Peer Support Counselor

REDWOOD COMMUNITY SERVICES INC•Ukiah, CA

5d•$22 - $22•Onsite

About The Position

As a Building Bridges (B2) Peer Support Counselor, you will work directly with individuals experiencing homelessness. Building Bridges is a collaborative homeless resource center in Ukiah designed to provide housing-related services and safe shelter to people experiencing a housing crisis. Services are provided through a partnership of multiple community agencies. B2 operates from a low-barrier perspective, minimizing barriers to services, shelter, and housing resources. This is a full-time, ¾ time, or part-time position, unless otherwise noted, working as part of a team at B2. You will assist individuals and families with connecting to shelter, laundry and shower facilities, housing resources, and other services offered. You will interact with the guests at the facility and talk with them about their housing goals. You will contribute to creating a safe, stable, supportive, and sanitary environment. This position requires an ability to be accepting and compassionate towards people who are living in trauma and may behave in ways that are hard to be around. You will demonstrate high-quality customer service and empathy while working with diverse staff, guests, and community partners.

Requirements

Minimum of one (1) year of experience working in a position related to homelessness, social services, hospitality, mental health, substance use, or similar areas
Candidates must be at least 21 years old
Must have ability to work a flexible schedule, including weekends (facility is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
Must possess a valid CA Driver’s License, current auto insurance, and a clean DMV printout (no more than 3 points).
Must pass a clear background check with DOJ & FBI.
CPR and First Aid Certified.
TB Exam and Physical at the time of employment.

Nice To Haves

Candidates with lived/personal experience with homelessness
Candidates that speak and/or are fluent in Spanish or American Sign Language (ASL).
Training in harm reduction, Housing First, trauma-informed, low barrier service models.

Responsibilities

Monitors guest interactions and behaviors, intervening as needed to maintain a safe, stable, and supportive environment.
Provides guidance and reminders to the guests to aid them with adhering to the policies of the facility.
Regularly walk throughout the building and the perimeter of the facility to monitor for safety and security checks.
Ensuring you engage with the guests as needed and intervene in disruptive incidents as they arise.
Intervenes and de-escalates situations that would lead to dangerous behavior(s).
Recommends or initiates other, non-physical, measures to redirect behavior.
Communicates with on call supervisor, as needed and required, for assistance, direction, and to report incidents, according to policy.
Provides services consistent with a person-centered, strength-based, low barrier, harm reduction, Housing First program foundation.
Focuses on the underlying needs of the guests rather than the maladaptive behaviors they may be exhibiting to get those needs met.
Learns about and maintains knowledge about substance use and the effects of various substances.
Seeks out information and training on up-to-date best practices on harm reduction interventions.
Learns the signs of an overdose and administers Narcan/Naloxone as appropriate for opioid overdoses.