Description

This workshop introduces the principles and practices of peer support in a professional environment. Participants will learn how peer support programs enhance employee well-being, reduce workplace stress, and foster a culture of trust and collaboration. Using real examples and structured policies from our department, the session will provide practical guidance on developing, maintaining, and utilizing a peer support team to benefit both employees and the organization. It will also dive into common pitfalls and how to avoid them by developing solid policies and procedures. 

By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to: 

1. Define peer support and explain its role in organizational health and wellness. 
2. Identify the core functions of peer supporters, including active listening, emotional support, and referral to resources. 
3. Recognize the benefits of peer support for both employees and leadership, including improved morale, early detection of issues, and stronger workplace culture. 
4. Understand program structure and policies, including confidentiality, liability, and team member selection.
5. Apply implementation

Presenters:

Jennifer Maguire

Program Planner, Sacramento County Department of Child Support Services

Jennifer Maguire has 23 years of Child Support Program experience, all with Sacramento County. Currently a Program Planner in the Program, Performance & Analysis division, Jennifer has held multiple positions within the department from Office Specialist, Child Support Officer, Lead Child Support Officer, Supervising Child Support Officer and most recently Program Planner.

During her time with Sacramento DCSS Jennifer has served on multiple office committees and participated in coordinating internal training conferences, staff fundraisers and other departmental activities including chairing several committees.

In 2021 Jennifer was selected to join the newly formed Peer Support Team, and in 2022 became Co-Chair with another supervisor.  She has been able to bring her experience with a variety of personal issues including family death/crises, pet loss, financial hardships, mental health issues and high stress situations to the team to be a support for staff needing it.

Erik Farahmand

Program Manager, Sacramento County Department of Child Support Services

Erik Farahmand serves as a Child Support Program Manager for the Sacramento County Department of Child Support Services and is retired from the Sacramento Police Department with more than 20 years of law enforcement experience. Throughout his public service career, he has held assignments in patrol, investigations, internal affairs, training, school resource division, and leadership.

For more than 12 years, Erik served as a member of the Sacramento Police Department's Peer Support Team, providing support to employees experiencing critical incidents, officer involved shootings, line of duty deaths, family crises, substance abuse challenges, financial hardships, and other life stressors.

After joining Sacramento County DCSS in 2017, Erik recognized a similar need for employee wellness and support services within the organization. In 2019, he developed and proposed the department's Peer Support Program, co-authored its foundational policies and procedures, and helped build and train the original Sacramento County DCSS peer support team. Today, the program continues to support employees throughout Sacramento County DCSS and serves as the model for workplace peer support and wellness initiatives.