The SECTOR Program will provide vocational training and support to Chrysalis clients who have been involved in the criminal justice system. The program launched in January 2021 and centers around partnerships with leading training providers in Los Angeles focused on industries including social assistance, healthcare, government, hospitality, information technology (IT), and more. We are also creating internal training programs within Chrysalis.

Led by LA County’s Justice Care and Opportunites (JCOD), the SECTOR Program is aimed at (1) reducing unemployment and increasing earnings; (2) reducing recidivism; and (3) improving behavioral health and well-being by preparing and matching people with justice involvement to jobs in high-growth industries. The program seeks to serve individuals who have encountered the criminal or juvenile justice system and have a history of mild to moderate mental health and/or substance use disorders. Chrysalis will work closely with training partners to skill up clients, while also providing critical support through employment coaching to support clients in getting ready for, finding, and keeping a job.

Job Summary:

Peer Support Specialist will engage in a wide range of activities, including advocacy, linkage to resources, leveraging lived experience, community and relationship building, group facilitation, skill building, mentoring, goal setting, and more. They may also plan and develop groups, services, or activities, provide training, gather information on resources, and work to raise awareness.

Duties and responsibilities:

Provide Client Support, Guidance, and Case Management (40%):

• Provide support services and assist participants in developing community living skills.
• Assist participants with navigating needed resources in the community.
• Encourage participant engagement and self-management to promote wellness and recovery; empower participants to take an active role in their mental health or recovery journey.
• Assist participants in combating negative self-talk, overcoming fears, and learning how to problem solve.
• Provide temporary case management when needed

Foster Strong Client, Colleague, and Partner Relationships (30%):

• Connect participants to indicated resources and ensure linkage is made.
• Participate in presentations to training providers and employers.
• Research for resources and create partnerships with these entities as it relates to mental health and recovery.
• Facilitate group sessions and workshops on topics related to mental health and recovery using a cognitive behavioral intervention curriculum.

Administrative Tasks (20%):

• Attend training sessions and workshops to continuously improve knowledge and skills.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of client interactions and progress in our databases (Salesforce and CHAMP).
• Manage the recruitment and participation of group sessions and workshops.

General Duties (10%):

• Leverage lived experience in a manner that communicates hope.
• Act as a role model for wellness and recovery and provide peer support that is mutual and respectful.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

To be considered for the position of Peer Support Specialist, the following qualifications are required:

• Lived experience with and managing a mental illness and/or substance use disorder in sustained recovery.
• Certification as a Peer Support Specialist by the California Mental Health Services Administration.
• Computer literacy is required. Must be proficient in Internet research, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint programs and be willing to learn other applications as needed. Database management experience preferred.

In addition to these requirements, we are looking for individuals who:

• Have the ability to present to groups of individuals.
• Have experience and/or desire and commitment to work with homeless, low-income, justice-impacted, recovering populations.
• Has sensitivity and understanding of various cultures and lifestyles.
• Is a self-starter with a “can do” attitude and initiative.
• Have an aptitude for variety and changing expectations in a fast-paced environment.
• Have the ability to respond quickly, effectively, and with equanimity to client crises and life situations.
• Maintains confidential information and exercises discretion.
• Have the ability to work as a team member with other agencies and community resources.
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule depending on needs.
• Willingness to travel to meetings (expenses reimbursed per company guidelines).

FAIR CHANCE HIRING STATEMENT

Chrysalis is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages applications from all qualified individuals who share lived experience with the communities we serve. In particular, Chrysalis welcomes applicants who are formerly incarcerated and/or justice-involved; people who have experienced housing insecurity and/or economic inequity; Black, Indigenous, and people of color; persons with disabilities; ethnic and religious minorities; and members of the LGBTQ+ community.