DBSA Regional Representative Job Description
Position Title: DBSA Regional Representative – Mid-Atlantic
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 video casts, or in printed materials distributed by DBSA, our chapters, and mental health care facilities across America.
Through more than 700 support groups and nearly 300 chapters, 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.
OUR VALUES
1. 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.
2. Inspiration—DBSA celebrates peers’ accomplishments, including those of the many talented, successful individuals recognized by the public for their contributions to the world.
3. 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.
4. 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 Mid-Atlantic Regional Representative is an integral member of the Chapter Relations Team. This position serves as our “on the ground” connection to the more than 30 local chapters in the territory. DBSA chapters provide peer-led support groups, educational resources, advocacy work and community outreach to help individuals living with depression and bipolar disorder in their community. The DBSA Mid-Atlantic Regional Representative serves our outstanding network leaders by directing them to helpful resources, answering questions, providing a variety of trainings, helping problem solve, and keeping up to date on the successes and challenges of each chapter.
Duties & Responsibilities
Recruitment and Retention
Represent DBSA to current and prospective chapters in the Mid-Atlantic Territory
Provide monthly contact with new chapter start-ups in first year of affiliation
Assist new chapters in finding meeting locations and publicizing activities
Identify potential leaders in un- or under-served areas
Assist in securing paperwork for annual re-affiliation process
Quality Enhancement
Host quarterly networking event(s) for chapter leaders
Provide semi-annual reports on status of chapters
Conduct evaluation of chapters, following national evaluation structure
Provide training and resources to chapters (supplied by national office)
Visit local chapters regularly (twice a year)
Answer questions, respond to concerns of chapters – track communication to be reported to the national office
Qualifications
Experience working with community volunteers
Personal experience as a person living with a mental illness and willingness to publicly share this experience preferred
Trained and certified as a Peer Specialist by a recognized training/certification body, or able to successfully complete Peer Specialist training and certification within one year
Excellent customer service skills; patience in dealing with members of the public
Excellent computer skills including use of Internet and e-mail
Ability to travel independently within Mid-Atlantic region
Ability to interact professionally and effectively with multiple audiences, including mental health consumers, clinicians and local community organizations
Ability to maintain confidentiality and trust
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
Ability to pick up on systems and duties with minimal training
Excellent time management and organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities
Must have reliable access to a computer, internet connection and telephone and knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite: Word, Excel, etc.
Experience planning and presenting educational sessions
Location
The DBSA Mid-Atlantic Regional Representative works primarily from home or another location separate from DBSA headquarters, with scheduled travel to Chicago as required.
The representative travels extensively throughout their territory visiting local chapters and working with state organizations.
The Mid-Atlantic Territory includes the Washington DC metro area, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia.
SALARY AND BENEFITS
This is a part-time (maximum of 20 hours per week) contractual position with no benefits. Hourly rate ranges from $15.00 – $20.00, dependent on qualifications.
Note: The requirements of this position are subject to change with or without prior notice.
How to apply
Cover letters with resumes can be emailed to me at ideetz@DBSAlliance.org.