Peer Specialist

Abode • San Jose, CA

17h • Onsite

About The Position

Abode Services is seeking a Peer Specialist for its 2nd Street Studios program in San Jose, California. This is an onsite, part-time role working 20 hours per week, Tuesday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

The Peer Specialist provides outreach, case management, and rehabilitative services as part of a team that engages, houses, and supports participants with clinical services. Participants are identified through county data and assessment processes as frequent users of emergency, criminal justice, and other homeless and county services. They may have serious mental health disorders, substance use disorders, and/or chronic health conditions.

Abode Services is a nonprofit working to end homelessness through housing and supportive services that help individuals and families achieve stability and independence. Its work is grounded in the Housing First model, providing individualized support based on people’s needs, goals, and strengths. The organization’s mission includes assisting low-income, unhoused people, including those with special needs, to secure stable supportive housing and advocating for the removal of the causes of homelessness.

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.
• Use of a personal vehicle, a valid and current California Driver’s License, current insurance, and a clean DMV record.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, organizational, and time-management skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills and meticulous attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with teams.
• Understanding of and practice in cultural sensitivity.
• Experience building rapport and engaging participants who are difficult to serve.
• Ability to build supportive, respectful working relationships with people with disabilities and/or experiencing homelessness, instilling hope and promoting self-determination through a strengths-based approach.
• Sensitivity to and understanding of the special needs of people experiencing homelessness.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs, systems, and platforms.
• Ability to learn and use required mobile devices and business-related applications.
• High emotional intelligence and cultural humility, with a demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective relationships with a wide variety of internal and external contacts.

Responsibilities

• Conduct outreach and engage homeless adults to locate referred individuals at places including encampments, parks, shelters, treatment facilities, jails, and courts.
• Help re-engage enrolled participants who have lost contact with the team.
• Assist with client interviews and initial intakes; gather and assemble related information; maintain appropriate records and files.
• Maintain thorough and concise case notes.
• Help link participants to community services, including mental health treatment, substance recovery, physical health care, financial assistance, education, employment, housing, advocacy, and socialization activities.
• Assist participants in establishing goals and strategies to increase self-sufficiency.
• Assist participants with accessing public benefits such as General Assistance, Food Stamps, and SSI.
• Support participants as they navigate criminal justice and court systems.
• Advocate for participants by interacting with judges, court mental health staff, public defenders, and others.
• Help participants develop a Wellness Recovery Action Plan.
• Provide support, role modeling, and coaching to program 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 using BIRP formats, 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, listed as 100% coverage.
• Employer-subsidized dependent health care options.
• Employee Assistance Program offering legal and financial services and more.
• Mental health care service through Teledoc.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
• Commuter benefits.
• Dependent care benefits.
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer match and contribution programs.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED