Peer Advocate (Weekend)

L.A. Family Housing Corporation•North Hollywood, CA

About The Position

The Peer Advocate is responsible for providing outreach service within a Street-based Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) serving single adults experiencing homelessness. Primary duties include engaging people experiencing homelessness in street based supportive services including coordinating referrals and program linkage to other regional programs; collaborating with other homeless outreach entities; providing peer-to-peer support and counseling drawing from lived experience with homelessness; providing encouragement and guidance to program participants to reduce harm and improve their physical, social, emotional, and economic health.

Requirements

Lived experience with homelessness required
Able to demonstrate empathy and a non-judgmental attitude when engaging with persons experiencing homelessness
Possess a high level of tolerance and understanding for individuals who present for services with mental health and physical health needs
Basic knowledge of issues facing homeless single adults (e.g. chronic health, substance abuse, mental health, domestic abuse, resources for undocumented persons)
Ability to be flexible and work in an environment subject to ongoing change
Good customer service skills
Good conflict resolution skills
Ability to maintain a professional demeanor and boundaries with peers and staff
Ability to communicate clearly, both written and orally
Proficient in Microsoft Programs (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint), Zoom, and web-based scheduling software
Ability to work within a team environment and collaborate with team members
Maintain and execute confidential information according to HIPAA standards
Obtain and maintain CPR/First Aid Certification
Ability to pass post-offer Tuberculosis (TB) clearances
Ability to pass a Pre-Employment Physical Exam
Ability to work a 9/80 work schedule
At least three (3) months of lived experience with homelessness (living on the streets, a car, a place not meant for human habitation or couch surfing) required

Nice To Haves

Peer Partner/Peer Advocate/Peer Mentor Training recommended but not required
Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred
One (1) year experience working with people experiencing homelessness desired

Responsibilities

Provides mobile, street-based outreach services to people experiencing homelessness living on the streets and/or in encampments
Motivates homeless individuals to engage in outreach services and associated community referrals that promote well-being by building rapport & providing emotional support to participants
Acts as a bridge between program participants and staff when communication appears to be a barrier
Provides feedback to staff on how to better serve participants based on Peer Advocate’s lived experience with homelessness
Utilizes a Harm Reduction and Housing First approach
Works within the goals of CES to reduce street homelessness by linking program participants to mental health, health, housing services, and other supportive services for which they are eligible; facilitate a “warm hand-off” in service linkage
Maintains thorough and accurate records in both written form and through assigned electronic database
Maintains and keeps appropriate and ethical boundaries with participants and staff
Ability to share life experiences (and successes) with history of homelessness, incarceration, substance abuse, mental health, and/or other risky behaviors when appropriate to promote well-being for the participant
Attends various, regular staff, agency and community meetings as designated by supervisor
Additional tasks, projects and responsibilities as assigned by supervisor