Peer Support Specialist I (Focus Area Engagement Team) – Department of Public Health and Environment
About The Position
The City and County of Denver's Department of Public Health and Environment (DDPHE) is seeking a dedicated and experienced Peer Support Specialist I to join the Focus Area Street Engagement Team. This team provides direct services to a diverse group of people in the community through outreach. The role involves collaborating with individuals from various backgrounds, including those who experience trauma, stigma, and oppression, such as people who use substances, people living with mental health challenges, and people experiencing unstable housing. The position requires working in ever-changing environments, exposed to seasonal elements, with a majority of the work completed outside of an office setting, in compact spaces, and on foot. DDPHE is committed to advancing Denver's environmental and public health goals through education, community engagement, and enforcement, fostering healthy people, healthy pets, and a sustainable environment. They also foster an inclusive culture by respecting diverse values and implementing equitable public health strategies.
Requirements
- Graduation from high school or the possession of a GED, HiSET or TASC Certificate.
- One (1) year of experience providing peer support as a volunteer or professional.
- Requires a valid Driver's License at the time of application.
- Two (2) years of lived experience with significant mental health and or substance misuse challenges
- Two (2) years of delivering peer support services
- 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 culturally sensitive; 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, mail merge, reports; 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
- Work daily within a geographic area prioritized for outreach to connect people to shelter, housing, and other services.
- Collaborate closely with a multidisciplinary outreach team to develop daily operational plans focusing on unique demographics, service needs, and other special considerations.
- Approach individuals on the street in the Focus Area, engaging them in trauma-responsive and person-focused 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 in emergency preparedness and response team activities to support DDPHE’s responsibilities outlined in the City’s Emergency Operations Plan, which may require being ‘on-call’ from time to time to respond to emergencies.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Benefits
- Competitive pay
- Great 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
- 1 volunteer day per year
- Competitive medical, dental and vision plans effective within 1 month of start date
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
