Peer Support Counselor

Redwood Community Services • Ukiah, CA

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Peer Support Counselor works full-time overnight as part of Building Bridges (B2), a collaborative homeless resource center in Ukiah that provides shelter and housing-related services to individuals and families experiencing a housing crisis. B2 partners with community agencies and uses a low-barrier approach to help guests access support and resources.

The counselor assists guests with shelter, laundry and shower facilities, housing resources, and other available services. The role includes discussing housing goals with guests, offering support and encouragement, and helping maintain a safe, stable, supportive, and sanitary environment. The position requires a compassionate, empathetic, and accepting approach toward people from diverse backgrounds, including those experiencing homelessness, trauma, and other life challenges. Patience, respect, strong customer service, and collaboration with staff, guests, and community partners are important.

The position is based in Ukiah, California, and is a 40-hour-per-week overnight role. The facility operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and the position may require flexible scheduling, including weekends. Employees may work across agency programs as needed.

Requirements

• At least one year of experience in a position related to homelessness, social services, hospitality, mental health, substance use, or a similar area.
• At least 21 years old.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including weekends.
• Valid California Driver’s License, current auto insurance, and a clean DMV printout with no more than three points.
• Pass a DOJ and FBI background check.
• CPR and First Aid certification.
• Complete a TB exam and physical at the time of employment.

Nice To Haves

• Personal or lived experience with homelessness.
• Ability to speak and/or fluency in Spanish or American Sign Language (ASL).
• Training in harm reduction, Housing First, trauma-informed care, or low-barrier service models.

Responsibilities

• Monitor guest interactions and behavior, intervening as needed to maintain a safe, stable, and supportive environment.
• Provide guidance and reminders to help guests adhere to facility policies.
• Walk regularly throughout the building and around the facility perimeter to conduct safety and security checks.
• Engage with guests as needed and intervene in disruptive incidents.
• Intervene and de-escalate situations that could lead to dangerous behavior.
• Recommend or initiate non-physical measures to redirect behavior.
• Communicate with the on-call supervisor for assistance or direction and report incidents according to policy.
• Provide services consistent with a person-centered, strength-based, low-barrier, harm-reduction, and Housing First foundation.
• Focus on guests’ underlying needs rather than maladaptive behaviors they may exhibit to get those needs met.
• Maintain knowledge about substance use and the effects of various substances.
• Seek information and training on current best practices for harm-reduction interventions.
• Learn the signs of an overdose and administer Narcan/Naloxone as appropriate for opioid overdoses.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package available.
• Additional qualifying hourly differentials: $1.00 for Spanish language translation; $1.00 for bimodal bilingual ASL; $2.00 for bimodal multilingual ASL; and $1.00 for overnight/graveyard stay-awake shifts.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed