Peer Support Specialist

Volunteers of America Colorado•Denver, CO

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The Peer Support Specialist provides trauma-informed, recovery-oriented support to women experiencing homelessness, housing instability, mental health challenges, and/or co-occurring behavioral health needs. Drawing upon lived experience and peer support principles, this position fosters hope, engagement, and empowerment while helping participants access resources, strengthen recovery, build community connections, and works toward long-term housing and wellness goals.

Requirements

Models core culture attributes of VOACO that include “AIRS” (Accountability, Integrity, Respect and Service).
Models and VOACO’s three strategical critical virtues of HHS (Hungry, Humble, People Smart).
Strong interpersonal skills and collaboration with Keys to Housing team members and community stake holders.
Lived experience or knowledge of mental health/substance use.
Colorado driver’s license and state-mandated automobile insurance.

Nice To Haves

Maintained recovery from their conditions(s) for over a period of one year.
Lived experience of homelessness.
1 year of related experience in the field of Peer Recovery support.
Possesses personal vehicle for transportation related to program needs. (No client transportation).

Responsibilities

Works collaboratively with shelter staff, behavioral health providers, housing agencies, healthcare organizations, community partners, and local service providers to connect women experiencing homelessness or housing instability with supportive resources.
Advocates for participants' housing, behavioral health, and recovery needs while helping address barriers to stability and wellness.
Provides person-centered peer support to individuals as they navigate the stages of change, helping them identify goals, overcome barriers, and build motivation for recovery, wellness, and self-sufficiency.
Develops trusting relationships by meeting participants where they are, offering encouragement and understanding, and serving as a bridge to ongoing mental health, behavioral health, housing, and community support.
Initiates and maintains meaningful engagement with shelter residents and program participants, connecting individuals to services including housing resources, healthcare, Medicaid enrollment, behavioral health treatment, substance use recovery services, employment supports, and public benefits.
Utilizes community-based outreach, participant-centered meetings, and other engagement strategies to foster connection and trust.
Provides ongoing follow-up and support to participants as they transition toward housing stability and independent living.
Assesses participant needs, facilitates referrals, and assists with accessing community resources as appropriate.
Organizes and facilitates recovery-oriented, wellness, and community-building activities that promote social connection and personal growth.
Works independently, exercises sound judgment, maintains professional boundaries, and actively participates as a member of a multidisciplinary treatment and support team.
Demonstrates proficiency in operating computer systems, electronic documentation platforms, Microsoft Office applications, office equipment, and communication technology required to support service delivery.
Travels to community locations, partner agencies, healthcare providers, housing sites, and participant residences as needed to conduct outreach, advocacy, and follow-up services.
Utilizes lived experience, recovery principles, and evidence-based engagement practices to support individuals in building hope, resilience, self-advocacy, and recovery capital.
Collaborates closely with case managers, clinicians, therapists, housing specialists, medical providers, and community partners to promote positive outcomes related to mental health, housing stability, and overall well-being.
Advocates alongside participants to help address unmet needs and strengthen access to supportive services.