NAMI San Diego·San Diego, California
The specialist supports a work-ordered day structure by working side-by-side with members to foster inclusion and recovery. They assist members in accessing community resources and obtaining competitive employment through the IPS model.
NAMI San Diego & Imperial Counties (National Alliance on Mental Illness) is a nonprofit organization that provides free education, support services, and advocacy to improve the quality of life of everyone affected by mental health conditions.
Program
Description: NAMI SD/IC Clubhouses operate under the Clubhouse International Evidence Based Model for psychosocial rehabilitation, with the goal of empowering adults/older adults living with a serious mental illness (SMI) age 18 and above to live vocationally meaningful and socially satisfying lives. Our program provides a uniquely supportive and collaborative Clubhouse setting where Members (program participants) and staff work together to operate all aspects of the organization in an atmosphere built on principles of mutual respect and caring.
Primary
Responsibilities/Function: The Clubhouse Support Specialist's foundation is building trusting relationships and working side-by-side with members to create a community culture of opportunity and inclusion. This position will engage members in Clubhouse activities of their choosing and promote the work-ordered day structure of the Clubhouse and will help members connect with employment, educational, vocational, social, wellness, and/or housing, within the community and will be required to provide transportation using a company vehicle. They will participate in Clubhouse social events, where evening, weekend, and holiday coverage will occasionally be required. They shall provide training and coverage on transitional employment job placements and contribute to job development. They will acquire and retain Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist or Community Health Worker Certification and will be required to complete documentation necessary for Medi-Cal billing. Additionally, Clubhouse staff may be required to attend an out-of-state, two-week comprehensive training on the Clubhouse International Model. To be successful in this position, the Clubhouse Support Specialist must have excellent organizational and time management skills and be able to effectively communicate with all stakeholders. This position works onsite at the Clubhouse and may travel in the community for clubhouse activities, networking, and outreach events.
Support a Work-Ordered Day structure, where members and staff work side-by-side to perform all duties of the Clubhouse. Engage members' participation in Clubhouse work and opportunities, including reception work, food preparation, newsletter production, job development, snack-bar sales, data entry, and more. Support job development efforts and utilize the IPS model for supported employment to assist members with obtaining competitive employment and ongoing education. Manage multiple projects and diverse personalities (members and staff), while maintaining a positive and energetic attitude throughout the workday. Identify and reinforce member strengths and assess for appropriate support. Model a strong dedication to recovery and be willing to share lived experience regarding behavioral health and system navigation if applicable and appropriate. Provide on-site training, assistance, and coverage for members on Transitional Employment Placements within the community. Participate in Clubhouse evening, weekend, and holiday events, and model positive relationship building. Promote self-sufficiency by assisting member to access community resources, including behavioral and physical health care, education, self-help and advocacy, transit, benefits, housing, money management, cultural, faith based, leisure and recreation opportunities. Assist in enrolling individuals in NAMI SD/IC Clubhouse and, within 30 days, assist them to identify employment, educational, vocational, social, wellness, and/or housing goals, and update member file minimum every six months. Track and document data for entry in electric health record for Medi-Cal billing. If not already completed, obtain Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist or Community Health Worker Certification within 90 days of hire and retain certification throughout course of employment. Complete all trainings in a timely manner as required by NAMI SD/IC in accordance with program contract and organization policy, including trauma-informed care, recovery language, de-escalation, and motivational interviewing. This may include an out-of-state, two-week comprehensive training on the Clubhouse International Model. Other duties as assigned.
Reports to the Associate Director for Clubhouses.
Physical
Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with qualified disabilities to perform the essential functions. Short periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Prolonged periods of standing, walking, bending, and stooping. Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.
Minimum
Requirements: High School Diploma or GED required. Bachelor's Degree in mental health, human resource field, or other related degree, preferred. Self-identified as having lived experience with behavioral health recovery, either as a consumer of these services or as the parent, caregiver or family member of a consumer. Professional or personal experience working with individuals with SMI (Serious Mental Illness). Must have a satisfactory driving record and current/active driver's license. Must be willing and able to drive a company vehicle (mini-van and/or sedan) with passengers during work hours. Able to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing. Demonstrated experience creating and supporting a welcoming and inclusive environment for program participants and staff. Proficiency with computer software (Microsoft Office, Word, Excel) and web navigation. Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality. Reliable and consistent attendance. Certification as a Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist or Community Health worker prior to hire preferred, or ability to obtain within 90 days of hire. Fluency in Spanish or other SD County threshold language preferred. Due to our work with vulnerable populations and county contractor requirements, applicants will be required to undergo a background check following a contingent offer of employment and must receive satisfactory results prior to a final offer of employment. If you have any questions regarding this requirement, please feel free to reach out to HR@namisd.org.
A high school diploma is required, with a bachelor's degree preferred and lived experience with behavioral health recovery. Candidates must have a valid driver's license and obtain Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist or Community Health Worker certification within 90 days.
Market context
In California, behavioral-health roles tied to substance use disorder counseling and case management are typically supported by ongoing community and treatment-program demand. These positions are competitive because employers often look for a high school diploma, at least 2 years of SUD counseling or case management experience, and current Registered or Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor status. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to quickly compare fit and note that professional development and paid continuing education are listed as benefits.
