Peer Specialist

Abode • Hayward, CA

5d • $25 - $28 • Onsite

About The Position

The Peer Specialist provides outreach, case management, or rehabilitative services to people experiencing homelessness who are frequent users of emergency, criminal justice, and other homeless or county services. Working with the team, the Specialist helps engage and house participants and provides wraparound services. Participants may have serious mental health disorders, substance use disorders, and/or chronic health conditions. The role is grounded in individualized support and the Housing First model.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Personal life experience with recovery from addiction, homelessness, and/or mental health recovery.
• Six months of field experience working with people experiencing homelessness.
• Personal vehicle; valid and current California driver's license; current insurance; and a clean DMV record.

Responsibilities

• Conduct outreach and engagement to locate referred homeless adults in settings such as encampments, parks, shelters, treatment facilities, jails, and courts.
• Help re-engage program participants who have lost contact with the team.
• Assist with client interviews and initial intakes; gather and assemble information; maintain records and files; and write thorough, concise case notes.
• Help connect participants with community services, including mental health and substance recovery treatment, physical health care, financial assistance, education and employment services, housing, advocacy, and socialization activities.
• Help participants establish goals and strategies to increase self-sufficiency and access public benefits such as General Assistance, Food Stamps, and SSI.
• Support participants as they navigate criminal justice and court systems, including advocating 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 to support program evaluation and outcome tracking.
• Document services promptly, including written case notes in BIRP format, and bill services to Medi-Cal.
• Assist the Program Manager, Clinical Supervisor, and other staff as needed; perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Competitive pay of $25.00–$27.50 per hour.
• 19 days of PTO per year, increasing with tenure.
• 12 paid holidays per year.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage options for employees, with 100% coverage.
• Employer-subsidized dependent health care options.
• Legal and financial services and other support through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Mental health care service through Teledoc.
• Flexible Spending Account for commuter, health care, and dependent care expenses.
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer match and contribution programs.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: High school or GED