Summary:

We currently have an opening for the MOST Team Peer Counselor/Navigator position with the County of Santa Cruz managed by 2nd Story Respite House. As a Peer Counselor/Navigator, you will be responsible for providing peer support for County MOST Team participants during their recovery journey. 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 client 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 through MOST Team program completion. Services will be delivered with dignity and respect for each guest. This position is scheduled to work 20 hours per week and is located in Santa Cruz.

Responsibilities:

• Meet with clients where they are and drive them to specified locations of their choice for healing. Could be a hike, the ocean or forest, church, doctor’s appointments etc.
• Meet with the Santa Cruz Behavioral Health MOST team weekly to discuss ways to support clients’ needs, hopes and dreams.
• Meet for weekly supervision with 2nd Story program manager.
• Attend Behavioral Health Court weekly to support people on their recovery journey in conjunction with judge and MOST team staff.
• Utilize company phone to plan day with clients.

Qualifications

Required:

• Have experienced the mental health system as a service recipient.
• Must have a vehicle, valid CA driver’s license, vehicle insurance, and good driving record to be covered by agency insurance.
• Must have your own vehicle to provide transport. Mileage reimbursement offered.
• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent life experience.
• 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 a safe and supportive environment.
• Must be able to pass a criminal record clearance and flu shot required.
• Proof of COVID-19 booster required

Preferred:

• Completion of five day IPS training or willingness to attend 5 day training when offered (compensated).
• Attend Peer Certification training

Wages & Benefits:
This is a 20 hour/week position and gas mileage will be reimbursed. Our total compensation package includes a 403(b) retirement plan, paid holiday, sick time, and 17 days of paid vacation, pro-rated for positions less than 40 hours a week.

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.

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.