Peer Counselor

Advocates For The Mentally Ill and•Auburn, CA

10h•$22 - $24

About The Position

Peer Counselors work in AMI Housing’s transitional and permanent supportive housing programs, providing supportive services to residents and collaborating with each resident’s Service Coordinator. They help residents work toward their goals and housing stability, address day-to-day housing needs, teach activities of daily living, and support progress toward independent housing. The role draws on the counselor’s lived experience and relationship skills to build rapport, promote recovery, link residents with services—particularly behavioral health and supportive housing—and work with multidisciplinary teams. Peer Counselors help foster a recovery-oriented culture that respects each person’s perspectives and preferences. They may also respond to crises using engagement and de-escalation skills to support a least restrictive environment. The position is distinct from Peer Support Specialist in its focus on a dedicated group of residents in transitional and permanent supportive housing and on addressing housing-related barriers to independent living. Duties include supporting daily living skills, house operations, appointments, community participation, recovery planning, and access to resources. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; the description also states that the role may require a varied schedule, including weekends, holidays, and evenings.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
At least two years of lived experience receiving services from mental health providers, substance abuse providers, homeless services, or other social services.
Lived experience with personal mental health struggles or caregiving for an immediate family member experiencing mental health struggles.
Strong desire to support others through recovery advocacy and peer support.
Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record, as required by the position.
Proof of adequate vehicle insurance and medical clearance.
Complete and pass pre-employment fingerprint, drug and alcohol, and criminal background checks.
Knowledge of confidentiality, mandated reporting, recovery principles, Housing First principles, and tenant rights and responsibilities.
Ability to work a varied schedule, including weekends, holidays, and evenings.
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely by telephone, in writing, and electronically, and to enter data at a speed needed to meet job duties.
Ability to multitask with attention to detail in a fast-paced and sometimes chaotic environment, and to plan, organize, and prioritize work.
Time-management skills and ability to work independently.
Ability to use supervision effectively, reflect on personal motivations and reactions, recognize distress, and seek support when needed.
Ability to work positively with people of different personalities and cultures and to demonstrate understanding of peers’ experiences and feelings.
Ability to tailor support to each peer’s recovery process, preferences, and needs.
Ability to make accurate arithmetic calculations and maintain extensive records and files.
Ability to understand the organization and its community partners as needed for assigned responsibilities.
Ability to operate office machines, computers, and software systems.
Strong computer proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, SharePoint, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Adobe, DocuSign, Google Docs, the internet, and calendar tools.
Ability to perform the described physical activities, including prolonged sitting or standing, keyboard use, errands, lifting lightweight items, and intermittent walking, bending, climbing, squatting, twisting, reaching, grasping, and fine manipulation.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual fluency in English and Spanish.
Experience providing case management or service coordination to individuals experiencing mental illness, substance misuse, and/or homelessness.
Experience working in housing programs such as HUD Section-Plus Care, HUD Housing Choice, HUD Permanent Supportive Housing, or VASH Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing.
Experience working with individuals affected by mental illness, drug or alcohol abuse, homelessness, or other social-service needs.

Responsibilities

Initiate contact with residents, maintain engagement throughout their recovery process, and monitor their well-being.
Teach household tasks, money management, and other daily living skills that support independent living.
Organize, facilitate, and guide weekly house meetings and twice-monthly life skills and recovery groups.
Support conflict resolution when residents experience interpersonal challenges in housing.
Assist residents with weekly meal planning and grocery shopping.
Make twice-monthly trips to local food banks, including picking up, sorting, and delivering food.
Deliver monthly household supplies and track items needed at each home.
Conduct weekly cleaning inspections, ensure assigned chores are completed, and teach cleaning methods when needed.
Check bed bug covers twice monthly and promptly address infestations such as bed bugs or roaches.
Submit maintenance requests through the maintenance system.
Provide transportation to medical, case management, and other necessary appointments.
Coordinate monthly social outings and safely transport residents to and from activities.
Complete assigned paperwork, reporting, documentation, and record-keeping in a timely manner.
Listen attentively and respectfully, validate residents’ experiences and feelings, and convey hope about recovery.
Coordinate with Service Coordinators to help residents receive needed services and supports.
Encourage community participation and help residents identify and accomplish personal goals.
Share personal recovery practices and lived experience when appropriate to help residents explore recovery strategies.
Maintain current information about community resources and help residents identify, access, and use desired services.
Accompany residents to community activities and appointments when requested.
Educate residents, families, natural supports, community members, and colleagues about wellness, recovery, and recovery supports.
Support residents’ decision-making and help them develop strategies for accomplishing tasks and goals.
Help residents manage crises by recognizing distress and safety concerns, providing reassurance, and supporting safe spaces and crisis responses.
Coordinate with colleagues, healthcare providers, family members, and natural supports to improve residents’ health and wellness.
Advocate for residents’ needs and preferences in treatment teams, community services, living situations, and family settings.
Participate in efforts to reduce prejudice and discrimination and educate colleagues about recovery and recovery support services.