Peer Support Specialist I – Department of Public Health and Environment

City and County of Denver • Denver, CO

2d • $24 - $30 • Onsite

About The Position

The City and County of Denver's Department of Public Health and Environment (DDPHE) is seeking a Peer Support Specialist I to join the Community and Behavioral Health (CBH) division. This field-based position will focus on providing outreach and connecting individuals in Denver with resources for shelter, housing, mental health, and substance abuse. The role involves working as part of the Wellness Winnie team and collaborating with other CBH division teams. The department fosters an inclusive culture and implements equitable public health strategies to support thriving Denver communities. This position may also require participation in an emergency preparedness and response team.

Requirements

• Graduation from high school or possession of a GED, HiSET or TASC Certificate.
• One (1) year of experience providing peer support as a volunteer or professional.
• A combination of appropriate education and experience may be substituted for the minimum education and experience requirements.
• Requires a valid Driver's License at the time of application.

Nice To Haves

• Two (2) years of delivering peer support services based on lived experience
• At least one (1) year of working with unhoused community members, individuals with problematic substance use, and individuals diagnosed with a severe and persistent mental illness, and/or engaging in street outreach
• Bi-cultural, bi-lingual, and/or cultural humility; cross-cultural skills, and experience with culturally diverse populations and demonstrated commitment and ability to advance diversity and inclusion.
• Knowledge of Harm reduction strategies and principles.
• Peer and Family Specialist certification approved by Colorado Providers Association (COPA)
• Knowledge of and/or experience with the Denver Metro communities and organizations, substance use treatment, syringe service programs, medical/hospital and/or community resources.
• Experience of utilizing Microsoft Suite to create documents, tables, create, revise, update, and maintain spreadsheets; create, send, and receive email communication.
• Embody and serve as a role model of the pillars of peer support, including trust, respect, mutuality, understanding, and empowerment.
• Strong ability to be flexible and work with a team
• Enjoyment from working outside of the typical office space
• Strong situational awareness and ability to de-escalate situations
• Ability to build trust and rapport quickly to create a relationship where both people learn and grow together.
• Possess a proactive mindset, capable of making informed decisions to drive program expansion and foster partnerships with community-based organizations.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate closely with other multidisciplinary outreach teams and community partners to develop daily plans focusing on unique demographics, service needs, and other special considerations.
• Approach individuals on the street and as part of the Wellness Winnie Team co-located with community partners.
• Engage individuals in trauma-informed care interactions.
• Leverage lived experience and core competencies in Peer Support to cultivate meaningful, authentic relationships grounded in mutual respect and collaboration.
• Engage individuals with goal-setting methods to identify services, resources, partners, and develop timelines to succeed in self-determined goals.
• Provide support for resource navigation to those seeking services.
• Complete warm hand-offs, including transporting individuals to their next destination.
• Ensure vehicle is fully stocked with supplies necessary for successful operations.
• Provide comprehensive support and accuracy in relation to data needs and collection.
• Maintain documentation standards in recording daily activities and interactions.
• Research and operationalize best practices of peer support and peer navigation services to inform work.
• Create and foster professional relationships with networks and organizations.
• Actively participate on an emergency preparedness and response team to support DDPHE’s responsibilities outlined in the City’s Emergency Operations Plan.
• Respond to emergencies as part of an on-call rotation.

Benefits

• A guaranteed life-long monthly pension, once vested after 5 years of service
• 457B Retirement Plan
• 140 hours of PTO earned within first year
• 12 paid holidays, 1 personal holiday, 1 Wellness Day and 1 volunteer day per year
• Competitive medical, dental and vision plans effective within 1 month of start date

What This Job Offers

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