Peer Counselor - Housing Support Services

The Housing Support Services Case Manager/Certified Peer Specialist provides compassionate, client-centered support to individuals experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless, many of whom are living with substance use disorders, serious mental health conditions, or co-occurring disorders. This role delivers peer support, case management, and street outreach services, engaging clients through outreach efforts, walk-ins, and referrals while building trust and assessing needs. The specialist connects individuals to housing, employment, education, healthcare, and behavioral health resources, while also supporting the development of daily living skills, understanding of tenant rights and responsibilities, and resolution of challenges in housing or workplace settings. This position collaborates with landlords, employers, and community partners, including local shelters, and is responsible for maintaining accurate and timely documentation of all client interactions in electronic systems.

Responsibilities:Provide case management and peer support to individuals based on their self-identified goals by:

• Assisting participants with connection to shelters, transitional living arrangements, and/or permanent housing
• Assisting participants with applying for and attaining benefits related to cash assistance, medical insurance, SSI/SSDI, SNAP, and/or other entitlements participants qualify for.
• Assisting participants with connection to employment and education opportunities
• Assisting participants with transportation to longer-term support appointments such as primary care, MH treatment, SUD treatment, and/or but not limited to other agency/program support systems.
• Assisting participants with coordination alongside other providers, including SUD, MH, and housing opportunities
• Establish and maintain working relationships with partnering community agencies to assist with coordination of care for participants.
• Attend weekly individual supervision with Housing Support Services Program Manager and monthly group supervision with agency Mental Health Professional.
• Attend team and community meetings anchored in identifying participant needs and coordination.
• Provide outreach and engagement to homeless individuals needing access to care and offer support with connecting to substance use disorder support, mental health treatment, primary care, housing, shelter, employment, educations, and/or other benefits.
• Provide follow up and care to participants who either self-refer or are referred to HSSP programs from internal or external community providers.
• Attend and complete trainings identified by agency and Housing Support Services programs
• Document services provided in electronic medical record and data software
• Conduct landlord outreach to assist with building positive landlord/tenant relationships.
• Participate in peer audits every 90-days.
• Assist with processing rental subsidies when funding is available.

Perform other duties as assigned