, and maintain a safe and supportive environment.
Qualifications
Bilingual – English/Spanish required (will receive bilingual stipend of $1.00 per hour on top of $28.00 per hour pay rate)
High school diploma or GED
Self-identified as having experience with the recovery process from a substance use disorder and willingness to share experiences to encourage others in recovery
Strong commitment to recovery
Ability to successfully pass the Peer Specialist Medi-Cal certification examination within the timeframe outlined by the hiring manager
Possession of a vehicle, valid CA driver’s license, vehicle insurance, and good driving record
Excellent interpersonal, written/oral communication, and basic computer skills
Ability to pass background clearance (Department of Justice and FBI)
Lived experience with the juvenile justice system, behavioral health, or child welfare system
Passion for working with youth and families facing complex challenges
Strong communication and active listening skills
Willingness to engage in ongoing training and personal development
Reliable transportation and ability to work in community-based settings
Wages & Benefits We prioritize the well-being of our team as much as the community we serve. Our comprehensive health benefits include medical and dental insurance for full-time employees, with additional offerings such as acupuncture and chiropractic care. We provide a 403(b) retirement plan and a fair leave policy with pro-rated vacation (17 days), sick days (12 days), and 14 paid holidays. Benefits are pro-rated for part-time positions.
About Us At Encompass Community Services we provide a wide range of services related to family and social well-being, early childhood education, behavioral health, housing, and more. Our work aims to make health, education, and housing more equitable for all people in Santa Cruz County. For more than 50 years our work has touched generations by helping people access services, rebuild relationships, restore health, and regain dignity.
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The CORE Peer Specialist for the Encompass Wraparound and SUD programs is community-based, serving youth and probation youth ages 14-21. The Peer Specialist provides a safe, welcoming environment using a trauma-informed model, motivational interviewing, and positive youth development. Responsibilities include mentorship to identify strengths and personal goals, guidance and advocacy for probation youth and families navigating the juvenile justice system, substance use services, and other community systems, as well as outreach in schools and community locations and leading educational youth groups. Services are delivered with dignity, respect, and a commitment to each individual\'s right of choice. The position is scheduled to work 40 hours per week.
Responsibilities
Engagement, Mentorship, and Education
Build trust and rapport with youth and families by sharing lived experience and offering relatable support.
Promote engagement in recovery and resiliency-building services through outreach at schools and community events.
Provide youth mentoring, advocacy, and support in setting and pursuing personal goals, including recovery goals.
Educate youth and parents/guardians on local health services, substance use education, daily living skills, and accessing community resources in individual sessions and group settings.
Conduct educational and support sessions for parents/guardians.
Support youth in identifying strengths, coping strategies, and natural supports.
System Navigation and Advocacy
Help individuals navigate systems such as education, legal, and mental health services.
Advocate with external service providers to ensure coordinated care and support.
Promote self-determination, personal responsibility, and empowerment in recovery and life decisions.
Work alongside licensed therapists and behavioral health professionals to complement traditional treatment approaches.
Attend and contribute to team planning meetings, uplifting the youth\'s voice in decision-making.
Participate in team trainings, supervision, and reflective practice.
Team Collaboration
Help ensure coordinated care through collaboration with the team.
Professionalism and Documentation
Maintain accurate and timely documentation as required.
Demonstrate organization, clear task completion, and strong communication across cultures and identities.
Model positive relationships, respectful boundaries, and maintain a safe and supportive environment.
Qualifications
Bilingual – English/Spanish required (will receive bilingual stipend of $1.00 per hour on top of $28.00 per hour pay rate)
High school diploma or GED
Self-identified as having experience with the recovery process from a substance use disorder and willingness to share experiences to encourage others in recovery
Strong commitment to recovery
Ability to successfully pass the Peer Specialist Medi-Cal certification examination within the timeframe outlined by the hiring manager
Possession of a vehicle, valid CA driver’s license, vehicle insurance, and good driving record
Excellent interpersonal, written/oral communication, and basic computer skills
Ability to pass background clearance (Department of Justice and FBI)
Lived experience with the juvenile justice system, behavioral health, or child welfare system
Passion for working with youth and families facing complex challenges
Strong communication and active listening skills
Willingness to engage in ongoing training and personal development
Reliable transportation and ability to work in community-based settings
Wages & Benefits We prioritize the well-being of our team as much as the community we serve. Our comprehensive health benefits include medical and dental insurance for full-time employees, with additional offerings such as acupuncture and chiropractic care. We provide a 403(b) retirement plan and a fair leave policy with pro-rated vacation (17 days), sick days (12 days), and 14 paid holidays. Benefits are pro-rated for part-time positions.
About Us At Encompass Community Services we provide a wide range of services related to family and social well-being, early childhood education, behavioral health, housing, and more. Our work aims to make health, education, and housing more equitable for all people in Santa Cruz County. For more than 50 years our work has touched generations by helping people access services, rebuild relationships, restore health, and regain dignity.
#J-18808-Ljbffr