Peer Specialist

Abode•San Jose, CA

6d•$25 - $28•Onsite

About The Position

Abode Services, a leading nonprofit dedicated to ending homelessness in the Bay Area, is seeking a Peer Specialist for its Blossom Valley Senior Apartments program in San Jose, CA. Abode's mission is to solve homelessness through housing and supportive services, utilizing a Housing First model that provides individualized support. The Peer Specialist will provide outreach, case management, and rehabilitative services to participants identified as frequent users of emergency services, the criminal justice system, and other homeless/county services. These participants often have Serious Mental Health Disorders, Substance Use Disorders, and/or Chronic Health Conditions. The role involves engaging, housing, and providing wrap-around clinical services to these individuals.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required.
Personal life experiences with recovery from addiction, homelessness, and/or mental health recovery required.
Six months of field experience working with people experiencing homelessness.
Use of personal vehicle and proof of a valid and current California Driver’s License and current insurance along with a clean DMV record required.
Excellent verbal & written communication, organizational, and time management skills.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with meticulous attention to detail.
Ability to work well independently and collaboratively with teams.
Possess an understanding of and practice cultural sensitivity.
Experience in building rapport and engaging in the most difficult to serve participants.
Experience and ability to build supportive and respectful working relationships with individuals with disabilities and/or are experiencing homelessness that instills hope and promotes self-determination using a strengths-based approach.
Sensitivity to and understanding of the special needs of the homeless.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs, systems, and platforms.
Ability to learn and use required mobile devices and business-related applications.
High degree of emotional intelligence, cultural humility, with a proven track record to build and maintain effective relationships with a wide variety of internal and external contacts.

Responsibilities

Provide outreach and engagement to homeless adults in various locations (encampments, parks, shelters, treatment facilities, jail, court, etc.) to locate referred individuals.
Re-engage participants who have lost contact with the team.
Assist with interviewing and completing initial intakes, gathering information, and maintaining records and files.
Maintain thorough and concise case notes.
Link participants with community treatment services for mental health, substance recovery, physical health care, financial assistance, educational and employment services, housing, advocacy, and socialization activities.
Assist participants in establishing goals and strategies for increasing self-sufficiency.
Assist participants with accessing public benefits (e.g., General Assistance, Food Stamps, SSI).
Support participants navigating the criminal justice and court systems, advocating by interacting with judges, court mental health staff, and public defenders.
Help participants develop a Wellness Recovery Action Plan.
Provide support, role modeling, and coaching to participants.
Attend clinical, administrative, and case conferencing meetings as directed by the program supervisor.
Enter data accurately and on time for program evaluation and outcomes tracking.
Ensure proper and timely documentation of services, including written case notes using BIRP formats and billing services to Medi-Cal.
Assist the Program Manager, Clinical Supervisor, and other staff as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned.