Housing Retention Peer Support Specialist (48335)

Position Summary

The main role of the Peer Support Specialist is to support program participants set, and achieve their goals while in shelter and housing programs. They will assist participants daily with applying for benefits and creating a plan that will help them move toward stabilization. The Peer Support Specialist will also work with other program case managers, other ACCESS staff members, and community partners as part of a multi-disciplinary team to help participants overcome barriers and access resources. This position will primarily focus on providing peer support, resources, and referrals to individuals and families already in ACCESS programs.

Position Duties & Responsibilities

• Identify the needs of individuals and families through direct Peer Support activities.
• Make referrals and follow up on referrals to appropriate community resources.
• Establish and maintain positive working relationships with other service providers and community support providers, providing wrap-around services to assist this population towards housing stability.
• Participate in appropriate workshops, training, and meetings as requested.
• Daily maintain complete client records, case notes, daily activity logs, mileage logs, HMIS database, and other reports as requested.
• Take appropriate action to deal with any participant or potential participant emergency.
• Work with the Peer Support Supervisor, Outreach Manager, and Director to identify new opportunities for ACCESS program participants.
• Transport participants in a company vehicle to and from appointments as needed.
• Work closely with community partners to support participants' needs.
• De-escalate situations when they occur and work closely with Security and property staff to identify potentially dangerous situations/behavior.
• Work as a lead at night or on weekends when severe weather activations occur.
• Attend regular meetings with local community partners to help improve access to services for program participants.
• Conduct room inspections for the health and safety of participants.
• Utilize Microsoft Office and HMIS daily to track and maintain participant records.