Peer Advisory Advocacy Team Assistant

Description

Position Title:    Peer Advisory Advocacy Assistant

Program:       Behavioral Health Navigation

Position Summary

The Peer Advisory and Advocacy Team (PAAT) Assistant will help coordinate PAAT needs and functions using a trauma-informed approach. The PAAT assistant will help the program manager coordinate PAAT meetings and events. PAAT is a consumer advisory council of mental health stakeholders that supports an integrated system that reflects the principles of hope and choice, promotes a recovery environment, encourages education, honors each individual’s spiritual pathway, and embraces self-awareness and compassion for others. The PAAT assistant will uphold the agency mission in all duties performed and promote recovery, wellness, and a trauma-informed approach to service delivery.

Hours/ Salary

Part-time, non-exempt position. 10 hours per week. Anticipated hiring wage is $21.00 per hour. Includes paid sick time and a variety of helpful employee perks as well.   (*Full Salary Schedule $21.00-$23.00 per hour).

Employee Perks/ Work Culture

A few of our helpful employee benefits include membership discounts to various local fitness centers, as well as a voucher to Sycamore Mineral Springs for discounts. We offer years of service gift cards to businesses of your choice. We offer gift cards for walking, biking, or carpooling to work as well as 20% discount for shopping at our Growing Grounds Downtown Store/Nursey/ Farm. We host two employee appreciation events for employees and their families yearly. We practice Trauma Informed Care Principles, Guidelines for Collaborative Conversations, and encourage the use of pronouns. We mindfully promote equality, respect and diversity of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, national origin, and all the fascinating characteristics that make us different! TMHA is also a pet friendly workplace (upon approval)!

Responsibilities and Duties:

1. Contact all PAAT Members monthly to invite them to the  PAAT general meetings.
2. Arrange for guest speakers to present at PAAT general  meetings each month based on member input. Assist guest speakers in setting up their presentations.
3. Print, post, and email flyers for each PAAT general  meeting. 
4. Assist with the coordination and implementation of events,  meetings and social gatherings for PAAT and community members.
5. Maintain current phone list for PAAT members.
6. Provide overview of PAAT membership for new attendees to  PAAT. 
7. Assist with set up and take down of each general  meeting. 

8. Promote, encourage and maintain trauma-informed practices in all services and activities. 

Practice and promote, both individually and in team meetings, TMHA’s Collaborative Communication Guidelines in order to facilitate clear, empathetic and person-centered communication. 

9. Assist with special PAAT projects and tasks, as  determined by the PAAT Board in collaboration with the Behavioral Health      Navigation Program Manager.

10. Other duties as assigned by Program Manager.

Job Environment:

1.  Moderate, physical activity; may include moving or lifting up to 50 lbs.

2.  Regular interaction with PAAT members, the public, and other service providers.

3.  Involves moderate risks that require safety precautions and the risk of exposure to potential crisis-situations. 

Requirements

Minimum Requirements 

Must be an individual with experience as a consumer of mental health services. Completion of a high school diploma or equivalent. Knowledge of and personal experience with the Peer Advisory and Advocacy Team preferred. Spanish bilingual a plus. Must be responsible, and reliable, and possess problem solving and conflict resolution skills. Must be able to set and maintain strong professional boundaries. Must be proactive regarding self-care, with the ability to identify triggers and burn-out. Knowledge of mental illness treatment and medications, as well as related systems such as County Behavioral Health, Social Security, Vocational Rehabilitation etc. a plus. Knowledge of substance abuse issues as they relate to people with psychiatric disabilities a plus. Basic knowledge of mental illness, TMHA programs, and community services. Excellent written and verbal communication skills and organizational ability are critical to this position. Strong interpersonal skills, collaborative work style and oral/written communication Strong interpersonal skills, collaborative work style and strong oral/written and communication skills. Well defined organizational and time management skills. Ability to work independently and flexibly. Ability to handle intense situations, display good judgment and decision-making skills, and remain calm and clearheaded under pressure. Able to work effectively with a variety of people and personality types regardless of age, ethnicity, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression or socio-economic level. Ability to possess and maintain good physical and mental health. Ability to work well within a team and maintain a professional, respectful attitude in the workplace. Ability to be willing to work with supervisor oversight and direction. Attendance is an essential function of this job that requires face-to-face interaction with clients and/or other employees. Ability to mindfully promote equality and respect diversity of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, national origin and all of the other fascinating characteristics that make us different. Demonstrate the ability to successfully deliver culturally responsive services. Knowledge of the various dimensions of diversity, including mental health, gender, race and ethnicity. Must use reasonable precautions in the performance of one’s duties and adhere to all applicable safety rules and practices while acting in such a manner as to assure at all times, maximum safety to one’s self, fellow employees, clients, and other persons contacted through TMHA business. Conditions of employment include: Must be at least 18 years of age; possess a valid CA Driver’s License, at least 2 years driving experience and DMV driving record that meets TMHA’s current vehicle insurance requirements. May be required to utilize reliable personal vehicle and auto insurance. Must comply with a TB assessment (possibly a TB test if needed to confirm a negative tuberculosis result) and receipt of a criminal record clearance through fingerprinting. Must be able to successfully complete First Aid and CPR training. Must be able to successfully complete First Aid and CPR training.

Physical Demands:

1. Seeing

2. Hearing

3. Speaking

4. Stooping/Bending

5. Moving around office

6. Moving between offices/clients

7. Driving

8. Climbing

9. Lifting/carrying heavy items

10. Computer use

11. Pushing/pulling/dragging items

12. Standing for long periods

13. Working outside

14. Using hands/fingers