Program Manager, Peer Apprenticeship Program
Reports to: Director of Peer Specialist Workforce Development
Organization Summary
The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) is a leading national organization focusing on mood disorders including depression and bipolar disorder, which affects over 21 million Americans, account for over 50% of the nation’s suicides every year, and cost $23 billion in lost workdays and other workplace losses.
DBSA offers peer-based, wellness-oriented support and empowering services and resources available when people need them, where they need them, and how they need to receive them—online 24/7, in local support groups, in audio and video casts, or in printed materials distributed by DBSA, our chapters, and mental health care facilities across America.
Through our extensive online and print resources and our support groups and chapters, DBSA reaches millions of people each year with in-person and online peer support; current, readily understandable information about depression and bipolar disorder; and empowering tools focused on an integrated approach to wellness.
Our Team Values
Integrity
- Perform at the highest standards. We strive for best in class.
- Be honest in our interactions and develop trusting relationships.
- Take personal, and where appropriate, team responsibility for results.
- Acknowledge what we don’t know.
Openness
- Demonstrate a willingness to continuously learn, grow, and change.
- Celebrate our differences.
- Be present, curious, and receptive to new and different ideas and situations.
Mindfulness
- Ask for help and reciprocate help when needed.
- Respect each other’s perspectives, experiences, and sensitivities.
- Be mindful of our individual impact on the work environment.
- Speak with thoughtfulness. We think before we speak.
Collaboration
- Show a willingness to give up personal ownership for the greater good/outcome.
- Work together to foster individual and organizational growth.
- Create an environment where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.
- Have a holistic view of the work of the organization.
- Remain flexible to achieve optimal outcomes.
Scope of Role
The Program Manager will oversee DBSA’s Peer Apprenticeship Program. The Peer Apprenticeship Program is a one-year training and on-the-job curriculum program which prepares individuals to become a credentialed Peer Specialist. This program is grant funded and focused on members of the veteran, LGTBQ+, and BIPOC communities. This role will manage the program by supervising and training Peer Apprentices, documenting and reporting deliverables to grantors, collaborating with partner organizations, and conducting outreach to grow the partnership base and diversify engagement. The Program Manager will be responsible for building on the Peer Apprenticeship curriculum and ensuring that it is a replicable model to share with other community organizations. The Program Manager will ensure that all necessary training requirements are being delivered by working with the Illinois Certification Board in addition to other relevant local and national licensing and credentialing bodies. The Program Manager will work in engaging Chicago and Cook County community-based organizations in the larger BIPOC community to spread awareness of the Peer Support Specialist role and the various ways the role can support the initiatives of those organizations, particularly mental health services disparities.
Duties and Responsibilities
Program Management
- Under the direction and with the support of the Director of Peer Specialist Workforce Development, formalize the curriculum/training schedule for the Peer Apprenticeship program, with the goal of creating a replicable training and apprenticeship model for communities in Chicago, Cook County, Illinois, and nationally.
- Assist with cultivating relationships with local and national licensing/credentialing bodies to explore credentialing options and inform curriculum.
- Provide supervision to Peer Apprentices to ensure timely documentation and reporting of Peer Apprentices’ progress and milestones.
- Develop a system of tracking goals, hours, and performance to gather data and metrics for program reporting, implementation, and improvement.
- Train staff or secure external trainers to ensure that training outlined in licensing requirements are delivered including WHAM, WRAP, and other applicable and valuable training.
Supervision
- Supervise Peer Apprentices to ensure they are earning training and work houts to prepare them to earn certification.
Community Outreach
- Build bridges within BIPOC communities to foster opportunities to advance mental health programs and the role of the Peer Support Specialist.
- Collaborate with the Outreach and Partnership Manager to develop partnerships with community organizations to spread awareness about the Peer Specialist role, cultivate employment and internship opportunities and recruit additional apprentices.
- Support DBSA’s priorities to reach and provide culturally competent peer support and educational resources to BIPOC communities.
- Support the organization’s goals to increase access to DBSA support groups in BIPOC communities.
Qualifications
These recommended qualifications and related work experience are suggestive in nature only and are not intended to limit or restrict applicants in any way. Alternative qualifications may be substituted if sufficient to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position. We encourage all applicants who believe their skills and experience are sufficient to do the job well to apply.
- Identify with the SAMHSA definition of a peer support specialist: People who have been successful in the recovery process from a mental health or substance use disorder who help others experiencing similar situations. Through shared understanding, respect, and mutual empowerment, peer support workers help people become and stay engaged in the recovery process and reduce the likelihood of relapse.
- Experience or familiarity with working as a peer support specialist, growing a peer support training program, or integrating peer services into an industry setting (Required)
- Program Management and/or Supervision experience (Required)
- Experience in outreach to and familiarity with community-based organizations and resources in BIPOC communities in Chicago and Cook County (Required)
- Case Management/Grant Management experience (Required)
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Required)
- Certification as Peer Support Specialist (Preferred)
Benefits
Additional Salary Information: $60,000 – $65,000 annually
This is a full-time position with generous benefits including health, dental, vision, disability, 401K, and life insurance. The position will primarily work standard hours of 8:30 am – 5:00 pm, flexible start/end times possible. Periodic evening or weekend hours may be required.
Currently, this position will require 2 days (Monday & Wednesday) in the office. The candidate may work the remaining days remotely.*
Dedication to an Equitable Workplace
DBSA is committed to equal employment opportunity for all employees, and to providing employees with a work environment free of any form of discrimination and harassment. DBSA is committed to achieving a diverse workforce through our equal opportunity and nondiscrimination policies in all aspects of employment including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training.
At DBSA, we make a point to celebrate our differences and respect each other’s unique perspectives. In fact, it is core to the work we do.
Condition of Employment
DBSA employees are required to provide proof of vaccination, including the most recent bivalent booster, within 45 days of the acceptance of the employment offer unless the employee is granted accommodation in accordance with applicable laws.
* This policy may be reviewed and revised.
How to Apply
Please direct a resume and cover letter to jobs@dbsalliance.org.
Executive Assistant/Board Liaison
Reports to: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Organization Summary
The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) is a leading national organization focusing on mood disorders including depression and bipolar disorder, which affects over 21 million Americans, account for over 50% of the nation’s suicides every year, and cost $23 billion in lost workdays and other workplace losses.
DBSA offers peer-based, wellness-oriented support and empowering services and resources available when people need them, where they need them, and how they need to receive them—online 24/7, in local support groups, in audio and video casts, or in printed materials distributed by DBSA, our chapters, and mental health care facilities across America.
Through our extensive online and print resources and our support groups and chapters, DBSA reaches millions of people each year with in-person and online peer support; current, readily understandable information about depression and bipolar disorder; and empowering tools focused on an integrated approach to wellness.
Our Team Values
Integrity
- Perform at the highest standards. We strive for best in class.
- Be honest in our interactions and develop trusting relationships.
- Take personal, and where appropriate, team responsibility for results.
- Acknowledge what we don’t know.
Openness
- Demonstrate a willingness to continuously learn, grow, and change.
- Celebrate our differences.
- Be present, curious, and receptive to new and different ideas and situations.
Mindfulness
- Ask for help and reciprocate help when needed.
- Respect each other’s perspectives, experiences, and sensitivities.
- Be mindful of our individual impact on the work environment.
- Speak with thoughtfulness. We think before we speak.
Collaboration
- Show a willingness to give up personal ownership for the greater good/outcome.
- Work together to foster individual and organizational growth.
- Create an environment where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.
- Have a holistic view of the work of the organization.
- Remain flexible to achieve optimal outcomes.
Scope of Role
The Executive Assistant ensures a high-functioning executive office with experienced, diplomatic, and proactive support to the CEO. The Executive Assistant will be required to learn about and understand the structure of DBSA both internally and externally to provide senior-level assistance to the CEO to help DBSA make progress on organizational initiatives. This includes the coordination of activities and ensuring the timely flow of information to and from the executive office. This position will handle details of a highly confidential and critical nature and must function efficiently and effectively in a fast-paced professional environment. The Executive Assistant also serves as the liaison to the DBSA board of directors. This position requires excellent organizational and project management skills, computer software and database experience, and the ability to communicate with a diverse array of constituencies. This position is full-time, 37.5 hours/week, non-exempt, with excellent benefits.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Provide experienced C-suite administrative support and coordination to the CEO including calendar management, drafting correspondence, making travel arrangements, preparing expense reports, drafting reports, presentations, and background materials for the CEO
- Provide assistance in organizational initiatives including but not limited to the compilation and maintenance of reports such as for DBSA strategic plan, and key performance indicator dashboard.
- Anticipate the CEO’s needs and act accordingly by proactively bringing together appropriate people and resources to support in addressing issues
- Prepare, produce, and distribute background and briefing materials and itineraries related to CEO’s meetings, presentations, conferences, and travel; coordinate with DBSA management team and staff, when necessary
- Work with Board of Directors and staff to prepare for all board and board committee meetings, including agenda & materials; logistics & communications; minutes preparation and other related assignments
- Assist CEO with some personal contact with Board members, Scientific Advisory Board members, committee members, and other stakeholders on matters not requiring executive attention
- Attend and provide administrative assistance at all board and committee meetings
- Represent the CEO in a professional and congenial manner in person, telephone conversations, and in written correspondence. Research, prioritize and follow up on incoming issues and concerns addressed to the CEO, including those of a sensitive or confidential nature.
- Serve as project manager on assigned initiatives, leading the design, planning, and execution of activities and tactics.
- Serve as a project team member on assigned projects.
- Manage assigned budget areas, including reviewing invoices, contracts, tracking expenditures, and preparing reports.
- Provide administrative support to other groups as requested.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
These describe the general nature and level of work performed and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties that may be performed by a person in this position. The requirements of this position are subject to change with or without prior notice.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree required or related/related years of experience.
- Minimum of 5 years of experience, ideally in a high-performing environment with supervisory and/or project management experience.
- Strong analytical and quantitative skills and demonstrated critical thinking ability.
- Outstanding interpersonal and diplomatic skills and a high-energy approach to staff and volunteer management.
- Excellent written and oral communications skills, including assisting in the creation of presentation materials. Must be able to communicate and represent information for executive-level consideration both internally and with board and volunteer leadership.
- Strong organizational and computer skills (MS Office Suite).
- Great attention to detail.
- Proven ability to develop and manage systems and processes, as well as organize and prioritize multiple complex projects and tasks.
- Experience managing budgets and goals.
- Must be able to perform responsibilities with composure under the stress of deadlines.
- Must be capable of exercising highest level of discretion on both internal and external confidential matters.
- Evening/weekend work may be required on occasion, along with the need for flexibility in arranging work schedule.
Benefits
Salary Information: $58,000 – $62,000 annually
This is a non-exempt (hourly) full-time position with generous benefits including health, dental, vision, disability, 401K, and life insurance. The position will primarily work standard hours of 8:30 am – 5:00 pm, with flexible start/end times possible. Periodic evening or weekend hours may be required.
Currently, this position requires two (2) days (Monday & Wednesday) in the office. The candidate may work the remaining days remotely. *
Dedication to an Equitable Workplace
DBSA is committed to equal employment opportunity for all employees, and to providing employees with a work environment free of any form of discrimination and harassment. DBSA is committed to achieving a diverse workforce through our equal opportunity and nondiscrimination policies in all aspects of employment including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training.
At DBSA, we make a point to celebrate our differences and respect each other’s unique perspectives. In fact, it is core to the work we do.
* This policy may be reviewed and revised.
Condition of Employment
DBSA employees are required to provide proof of vaccination, including the most recent bivalent booster, within 45 days of the acceptance of the employment offer unless the employee is granted accommodation in accordance with applicable laws.
How to Apply
Please direct a resume and cover letter to jobs@dbsalliance.org.
Peer Apprentice
Organization Summary
The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) is a leading national organization focusing on mood disorders including depression and bipolar disorder, which affects over 21 million Americans, account for over 50% of the nation’s suicides every year, and cost $23 billion in lost workdays and other workplace losses.
DBSA offers peer-based, wellness-oriented support and empowering services and resources available when people need them, where they need them, and how they need to receive them—online 24/7, in local support groups, in audio and video casts, or in printed materials distributed by DBSA, our chapters, and mental health care facilities across America.
Through our extensive online and print resources and our support groups and chapters, DBSA reaches millions of people each year with in-person and online peer support; current, readily understandable information about depression and bipolar disorder; and empowering tools focused on an integrated approach to wellness.
Our Team Values
Integrity
- Perform at the highest standards. We strive for best in class.
- Be honest in our interactions and develop trusting relationships.
- Take personal, and where appropriate, team responsibility for results.
- Acknowledge what we don’t know.
Openness
- Demonstrate a willingness to continuously learn, grow, and change.
- Celebrate our differences.
- Be present, curious, and receptive to new and different ideas and situations.
Mindfulness
- Ask for help and reciprocate help when needed.
- Respect each other’s perspectives, experiences, and sensitivities.
- Be mindful of our individual impact on the work environment.
- Speak with thoughtfulness. We think before we speak.
Collaboration
- Show a willingness to give up personal ownership for the greater good/outcome.
- Work together to foster individual and organizational growth.
- Create an environment where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.
- Have a holistic view of the work of the organization.
- Remain flexible to achieve optimal outcomes.
Scope of Role
Unique opportunity for a Veteran of the BIPOC and LGTBQ+ communities living in Cook County with the lived experience of recovery from a mental health or substance use disorder to join our Peer Specialist Apprenticeship Program. Thanks to a grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the Boeing Foundation, DBSA is pleased to offer a paid apprenticeship to qualified individuals.
As a person who has traveled a similar path, a Peer Specialist fosters hope for recovery from a mental health or substance use disorder and models that reality to the peers they serve by providing evidence-based services.
More about DBSA’s Peer Specialist Apprentice Program
- Provides Scholarship to enroll in the 80-hour DBSA Peer Specialist Course
- 1 year full-time paid apprenticeship to qualify for the Illinois Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) credential
Duties & Responsibilities
- Applicants must be committed to completing the 1-year apprentice program.
- Dedicate 37.5 hours weekly to receiving required training through DBSA
- Provide Peer Services (i.e. co-facilitate Support Groups, use personal recovery story as a tool, staff DBSA 800 Info-line)
- Develop skills required to be industry leaders in the field of Peer Support (leadership development, community organizing, strong communication skills {written & verbal}, professional development, etc.)
- Learn to use and teach effective, science-based mental wellness tools and methods (WRAP/WHAM)
First Six Months of Program
- DBSA Peer Specialist Course: 80-hour course providing skills in using lived experience to offer hope and inspiration to another peer.
- Form and lead a peer council in the Black community to understand the peer support needs of the community.
- Form and facilitate DBSA support group meetings for the Black community.
- Mentor peers and provide one-on-one peer support.
- Provide mental health workshops in the Black community.
Second Six Months of Program
- Placement at a Cook County behavioral health center provides supervised, hands-on experience.
- Participate in CRSS Study Groups.
Qualifications
These recommended qualifications and related work experience are suggestive in nature only and are not intended to limit or restrict applicants in any way. Alternative qualifications may be substituted if sufficient to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position. We encourage all applicants who believe their skills and experience are sufficient to do the job well to apply.
- Veteran in the BIPOC and/or LGBTQ+ communities living in Cook County with the lived experience of recovery from a mental health or substance use disorder interested in becoming a Peer Specialist (Certified Recovery Support Specialist-CRSS)
- Identify with the SAMHSA definition of a peer support specialist:
- People who have been successful in the recovery process from a mental health or substance use disorder who help others experiencing similar situations. Through shared understanding, respect, and mutual empowerment, peer support workers help people become and stay engaged in the recovery process and reduce the likelihood of relapse.
- A desire to use your lived experience with a mental health or substance use disorder to help others in the Black community.
Salary & Benefits
Salary Information: This temporary employee position is compensated at $15.40 per hour.
Dedication to an Equitable Workplace
DBSA is committed to equal employment opportunity for all employees, and to providing employees with a work environment free of any form of discrimination and harassment. DBSA is committed to achieving a diverse workforce through our equal opportunity and nondiscrimination policies in all aspects of employment including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training.
At DBSA, we make a point to celebrate our differences and respect each other’s unique perspectives. In fact, it is core to the work we do. DBSA encourages our employees to bring their authentic selves to work, where they receive a wholehearted welcome.
How to Apply
Please direct your resume and cover letter to rdabney@dbsalliance.org.
