Lived Recovery Peer Support Specialist - 10199

Our Philosophy of Service: We believe all people have the right to adequate housing and health care. We work to remove the barriers that restrict access to these rights. Society benefits when adequate housing and health care are available to everyone. We create lasting solutions to homelessness by:

Honoring the inherent dignity of those we serve, affirming their capabilities and fostering their hope that a better life is possible.

Building strong, caring and trauma-informed communities through the integration of housing, health care and supportive services.

Advocating for social and racial equity, inclusion and diversity, and challenging the status quo in partnership with our workforce members and those we serve.

Achieving excellence through continuous quality assurance, innovation and professional development.

Using resources judiciously and effectively.

The Peer Support Specialist is a key member of the Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) team, providing essential support to residents by drawing on their own lived experience with housing instability, mental health challenges, or substance use recovery. This role involves fostering a sense of community, assisting residents in navigating challenges, and connecting them with appropriate resources. The Peer Support Specialist works collaboratively with case managers and other staff to promote resident stability, empowerment, and overall well-being.

Coalition Benefits

• Choice of HMO or PPO health insurance coverage options: full-time employees contribute only 1% of their earnings for their own HMO health coverage and no more than 4% of their earnings for coverage of eligible dependents. We're proud to offer same-and opposite-sex domestic partner coverage.
• Choice of dental insurance or discount plan.
• Vision insurance.
• Flexible spending accounts for health care / dependent care / parking expenses.
• Free basic life and AD&D insurance coverage.
• Employee Assistance Program, a problem-solving resource available to you and your household members.
• Dollar-for-dollar retirement plan matching contributions up to 5% of earnings with 3-year vesting.
• Extensive paid time-off, including 9 holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and three weeks of vacation for new full-time employees in their first year.
The effective date for your benefits will be the first of the month following your date of hire.

Essential Job Functions

• Resident Support:
• Build trusting, supportive relationships with residents through shared lived experiences.
• Provide one-on-one peer counseling, offering empathy and understanding to help residents address personal challenges.
• Assist residents in setting and achieving personal goals related to housing stability, recovery, and self-sufficiency.
• Support residents in navigating services and systems, such as healthcare, benefits, and employment resources.
• Encourage residents to participate in program activities, support groups, and community events.
• Advocacy and Empowerment:
• Advocate for the needs and rights of residents within the PSH program and the broader community.
• Empower residents by promoting self-advocacy, self-determination, and the development of life skills.
• Provide education on topics such as tenant rights, self-care, and wellness strategies.
• Facilitate group sessions and workshops that address the needs and interests of residents.
• Crisis Intervention and Conflict Resolution:
• Respond to crises and conflicts in a calm and supportive manner, providing immediate assistance and de-escalation.
• Work with residents to develop and implement personal safety plans.
• Collaborate with the housing management team to resolve disputes and maintain a peaceful living environment.
• Collaboration and Coordination:
• Collaborate closely with case managers, housing managers, and external service providers to ensure comprehensive support for residents.
• Participate in team meetings, case conferences, and other collaborative efforts to improve resident outcomes.
• Act as a liaison between residents and the PSH program, ensuring that resident voices are heard and considered in program decisions.
• Documentation and Reporting:
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of resident interactions, progress, and services provided.
• Assist in the preparation of reports for program evaluation and compliance with funding requirements.
• Contribute to the ongoing development of peer support best practices within the FSS program.

Qualifications Summary

• High school diploma or equivalent required; some college coursework in social work, psychology, or a related field preferred.
• Certification as a Peer Support Specialist or willingness to obtain certification within a specified time frame.
• Lived experience with housing instability, mental health challenges, substance use recovery, or related experiences.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to connect with and support individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries while fostering supportive and trusting relationships.
• Basic knowledge of community resources and services relevant to the PSH population.
• Experience in a supportive housing, social services, or mental health setting is preferred.

$20.64 - $25.14 an hour