Housing Peer Specialist

Elmcor Youth & Adult Activities Inc•New York, NY

13d•$0 - $25•Onsite

About The Position

Peers provide assistance, guidance and support to individuals who are transitioning from being unhoused, in institutional settings, or unstable housing situations to stable and supportive housing environments. As someone who has experienced similar challenges and successfully navigated their own journey to stable housing, the Supportive Housing Peer plays a crucial role in building rapport, offering encouragement and sharing personal experiences to inspire hope and facilitate the integration of individuals into their new living situations.

Requirements

High School Diploma and CRPA or CRPA -P
Lived experience of housing instability
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to establish trust and build rapport.
Empathetic, patient, and nonjudgmental attitude toward residents.
Strong understanding of local resources and services available to individuals experiencing housing instability.
High level of emotional intelligence and the ability to manage emotions in challenging situations.
Demonstrate strong interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills to effectively support leadership, staff, and client needs.
Exercise sound judgment and discretion while managing multiple priorities, meeting deadlines, and remaining composed under pressure.
Maintain a professional, courteous, and service-oriented demeanor while fostering a positive and welcoming environment for employees, clients, and stakeholders.
Work independently with minimal supervision while also contributing as a collaborative, solution-focused team member in a fast-paced environment.
Identify, analyze, and resolve routine issues efficiently while maintaining attention to detail and a consistently positive attitude.

Responsibilities

Provide peer support, mentorship, and encouragement to residents by fostering trusting relationships, promoting community engagement, and sharing lived experiences to support housing stability.
Collaborate with case managers and program staff to develop and implement individualized housing stability plans and connect residents to essential services and community resources.
Facilitate groups, workshops, and skill-building activities focused on independent living, budgeting, household management, self-advocacy, and successful tenancy.
Support residents in navigating housing-related challenges, accessing benefits and services, and understanding the responsibilities associated with maintaining stable housing.
Identify and respond to crisis situations by providing immediate support, de-escalation, and coordination with the program team to ensure resident safety and well-being.
Maintain accurate documentation of participant interactions, progress, and outcomes while participating in ongoing training and professional development activities.