Peer Support Specialist Instructor  

Fueled by driven, passionate people, our client, Mental Health America of California (MHAC) is seeking a Peer Support Specialist Instructor based in Sacramento. The mission of MHAC is to ensure that people of all ages, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, language, race, ethnicity, national origin, immigration status, spirituality, religion, age or socioeconomic status who require mental health services and supports are able to live full and productive lives, receive, the mental health services and other services that they need, and are not denied any other benefits, services, rights, or opportunities based on their need for mental health services.

This role is responsible for ensuring that students receive regular classroom instruction to prepare them to take the Statewide Peer Support Specialist Certification and to enhance their employability skills; as part of CAPS (California Association of Peer Supporters) ACADEMY, the statewide collaboration with MHAC, Mental Health Association of San Francisco (MHASF) and Project Return Peer Support Network (PRPSN); and potentially travel to conferences and events to promote our agency and training institute.          

What You Get To Do: 

  • Reports to Director of Programs.
  • Required to work in the Sacramento California office during the week to ensure hybrid (onsite and/or virtual) classroom instruction. Option to move into work-from-home days a couple days a week once mastering of skillset to effectively execute job duties. Cohorts of classes occur at a variety of times that include evenings, daytime, and occasional Saturdays. Execute evidence-based training focused on mental health, peer-oriented skill building practices, public health interventions, and CA’s Peer Specialist Certification Program for the greater mental health community.
  • Promote the institute and agency in community meetings. 
  • Provide hands on support and guidance to students through one-to-one meetings and student support groups through scheduled office hours and as needed when a situation arrives with a student. 
  • Provide constructive feedback to students to maximize their ability to succeed. 
  • Track student attendance and assignments.
  • Participate in weekly instructor/faculty meetings with CAPS ACADEMY team.  
  • Welcome, engage, build, and maintain rapport with trainees, employers, CAPS ACADEMY employees, members, etc. 

What We Expect From You:

Encouraged: 

  • A Peer supporter (someone with lived experience or a family member with lived experience of a behavioral health challenge) is highly encouraged to apply for this position.
  • Worked in the mental health field, other social services, and possessing relatable life experience and transferrable work skills.

Required:

  • High School diploma or GED required. Associate or bachelor’s degree preferred, preferably in education, social service, or field with transferrable skillset or four years of experience that corresponds with the responsibilities of the job position. 
  • Possess a current Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Certification.
  • Possess strong organizational skills, excellent communication skills, a passion for teaching utilizing core learning techniques and relatability to variety of personalities in students and coworkers. 
  • Proficient in learning management systems or related platforms for digital training use.
  • Exhibit good personal judgment, a non-bias attitude, sensitivity, and discretion with others, including: co-workers, students, family members and community partners effectively and responding appropriately when experiencing interpersonal conflict with others. 
  • Ability to travel throughout California.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Teams, and Outlook. MS Access and PowerPoint highly required. 

What You Can Expect From Us: 

  • Professional, empathetic, and mission-minded team. 
  • A non-exempt competitive STARTING hourly rate of: $34.00 – $36.00
  • Exceptional benefits including medical, dental, vision, chiropractic, acupuncture, life insurance, employee assistance program, 403(b) retirement plan.
  • Yearly Paid Time Off: 16 holidays, 10 days accrued vacation, and 48 hours of sick leave
  • 37.5 hour work week
  • Responsibility and professional growth
  • The chance to work with a great team of people, make a difference, and most importantly, the room to be yourself.

Required Documents for Submitting Application: 

  • Resume 
  • Cover letter that answers the following questions:  
    1. How do you directly relate to the role as a Peer Support Specialist? 
    2. How have you provided hands-on mental health or behavioral health support and/or guidance to anyone in your life, community members?
  • Email your resume and cover letter to HR@mhac.org and write “Peer Support Specialist Instructor” in the Subject Line. 
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