Peer Support Specialist - 10923

Colorado Coalition for the Homeless • Quinte West, ON

19d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Peer Specialist partners with families participating in the Family Support Services [FSS] housing program to facilitate a self-directed change process aimed at improving health and well-being. This position works collaboratively with families and CCH teams towards the general goals of increasing family stability, improving family functioning, increasing the self-sufficiency of the family, promote recovery from substance use, harm reduction, a sense of purpose, and connection with one's community. The primary function of the Peer Specialist is to provide peer support and navigation/coordination services to assist clients in accessing the resources and developing the personal skills they need to secure and maintain stable housing; establish or remain engaged with healthcare services to improve and/or maintain overall health and well-being; establish positive and supportive social connections within the community; and identify and pursue meaningful activities that provide a sense of purpose and personal satisfaction. This position will support clients at the Champa, West End Flats, Concord Plaza and Loretto Heights locations. Mileage reimbursement at 72.5 cents per mile is offered.

Requirements

• Experience, competence and sensitivity in working with homeless individuals, especially for those who have been unable to successfully navigate mainstream services.
• Sound critical thinking and decision-making skills.
• Consistently superb customer service skills; excellent interpersonal/assertive communications skills demonstrating a high degree of emotional intelligence.
• Able to communicate effectively with diverse population.
• Valid driver’s license required. This requirement may be waived, if necessary, based on overall candidate experience and current needs of the business.

Nice To Haves

• Bilingual (Spanish/English) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Utilizes relevant personal experience to establish supportive, trusting relationships with peers to inspire hope and resilience and to foster the belief that recovery is possible.
• Mentors peers regarding goal setting, skill-building and problem-solving activities with an emphasis on peer strengths and empowerment.
• Provides individual and group peer counseling and support for peers in recovery. Provides guidance and encouragement to promote responsibility and participation in recovery.
• Provides patient navigation and care coordination services in close collaboration with FSS case managers, clinicians, other CCH staff, and other community partners.
• Guides peers through the healthcare system, facilitates interaction and communication between peers and health care staff and providers, and advocates on behalf of peers’ interests and goals.
• Transports/arranges transport and/or escorts peers to scheduled appointments at SSHC and elsewhere, as requested by program participants.
• Outreaches peers in the community to assess status and monitor needs.
• Works cooperatively with property managers and other residence staff to assure proper and timely services for peers and to maintain positive relationships with management and fellow residents.
• Links peers with resources and supports within the community to increase social integration and sense of connectedness.
• Serves as liaison with collaborating agencies to establish and maintain effective working relationships for the benefit of the peers.
• Facilitates group activities to promote social engagement and community connection.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Choice of HMO or PPO health insurance coverage options: full-time employees contribute only 1% of their earnings for their own HMO health coverage and no more than 4% of their earnings for coverage of eligible dependents.
• Same- and opposite-sex domestic partner coverage.
• Choice of dental insurance or discount plan.
• Vision insurance.
• Flexible spending accounts for health care / dependent care / parking expenses.
• Free basic life and AD&D insurance coverage.
• Employee Assistance Program, a problem-solving resource available to you and your household members.
• Dollar-for-dollar retirement plan matching contributions up to 5% of earnings with 3-year vesting.
• Extensive paid time-off, including 9 holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and three weeks of vacation for new full-time employees in their first year.
• Mileage reimbursement at 72.5 cents per mile.

What This Job Offers

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