Peer Counselor- Part-Time

About Us:

At Encompass Community Services we provide our community with a wide range of services related to family & social well-being, early childhood education, behavioral health, housing and more. Every day through these services we work to make health, education and housing more equitable for all people in Santa Cruz County.

For more than 40 years our work has touched generations by helping people have access to education, rebuild relationships, restore their health and regain dignity. Second Story is an alternative residential program serving six guests, providing recovery-oriented peer support for adults in crisis or distress, who are coming out of or seeking to avoid a psychiatric hospitalization or further life disruption. Second Story is staffed by peers. Second Story is open to possibilities beyond the medical model of mental health. We strive to provide trauma informed care.

Job Summary:

We currently have on call opening for a Peer Counselor at our Second Story House, located in Santa Cruz. As a Peer Counselor, you will be responsible for providing a safe and secure environment by providing support to guests during their psychiatric crisis. You will provide a focus on mutual learning, connection and personal growth as the path to managing distress and crisis, and will remain vigilant and available to any guest having difficulties. Special focus will be on the guest’s needs related to physical health, issues of chemical dependency and/or mental health, and reentry into the community. Services will be delivered with dignity and respect for each guest. This position is required to work two shifts a week including one mid-week shift and one weekend shift (18 hrs).

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Establish a close working relationship with residents in the program
• Establish a close working relationship with guests in the program.
• Maintain the safety and security of the facility during overnight hours. Maintain a safe, clean, and sober environment.
• Remain available to any guest having difficulties.
• Participate in the effort to keep the facility clean, well maintained ad running smoothly. This may include household duties such as shopping for supplies, laundry and cleaning.
• Required trainings are provided and include trauma informed care, mindfulness meditation, motivational interviewing and intentional peer support.

Qualifications:

Priority in hiring will go to “peers” or people with lived mental health experience. This is defined as a person who can inspire hope by openly sharing their experiences of recovery from extreme emotional distress. This may have meant having a diagnosis, being hospitalized and receiving services for a span of nine months to a lifetime. This person has learned through their challenges, remains open to life experiences and ready to give back to their community. Please discuss your experience in your cover letter.

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent life experience.
• Availability for all shifts desirable (including overnight).
• Completion of five day IPS training or willingness to attend 5 day training when offered (compensated).
• Ability to role model daily living skills in a positive manner.
• Demonstrated ability to organize and complete tasks.
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal and written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to maintain and clean, safe and supportive environment.
• Must have a vehicle, valid CA driver’s license, vehicle insurance, and good driving record to be covered by agency insurance.
• Must be able to pass a criminal record clearance and flu shot required.
• Proof of COVID-19 vaccination required
• Position requires flu vaccination upon hire.

Encompass Community Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. We are committed to excellence through diversity and strive to establish a climate that welcomes, celebrates, and promotes respect for the contributions of all clients and employees.

Our programs recognize the value of racial, ethnic, cultural and linguistic diversity and strive toward a culture of trauma-informed practice, with the overarching goal of ensuring that all services promote healing, and integrate the values and standards of providing culturally and linguistically appropriate services.

If you require assistance applying on-line, we have computer terminals available at our 380 Encinal Street Suite 200 office in Santa Cruz, Tel: 831-469-1700, and at our 225 Westridge Drive location in Watsonville, Tel: 831-724-3885. Please call ahead to schedule an appointment.