Peer Support Coordinator, Breakthrough Development for People Thriving with Bipolar Disorder (BD2)

Position Title:            Peer Support Coordinator, Breakthrough Development for People Thriving with Bipolar Disorder (BD2)

Reports to:                Director, Peer Support Services

ORGANIZATION SUMMARY

The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) is the leading peer-directed national organization focusing on the two most prevalent mental health conditions, depression and bipolar disorder, which affect more than 21 million Americans, account for 90% of the nation’s suicides every year, and cost $23 billion in lost workdays and other workplace losses.

DBSA’s peer-based, wellness-oriented, and empowering services and resources are 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 videocasts, 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 more than 400 support groups, DBSA reaches millions of people each year with in-person and online peer support; current, readily understandable information about depression and bipolar disorder; nationally recognized peer support services training; and empowering tools focused on an integrated approach to wellness.

DBSA is led by and created for individuals living with a mood disorder, and that experience informs everything that we do.

Breakthrough Development for People Thriving with Bipolar Disorder (BD2)

The BD2 Integrated Network, managed by the Milken Institute, seeks to improve care, intervention and outcomes for people living with bipolar disorder. The BD2 approach combines the power of discovery with accelerated translation of findings to care by generating data collected in real-world clinical settings alongside a comprehensive longitudinal research study. 

One of DBSA’s core beliefs centers on peer support as a powerful, evidenced-based wellness tool that can be beneficial to both patients (peers) and their supporters. DBSA believes peer support should be available to anyone with a mental health condition who seeks it as part of their treatment of care. DBSA is proud to partner with the BD2 Integrated Network to provide peer support and other wellness tools to BD2 research participants as part of their long-term

involvement in the various studies. Research subjects will find a sense of community among their fellow participants, find wellness through the interaction with other peers, and find encouragement and hope throughout the duration of the studies. 

OUR VALUES

Community—DBSA creates the opportunity for meaningful lives by compassionately engaging with individuals and providing peer-led support groups, educational materials, and wellness tools that focus on resiliency, achievement, creativity, and connection.

Inspiration—DBSA celebrates peers’ accomplishments, including those of the many talented, successful individuals recognized by the public for their contributions to the world.

Wisdom—DBSA advances learning through research and experience while promoting a transformative understanding of mental health through wide, timely dissemination of information about the latest treatments, wellness practices, and lived experiences.

Responsibility—DBSA advocates for the right of peers to choose their own paths to mental, emotional, and physical wellness while promoting structures and practices that advance whole health and accessible care for everyone.

SCOPE OF ROLE

The DBSA Coordinator, Peer Support Services, is an integral member of the Peer Support Services Team. This position serves as the first line of contact for peers participating in research. The Coordinator, Peer Support Services, is responsible for coordinating the administrative and first-line communication aspects of the Peer Support Services Department, with focus an initial focus on DBSA’s partnership with the BD2 program.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

BD2 Program Coordination

• Serve as essential point of contact for BD2 site coordinators, facilitators, and program vendors.
• Establish and maintain relationships with BD2 participants, volunteers, facilitators, and site coordinators where needed.
• Set up new online support groups for the BD2 program and coordinate all aspects of the program, including working with research sites, DBSA chapters, technology partners; reporting; and payment of invoices for all contractors and vendors and related activities.
• Maintain BD2 program database and assist with maintenance of databases; continually update records using Raisers Edge, Excel, and web-based software to communicate relevant changes to staff on a timely basis.

• Collaborate internally and with partners to create communications strategy for BD2 program.
• Collaborate with internally and with partners to plan and execute peer councils related to the BD2 program.
• Create, analyze and distribute reporting for the BD2 program.
• Work towards program goals and objectives.

Peer Support Services Program Support

• Serve as essential point of contact for peers looking for more information about the programs within the Peer Services department.
• In collaboration with the Peer Support Services team, track Peer Support Services program KPI’s, with a focus on the BD2 program.
• Assist in grant writing and reports by serving as subject matter expert on the BD2 program and potentially other programs within Peer Support Services.
• Participate in meetings with potential partners for projects that fall within the scope of BD2 and other priorities within the Peer Services team.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Professional Work Experience

• Minimum of two years of professional experience in customer service or communications
• Associate’s degree or equivalent work experience

Knowledge and Skills

• Commitment to supporting individuals living with a mood disorder
• Excellent customer service/people management skills
• Mastery of Microsoft 365 Suite Programs and Outlook
• Ability to manage multiple priorities
• Ability to work with minimal supervision
• Ability to work both independently and in a team environment
• Ability to pick up on systems and duties with minimal training
• Excellent time management and organizational skills
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, excellent telephone and interpersonal skills necessary

Preferred

• Experience project management and data management software (such as Smartsheet’s or Raiser’s Edge) is preferred
• Personal experience (self, family, or friend) with depression or bipolar disorder is a strong plus

INTERNAL/EXTERNAL RELATIONSHIPS

Internal: Coordinates with all internal staff. Reports to the Director, Peer Support Services

External: Primary external relationships will be established with BD2 participants, volunteers, facilitators, researchers, and site coordinators

SALARY & BENEFITS:

Salary Information: $61,000 - $65,000 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 & Wednesdays) 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.

 HOW TO APPLY

Please direct resumes and cover letters to jobs@dbsalliance.org.