Drop-In Center Peer Specialist
About The Position
Under the supervision of the Drop-In Center Coordinator, the Peer Specialist will play a crucial role in providing support, guidance, and encouragement to individuals experiencing homelessness by drawing upon their own personal experiences to connect and empathize with our clients. They will provide peer support, mentorship, and advocacy to individuals seeking assistance at the drop-in center. They will be responsible for completing all paperwork in accordance with County and agency regulations. The Peer Specialist is an energetic self-starter who is able to function comfortably in a team environment and relates well to co-workers, volunteers, and external representatives. This position requires flexibility and the ability to manage time and multiple tasks. The individual in this position must be able to assume a wide range of responsibilities, provide timely responses to requests and deadlines and works well under pressure.
Requirements
- Ability to speak, read, write and understand English
- Ability to work effectively as a member of a multidisciplinary team
- Ability to efficiently coordinate and complete field and office tasks
- Ability to utilize supervision and consultation constructively
- Knowledge of Child Abuse and Special Incident Reporting Guidelines and follow-up actions as required by law and contract
- Must demonstrate sound judgment and decision-making skills
- Must demonstrate time management skills
- Must have excellent oral and written communication skills
- Lived experience of insecure housing with a deep understanding of the challenges faced by individuals in similar situations
- High school diploma or equivalent (required); additional training or certification in peer support (preferred)
- Strong communication and active listening skills
- Ability to establish trusting relationships and maintain professional boundaries
- Empathy, compassion, and a genuine desire to support and empower others
- Knowledge of community resources and services available to individuals experiencing insecure housing.
- Willingness to participate in ongoing training and professional development related to peer support.
- Must have exited out of an Aviva or other agency services for a minimum of 2 years.
- Tuberculosis clearance
- Department of Justice/Fingerprint clearance
- Satisfactory completion of health screening
- Proof of legal eligibility to work in the United States
- Satisfactory driving record
Nice To Haves
- Knowledge of positive behavioral interventions preferred
- Bilingual (Spanish) preferred
Responsibilities
- Utilize your lived experience of homelessness to build rapport and trust with clients
- Provide peer support, mentorship, and advocacy to individuals seeking assistance at the drop-in center
- Share strategies for overcoming challenges related to homelessness
- Assist clients in accessing resources, services, and support networks within the community Facilitate support groups and workshops focused on empowerment, resilience, and self-care
- Collaborate with case managers and other staff members to develop individualized support plans for population; take on case management duties as assigned, if applicable.
- Advocate for the needs and rights of individuals experiencing homelessness in the community
- Maintain confidentiality and boundaries while supporting individuals in a compassionate and non-judgmental manner
- Complete and regularly update case related documentation in specified time frames as required.
- Responsible for intake assessments and placements of children
- Interface with agency staff to complement the individual’s experience
- Maintain contact with outside agencies and their representatives
- Attend staff meetings, trainings, conferences and relevant informational meetings
- Provide trauma informed care – participate in trauma informed training as assigned.
- Sensitive and responsive to the cultural differences among the population being served
- Other duties as assigned by the Drop-In Center Coordinator or Assistant VP of Foster Adoption and Supportive Housing.
- The Peer Specialist will take on special projects or additional duties as assigned by the Drop-In Center Coordinator
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
Number of Employees
51-100 employees
