PSH Peer Support Specialist

Alternatives For Girls•Detroit, MI

About The Position

Using a Housing First and Trauma-Informed approach, the Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) Peer Support Specialist for Dr. Maya Angelou Village will promote self-sufficiency and decision-making abilities to formerly homeless individuals and families as they work to maintain stable housing. The Peer Support Specialist will work alongside PSH Case Planners to provide ongoing supportive services tailored to client needs connecting housing stability and mental wellness. This position is part of a 7-person service team that collaborates to serve 45 units at DMAV. The individuals we serve face many challenges, including mental health, substance use disorders, and/or chronic medical conditions in addition to chronic homelessness. This is a temporary position ending September 30, 2026. The PSH Peer Support Specialist supports AFG’s mission by connecting individuals and families experiencing homelessness to permanent sustainable housing and supportive services.

Requirements

Requires a minimum of a high school diploma or GED
Requires basic computer software and internet skills
Requires valid Michigan driver’s license, reliable transportation, good driving record and meet minimum Michigan insurance requirements
Ability to utilize appropriate tools and approaches for empowering clients (ie. Motivational interviewing)
Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
Demonstrate maturity and professionalism even in stressful situations.
Commitment to an empowering, client-centered and trauma informed approach to peer support.
Ability to set priorities, take initiative and meet deadlines
Good communication skills, diplomacy and tact
Interest and experience working with individuals who may be difficult to engage; experience with harm reduction
Ability to work with diverse populations in a non-judgmental way
Good decision-making, conflict-resolution and effective listening skills
Ability to handle crisis, cope with job stress and maintain confidentiality
Flexibility to work evening/weekend hours as programmatic needs dictate.

Nice To Haves

Lived experience with homelessness, chronic housing instability, living below the poverty line, engagement with community mental health, diagnosed with a mental health condition and/or aging out of foster care is strongly preferred
MDHHS Certified Peer Support Specialist Certification Highly Preferred
Familiarity with the Detroit community and its social service resources is needed

Responsibilities

Facilitate on site services & programming that meet the diverse needs of the DMAV residents.
Instruct participants in daily living skills, socialization skill enhancement and conflict resolution.
Assist in clarifying mental health and recovery goals as appropriate.
Teach and reinforce effective coping strategies, symptom management skills, and de-escalation strategies.
Assist and support participants to carry out daily activities such as personal hygiene, nutrition education, meal planning, grocery shopping, food preparation, and other household duties.
Work side by side with participants to assist, teach, and empower access to needed community resources, access reliable transportation, and connect to needed health services.
Advocate on behalf of participants with outside service providers.
Work with PSH Case Planners to provide supportive services to increase interpersonal relationships and leisure skills.
Assist in maintaining up-to-date, accurate individual case records on each assigned participant.
Network with community service providers to identify programs and resources that will increase participant skills and self-sufficiency.
Ensure consistent contact with participants based on assessed needs, program policies, and funding guidelines. Participant engagement will include on-site home visits with PSH Case Planners.
Assist participants in accessing needed medical, mental health, substance use and psychosocial supportive services
Help participants develop life skills necessary to sustain permanent housing, such as: obtaining employment, obtaining and maintaining governmental benefits programs, participation in educational opportunities, developing housekeeping skills, money management etc.
Assist participants with conflict resolution among neighbors and with any landlord/tenant issues
Design and lead recreational and social events, occasions, and outings to enhance participants’ quality of life and increase self sufficiency
Assist with facilitating and organizing resident meetings and resident councils/committees.
Ensure completion of required documentation and data entry for all program activities
Participate in agency and department trainings, meetings, and special events.
Attend regularly scheduled staff meetings and supervision as well as in-service training and development activities.
Maintain accurate files
Perform other duties, as assigned