Program: Cultural-Based Access Navigation Support (CBANS) Program

FTE: Regular, Full-Time, Non-Exempt

Benefits: Full Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401k retirement with 100% matching up to 3% and more

Report to: CBANS Director

Location: 4879 E Kings Canyon Road, Fresno, CA 93727

1.AGENCY:

The Fresno Center (TFC) is a non-profit organization that was established in the past 29+ years, serving the community of

Fresno County. TFC offers 20 different support services that include mental health, wellness, and healing, from

immigration to education advocacy to clinical behavioural services to holistic wellness services. TFC is the one-stop shop

that promotes cross-cultural understanding and cultural preservation. Eight of our 20+ programs focus on mental health

services (Horticultural Therapeutic Community Centers Program, Living Well Center, Welfare-to-Work Employment

Mental Health Services, Holistic Cultural and Educational Wellness Center, and Neighborhood Resource Center,

California Reducing Disparity Project, Central Valley Regional Center Latino and Southeast Asian Navigator Program,

and Kaiser Community Benefits Program). Our motto is to “Inspire, Encourage, and Cultivate. Our commitment is to

equip staff with the best training and practices to develop and maintain client loyalty and be the employer of choice in the

Central Valley.

2. THE PROGRAM:

The Cultural-Based Access Navigation Support (CBANS) program provides timely access to services to culturally

unserved/underserved individuals in accordance to Prevention/Early Intervention regulations. Program strategies may

include evidence-based training for mental illness symptom recognition, recognition of mental health crises, stigma

reduction, information regarding mental health services, and subsequent improvement of individual’s knowledge of

mental health and availability of services designed to meet their psychological and emotional needs. These services will

be provided in addition to, and not instead of, referrals to behavioral health services. CBANS’ staff shall provide

peer/family and educational services to the community in order to provide a personal contact or liaison to mental health

resources and programs within the community so that individuals can have support from knowledgeable persons

assisting them in navigating and accessing the behavioral health system in a timely manner.

The position is contingent upon continued funding. The Fresno Center will not be responsible in any manner for

termination’s which are due to defunding of Federal or State Contracts/Grants. The Fresno Center is at-will and may be

terminated by you or the company at any time regardless of the end date of the Federal or State Contracts/Grants.

3. POSITION SUMMARY:

The Peer Support Specialist (PPS) is an essential part of the CBANS program. PPSs will be reflective of the culturally

unserved/underserved communities the program serves. The PPS is a person with “lived experience” who walks alongside

clients to help provide timely access to services including the array of prevention and early intervention activities in the

community. PPSs work to actively mitigate barriers to care and are effective disseminators of information, acting as a

bridge between behavioral health providers and the unserved/underserved communities by facilitating linkage to services.

Peer Support Specialists assist in reducing health disparities though culturally appropriate community engagement,

referral, and navigation for those identified culturally unserved/underserved groups to behavioral health services in the

Fresno County Behavioral Health system of care. PPSs are responsible for increasing timely access to care through

advocacy, outreach, engagement, education, and knowledge about mental health services. Additionally, PPSs help

support, monitor, inform, empower, and assist individuals and their families utilizing a strength-based model, facilitating

peer-to-peer assistance as a part of a team setting.

4. JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

➢ Provides peer support services to CBANS individuals and/or family members.
➢ Assists in the development, implementation, and coordination of activities, programs, and resources

which directly support CBANS individuals and/or family members.

➢ Assists individuals to develop self-advocacy, communication, and empowerment skills.

➢ Conducts culturally appropriate outreach to individuals or family members and the community, and acts
as a liaison between individuals, family members and services providers.

➢ Actively mitigates barriers to care and provides navigation and linkage to services.

5. KNOWLEDGE OF:

➢ Array of services available for Individuals with behavioral health needs.
➢ Respectful and inclusive communication
➢ The needs and difficulties faced by ethnically diverse consumers or family members/caregivers

of Individuals with mental illness

➢ Barriers to wellness and recovery and obstacles with access to behavioral health services

6. SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

➢ Understand and follow oral and written instructions;
➢ Work harmoniously with CBANS Individuals and co-workers;
➢ Write basic reports and maintain records/case files;

➢ Attends mandatory trainings, supervision, and scheduled meetings.
➢ Understanding of and ability to provide culturally appropriate and sensitive services.

➢ Maintains confidentiality for all information.

7. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

➢ Must have high school diploma or GED and some experience in related field.
➢ Bilingual/Bicultural reflective of one of the target groups.

➢ Lived experience

➢ Being competent in computer skills, such as Windows, excel, etc.

➢ A valid driver’s license required.

8. PERSONAL QUALITIES:

• Commitment to the mission and values of the agency,

• Committed to community building and development,

• Ability to inspire, empower, and cultivate self and others,

• Ability to adapt to various environments.
  

9. BENEFITS:

• Medical, vision, and dental coverage.

Job Description: CBANS Program Peer Support Specialist Updated: 8.11.2021

• Life insurance coverage at annual salary.

• Sick leave, per personnel policy (7 days per year).

• 401k retirement plan, after completion of 90 days of employment; potential 3% match.

• Vacation, per personnel policy (12 days per year).

• Holidays per personnel policy (currently 13 paid holidays per year)
  

CLOSING DATE: TBD - Position is contingent upon continued funding.

To apply, please submit a cover letter, attention to Kellie Charfauros, resume, cover letter, and three references, with in

the subject line Outreach Specialist/Peer Specialist and email them to kellie.charfauros@fresnocenter.org. The Fresno

Center values diversity and is an affirmative action employer. All interested individuals, including women, people of

color, people over forty, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

This organization is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is our policy to comply with all applicable state and federal

laws prohibiting discrimination in employment based on race, age, color, sex, religion, national origin, or other

protected classifications.

Job Description: CBANS Program Peer Support Specialist Updated: 8.11.2021