Peer Support Administrative Specialist (Personal Services)

The mission of Alum Rock Counseling Center (ARCC) is to heal families and inspire youth to reach their full potential. For 50 years, ARCC has provided a wide range of behavioral health counseling and school-based support, designed to promote health equity & educational equity, and ensure that high-risk youth stay safe, in school, and drug & violence free. The agency supports a predominantly Latinx (84%) population in underserved schools and neighborhoods throughout Santa Clara County with a focus on the high-need area of East and Central San Jose. ARCC staff provide services to youth and caregivers who otherwise might struggle to afford and/or access quality care. In 2022-23, the agency served 11,000+ individuals, through 13 different programs, including individual and family counseling, substance use prevention education, youth mentoring, family reunification, parent training/support, and services in 40+ high-need schools.
We have 85 full-time employees and dedicated volunteers that make our program run. ARCC provides the opportunity to interact with youth and families within different departments and programs of the agency. We value integrity, honor, respect, diversity, compassion, and empathy. We work together as a team. Our employees love the work they do here because they can see the difference it is making in the community and in the life of each individual.

Program Summary
The Downtown Youth Wellness Center (DYWC) is a safe and welcoming drop-in center that serves "all" young people ages 12-25 to navigate and access services across systems. The DYWC provides space for activities and learning, and a place to socialize and just be". Center services include: Peer Support & Mentoring, Social Activities, Psychoeducational Activities, Employment & Education Support, Linkage to Medical and Clinical Support, and Behavioral Health. The DYWC is a partnership between the County of Santa Clara Behavioral Health Services Department (SCC BHSD) and ARCC.

Position Summary
The Peer Support Administrative Specialist will provide general office and clerical support as well as youth engagement for the Downtown Youth Wellness Center (DYWC) site. The Peer Support Administrative Specialist will be the face of the center to youth and young people, staff, and the community; responsible for greeting visitors as they enter or call, providing some direct support for youth needs, and administrative support for the center. As the initial point of contact for the DYWC, the Peer Support Administrative Specialist is critical to how the DYWC is perceived and welcoming of all youth, young people, families, and community members, and must conduct themselves at all times with integrity, professionalism, and a positive, courteous, attitude. The Peer Support Administrative Specialist will support young people seeking services at the DYWC by building trust and engagement and orienting them to the center and the DYWC staff team. The Peer Support Administrative Specialist is supported and supervised by the DYWC Program Manager I in fulfilling role duties and when guidance is needed around role clarity. This position will be based out of the Downtown Youth Wellness Center site, requires in-person work, 36 hours per week, Mondays to Fridays between the operating hours of 10am 7pm, and flexibility for evenings and weekend work as needed.

Essential Job Functions
Youth Engagement Duties (40%):
Performs initial orientation support ensuring a welcoming, inclusive, and youth-friendly experience for young people (ranging in age from 12-25) as they engage with the Downtown Youth Wellness Center (DYWC). Greets young people professionally and courteously creating a safe welcoming space for all. Directs referrals to center services to the proper center staff or community partner. Assists young people with tours, completion of forms, intake questionnaires, initial screening, assessments and second visit check-list orientation. Completes welcome packets with youth. Supports with orienting new young people, visitors, and community partners to the center. Redirects youth for any behavior and safety needs, as well as provides follow-up check ins with youth for behavior agreements. Supports and assists with executing various events or activities at the site. Leads or co-leads monthly center activities and groups. Provides crisis support in collaboration with the DYWC staff team. Supports with center coverage including supporting youth with accessing the laundry room and hygiene/wellness room. Supports community outreach by conducting presentations and tabling, and other outreach in the community as needed. Maintains appropriate client documentation and completes required paperwork within expected timeframe. Documents all client contact and outreach services within 24 hours. Has fun and role models positive and healthy behaviors while ensuring all young persons served are supervised and safe at all times. Builds and maintains an authentic relationship with young people and supports their engagement and participation in center services. Understands and adheres to the laws governing child abuse reporting (with support from supervisor and DYWC staff team).

Administrative Duties (60%):
Works collaboratively with the DYWC staff to provide general day-to-day administrative office tasks. Keeps a professional and courteous demeanor towards staff, young people, community members, partners, etc. Answers incoming calls and transfer callers to appropriate personnel. Maintains order and cleanliness of common areas, including the entrance area, kitchen, hang out, lounge, and conference room. Maintains order of hallway supply cabinets and backyard shed. Runs errands, including picking up food for staff lunches, meetings, special events; purchasing stamps and mailing packages at the post office; picking up printing projects, etc. Ensures the center has updated flyers, welcome packets, and other necessary copies of forms printed and posted for clients, staff, and visitors. Prepares the meeting/conference room (including refreshment and projector setup). Opens/closes the center, in collaboration with other DYWC staff. Presents a positive image of DYWC in the community. This includes but is not limited to abiding DYWC, ARCC, and SCC BHSD policies and procedures. Assists in the execution of the DYWC contract and support program in meeting funding requirements. Works closely with the DYWC staff team to manage program statistics and program materials. Completes and maintains related records and documentation and participates in data collection. Maintains confidentiality and security of organizational, proprietary records, client files, and information at all times. Maintains appropriate site visitor tracking, client data collection, and complete required paperwork within expected timeframe. Administers, collects, and compiles data as required by program needs and funding sources, including utilization and evaluation, group/workshop attendance, etc. Assists with the minutes for the Advisory Board meetings. Participates in supervision, team meetings, and organizational check ins, as well as trainings necessary for professional development and required for the agency or its funding sources. Perform related duties for the benefit of the agency, as assigned by supervisor.

Skills and Abilities
Able to establish rapport and maintain authentic relationships with young people. Able to work independently and as a positive member of the team. Broad knowledge of social, mental health, and substance use services available in the community. Knowledge of systemic issues and risk factors facing marginalized groups in the County of Santa Clara: including LGBTQIA, BIPOC, juvenile justice involved youth, undocumented young people. etc. Experience working with diverse ethnic/cultural backgrounds. Demonstrated problem solving, decision-making skills, and ability to multi-task; ability to gather and process information to support the organization and its team. Strong communication skills; ability to speak, listen, and write clearly, thoroughly, and professionally. Demonstrated ability to observe and recognize changes in youth, and communicate those changes to others on the care team. Demonstrated organizational and time management skills, accountability, reliability, and punctuality. Ability to work independently and show initiative, as well as be part of an inter-disciplinary team. Basic computer skills: experience with Microsoft Office, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. Demonstrated initiative and seeking out responsibility. Organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to work well under pressure. Prompt and reliable with a willingness to learn.

Qualifications and Experience
AA or BA from an accredited college or university preferred. At least two years experience in an administrative support role required. Experience in a community-based services agency is preferred. Bilingual (Spanish/Vietnamese/Mandarin) preferred. Experience working with young adults with mental health issues preferred. Lived experience of mental health and/or substance use issue preferred. Experience operating and troubleshooting office equipment, particularly printers, copiers, and faxes preferred. Understanding of confidentiality laws and policies, and assures the highest degree of confidentiality in the implementation of all responsibilities and duties. Strong understanding of Child and Adult Protective Services rules and regulations, HIPAA, mandated reporting, and limits of confidentiality preferred. Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends. Ability to lift up to 25 lbs. Fingerprinting and background checks as required by the Department of Justice and FBI. TB clearance required. Valid drivers license and insurance, preferred. Proof of COVID vaccine and booster, highly recommended.

This position description intends to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not intended to include all duties and responsibilities. Because of a need to remain responsive to the needs of our clients and operational needs, job description and responsibilities may be modified at any time.

Equal Employment Opportunity
Alum Rock Counseling Center is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer committed to building a team that represents the racial, ethnic and linguistic needs of our community.

We highly encourage members of historically underrepresented and marginalized communities to apply.We are committed to diversity, equity and inclusion in our workforce and equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.