Peer Support Specialist- Horizon House

Goodwill of Central and Southern Indiana•Indianapolis, IN

14d•$22

About The Position

The Peer Support Specialist enhances services to Horizon House neighbors and/or housing program participants by leveraging peer-to-peer engagement rooted in lived experience. This role supports individuals experiencing homelessness or living in supportive housing to achieve goals related to physical, mental, and emotional well-being that promote financial and housing stability. Using a recovery-oriented, strengths-based approach, Peer Support Specialists provide assertive engagement, model positive behaviors, inspire hope, encourage accountability, and advocate for accessibility. Peer Support Specialists collaborate closely with Case Managers, Employment and Guest Services staff, and community partners to ensure clients have meaningful, coordinated support throughout their recovery and housing journey. This position reports to the Peer Services Coordinator.

Requirements

Certification as a certified peer support professional (CPSP) or certified peer recovery coach (CPRC-A/CPRC) or similar credential preferred; ability to become certified within 90 days required.
Experience supporting homeless or low-income individuals preferred (including employment, volunteer work, internships, or coursework).
Strong commitment to personal recovery with the demonstrated ability to use lived experience to support others.
Ability to build effective rapport with individuals experiencing homelessness, including those living outdoors or in non-habitable locations.
Ability to collaborate within multidisciplinary teams and with partner agencies.
Demonstrated ability to model healthy behaviors, trauma-informed responses, and positive coping skills.
Collects, analyzes, and applies program data to inform strategies and improve services. Experience in data reporting systems is essential. Strong skills in data interpretation, program evaluation, and outcome reporting.
Capable of using data to assess impact, identify areas for improvement, and ensure accountability.
Articulates thoughts and expresses ideas effectively using oral, written, visual, and non-verbal communication skills, as well as listening skills to comprehend customers’ needs. Delivers information in person, in writing, and in a digital world.
Strong time management, organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple tasks while maintaining high-quality work.
Consistent follow-through, reliability, and accountability.
Basic proficiency or ability to become proficient in Microsoft Outlook, Google Workspace, Word, electronic databases, and virtual meeting platforms.
All candidates must pass a criminal background check.
Must have a valid driver’s license, up-to-date auto insurance, and a good driving record.
Ability to occasionally work a flexible schedule beyond normal business hours.

Responsibilities

Engage individuals experiencing homelessness or living in supportive housing across various locations in Indianapolis.
Build rapport and form authentic, trusting, and professional relationships following the tenets of peer certification.
Model coping strategies, support recovery behaviors, encourage positive choices, and uphold accountability.
Provide education and support in accessing community resources and services in ways that promote self-determination, empowerment, and progress toward individualized goals.
Contribute to client-centered plans addressing health, mental health, recovery, financial, and housing stability needs.
Work closely with case managers and other staff to ensure peer services align with client care plans.
Maintain complete, accurate, and timely documentation of client information, service encounters, and case notes. Documentation must meet Horizon House and Indianapolis Continuum of Care (CoC) standards and be entered into the HMIS adopted by the CoC.
Act in accordance with organizational policies and applicable laws. Observe confidentiality standards, including required reporting of abuse, neglect, or safety concerns.
Maintain ethical conduct consistent with agency policies and peer certification standards.
Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings, staff meetings, and required trainings.
Engage in mutual learning, support, and group supervision with other Peer Support Specialists.
Maintain an awareness of community resources, events, and supports.
Identify or lead groups and activities that strengthen clients’ social connections, sense of purpose, and community belonging.

Benefits

Continuing education and leadership development as well as tuition reimbursement
Comprehensive health plan
Generous paid time off (PTO) and paid holidays
Sabbatical and parental leaves
Life, dental and vision insurance
Short- and long-term disability plans
Nationally recognized preventive health and wellness program
Section 125 pretax health spending account, dependent care spending account, and premiums
Retirement planning options with generous company % match
Eligible for the Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program