Peer Advocate

L.A. Family Housing Corporation•Los Angeles, CA

About The Position

The Peer Advocate provides outreach services within a street-based Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) serving single adults experiencing homelessness. The role engages participants in street-based supportive services, coordinates referrals and connections to regional programs, collaborates with other homeless outreach entities, and offers peer-to-peer support and counseling informed by lived experience with homelessness. The Peer Advocate encourages and guides participants in reducing harm and improving their physical, social, emotional, and economic well-being.

Requirements

At least three months of lived experience with homelessness, such as living on the streets, in a car, in a place not meant for human habitation, or couch surfing.
Demonstrate empathy and a non-judgmental attitude when engaging with people experiencing homelessness.
Have tolerance and understanding for individuals presenting with mental and physical health needs.
Basic knowledge of issues affecting homeless single adults, including chronic health conditions, substance abuse, mental health, domestic abuse, and resources for undocumented people.
Flexibility and ability to work in an environment subject to ongoing change.
Good customer service and conflict resolution skills.
Ability to maintain a professional demeanor and boundaries with peers and staff.
Clear written and oral communication skills.
Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint, Zoom, and web-based scheduling software.
Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
Ability to work a 9/80 schedule.
Ability to pass post-offer tuberculosis clearances and a pre-employment physical exam.
Ability to work comfortably in a pet-friendly environment.

Nice To Haves

Peer Partner, Peer Advocate, or Peer Mentor training.
Bilingual English/Spanish skills.
One year of experience working with people experiencing homelessness.

Responsibilities

Provide mobile, street-based outreach to people experiencing homelessness on streets and in encampments.
Encourage participants to engage with outreach services and community referrals that support their well-being by building rapport and providing emotional support.
Act as a bridge between program participants and staff when communication is a barrier.
Provide staff with feedback on how to better serve participants, drawing on lived experience with homelessness.
Use a Harm Reduction and Housing First approach.
Link participants to eligible mental health, health, housing, and other supportive services in support of CES goals, including facilitating warm hand-offs.
Maintain thorough and accurate written records and records in assigned electronic databases.
Maintain appropriate and ethical boundaries with participants and staff.
Share personal experiences and successes related to homelessness, incarceration, substance abuse, mental health, or other risky behaviors when appropriate to promote participants’ well-being.
Attend staff, agency, and community meetings as designated by the supervisor.
Complete additional tasks, projects, and responsibilities as assigned by the supervisor.
Maintain confidential information in accordance with HIPAA standards.
Obtain and maintain CPR/First Aid certification.