Peer Support Specialist - Housing Health Partnership

Community Human Services•Pittsburgh, PA

About The Position

The Peer Support Specialist advances the mission and values of Community Human Services (CHS) by supporting people experiencing homelessness and integrating consumer perspectives into program services. The role provides compassionate peer support throughout recovery, helping participants build life skills, access resources, regain confidence, and engage in activities that foster support and community. The specialist communicates and works cooperatively with staff, completes required documentation, manages crisis situations, and attends required training. The position requires community visits at various locations in Allegheny County and includes maintaining a safe, welcoming office and common space. The specialist performs duties in accordance with agency and program policies and procedures and CHS’s mission, values, and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Requirements

Valid Pennsylvania driver's license and access to a reliable vehicle.
Ability to drive to various locations within Allegheny County for community visits.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including exceptional customer service communication.
Cultural competence and ability to work with people from all backgrounds.
Experience and ability to de-escalate mental and behavioral health crisis situations.
Strong organizational, phone, and computer skills.
Working knowledge of the social service system through life or job-related experience.
Willingness and ability to work independently and collaboratively, and to travel independently.
Ability to navigate the Internet to find and access resources.
Lived experience relevant to the participants served by CHS.
Act 34 Criminal, Act 33 Child Abuse, and FBI Fingerprint clearances upon hire.
Current Comprehensive Crisis Management (CCM) and First Aid/CPR/AED certifications, or willingness to obtain and maintain them upon hire.

Nice To Haves

Certification as a Peer Support Specialist.

Responsibilities

Help participants develop skills, confidence, and relationships as they resume independent living.
Facilitate groups in an open and welcoming environment.
Provide direct peer counseling based on lived experience.
Help participants understand and use recovery strategies.
Complete incident reports, progress notes, goal record sheets, and other case records promptly and thoroughly.
Enter information into the agency database and funder-specific reporting sites in a timely manner.
Perform job duties in accordance with agency and program policies and procedures, and identify appropriate procedures for different situations.
Assist participants with maintaining the physical site, perform household duties as needed, and report needed repairs.
Help clean the staff office and common spaces as needed.
Ensure health and safety standards are met and maintained, and help maintain an inviting and comfortable office and common space.
Attend required training and professional development, including at least 15 hours of training per calendar year.
Keep informed about CHS programs and services, relevant statistics, regulations, and best practices.
Contribute to CHS's organizational standards, ethical practices, and diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.