Summary:

We currently have an opening for a 2nd Story Peer Navigator position with Encompass Community Services. As a Peer Navigator, you will be responsible for providing peer support for participants in residential programs. Once a person served successfully discharges from a residential program, the Peer Navigator provides community resources for vital services. Special focus will be on needs related to physical health, issues of chemical dependency and/or mental health, and reconnection to meaningful supports, groups, and resources found in this county. This position is scheduled for a 40-hour work week, located in Santa Cruz County.

Responsibilities:

• Meet with clients where they are and link them to specified locations of their choice for healing and resources.
• Meet with the 2nd Story team twice monthly to discuss ways to support client needs.
• Meet in weekly supervision with 2nd Story program manager.
• Utilize company phone to plan day in support of persons served.
• Have a vehicle to transport persons served to resources in the community.
• 50% of persons served will be connected to at least one community support.

Qualifications

• Have a kind and trauma informed approach in communication with persons served.
• Ability to maintain professional relationships with staff from multiple Encompass Programs, and other organizations.
• A high standard of professionalism.
• Ability to work independently as well as with a team.
• Has Strong Time management Skills

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.
• 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 background clearance. Masking in all residential programs is required, as well as proof of COVID Vaccination (exemptions may apply)

Preferred:

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

Wages & Benefits:
This is a 40 hour/week position with a rate of $25/hr). 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.