AGENCY OVERVIEW
Peer Wellness Collective, formerly known as Alameda County Network of Mental Health Clients, was created in 1988 to answer the call of people living with mental health challenges. Peer Wellness Collective was the first Peer-run organization of its kind in Alameda County, and has since been a leader and example of Peer support services. At the Peer Wellness Collective, we believe that Peers are experts by experience and that this lived experience is unique, valuable, and critical for sustainable wellness and recovery. We stand proudly by the slogan, We are who we serve. Peer Wellness Collective stays true to this motto by continuing to value lived experience just as much as academic and/or work experience. Today, all of our programs are staffed by experienced Peers, who share similar lived experiences of the participants they work with. The mission of the Peer Wellness Collective, as a BIPOC Peer-Led and operated Network, is to provide culturally responsive mental health services, specifically by and for folx historically underserved and/or inappropriately served in order to create a just, safe, and healthy community for all.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
BestNow! (Building Employment Strategies Through Networking on Wellness) provides leadership development, empowerment, job training, and support for people with mental health and/or substance use recovery experience. BestNow! is most known for its Peer Support Specialist Certification (PSSC) 80-hour Training, which is specifically designed for people who identify as having mental health and/or substance use challenges who are interested in joining the behavioral health field as Peer Support Specialists in Alameda County and throughout the State of California. The training curriculum focuses on self-empowerment, self-determination, peer support, and vocational development.
JOB DESCRIPTION
BestNow! is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented individual to join our team as a Training & Administrative Support Specialist. This position will play a key role in supporting the planning, preparation, and delivery of peer support-related trainings, including co-facilitation with lead trainers. In addition, the role will provide vital administrative and operational support to ensure the smooth day-to-day functioning of our training programs and office operations. The ideal candidate is organized, collaborative, and passionate about peer support and education.
PRIMARY JOB DUTIES:
Peer Support Specialist Training Support
- Support community recruitment process: plan, promote and facilitate training orientations
- Research training curriculum, materials, and activities to meet the various learning styles of trainees and keep training up to date with best practices in Peer Support services
- Co-facilitate training sessions with other Program Trainers
- Provide supervision and support for trainees in internship placements, in collaboration with the Program Manager, the BestNow! Vocational Specialist, and other BestNow! Team members
Additional Training Co-Facilitation Support
- Provide capacity-building support for Taking Action, a self-care and recovery education program BestNow! provides at Peer Wellness Collective and in collaboration with community partner organizations
- Co-facilitate Peer Support Specialist Certification Specialization trainings on Supporting Unhoused Communities and Crisis Care
- Provide co-facilitation support for continuing education trainings as necessary
Administrative and Operations Support
- Respond promptly to office phone messages and emails with professionalism and accuracy.
- Maintain organized records through data entry and document management across platforms such as Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, Google Drive, Canvas, Apricot, Gutenberg, and Zoom.
- Schedule, publish, and update training events using platforms like Eventbrite and internal calendars.
- Collaborate closely with the Training Operations Coordinator to review, prioritize, and complete assigned tasks efficiently and on schedule.
- Contribute to a supportive and productive team environment by proactively identifying ways to enhance operational effectiveness.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Personal lived experience accessing mental health services and/or mental health recovery
- 2+ years experience coordinating, managing, or facilitating community learning for adults
- 1+ years experience working within a mental health setting providing Peer Support
- Ability to manage complex projects
- Experience facilitating trainings and groups
- Strong proficiency with general computer skills and digital tools, including the ability to navigate and manage tasks across various platforms and systems
- Experience with data entry, tracking, and management using tools such as Microsoft Excel, Google Workspace, and other cloud-based platforms
- Ability to quickly learn and effectively use a variety of software applications such as Canvas, Apricot, Gutenberg, Zoom, and Eventbrite
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Excellent organizational skills, including time management
- Ability to work in diverse and sometimes challenging situations while modeling personal recovery and wellness
- Knowledge of the Consumer Movement, Peer Support, and other alternative approaches to service
It is a plus if you:
● Have access to transportation
● Are able to speak multiple languages / Bilingual
● Have graduated from BestNow!’s Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist 80-hour Training (or comparable training from another provider)
● Are a Certified Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist (CMPSS)
● Have 2+ years of experience working in Alameda County
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: $33.00 per hour
Expected hours: 20 per week
Application Question(s):
- Do you live in CA?
- If asked, Can you attend in-person events/training engagements?
Experience:
- Providing Peer Support: 1 year (Required)
- facilitating or coordinating community learning for adults?: 2 years (Required)
Work Location: Remote
