Job Title: Permanent Supportive Housing Peer Specialist
Department: Housing
Reports To: Grant Compliance & Accounting Proj. Manager
FLSA Status: Exempt
Hours: Full-Time
SUMMARY:
The primary role of the Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) Peer Specialist (PS) is to provide peer support to individuals who have experienced chronic homelessness, mental illness, substance abuse and/or co-occurring disorders enrolled in PSH. The Peer Specialist will function as role model to peers; exhibiting competency in personal recovery and use of coping skills; serve as a consumer advocate, providing information and peer support for clients primarily in the client’s home. The PS connects each client to community-based recovery support services that are relevant to the client such as AA/NA, faith-based services, and others self disclosing supportive services to assist peers in regaining independence within the community. The PS is also responsible for entering client information into client track systems and helping to track performance outcomes.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
This job has no supervisory responsibilities.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Develops positive relationships with assigned clients
Assist clients in articulating personal goals for recovery through the use of one to one and group sessions. During these sessions, the PS will support clients in identifying and creating goals and developing recovery plans with the skills, strengths, supports and resources to aid them in achieving goals
Assist clients in working with their case manager or treatment team in determining the steps he/she needs to take in order to achieve these goals and self directed recovery
Utilize tools such as the Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) to assist clients in creating their own individual wellness and recovery plans
Participate in the organizations Recovery Oriented System of Care (ROSC) initiatives
Assist clients in developing empowerment skills and combating stigma through self-advocacy
Provides accurate information about available assistance and completes necessary referrals
Refers clients to appropriate programs for assistance
Maintains accurate and timely data entry of all client contacts in data tracking systems
Works collaboratively with Program Coordinator to complete required reports in order to document and program performance outcome measures
Work closely with the Behavioral Health and Housing Program staff in determining the steps clients’ need to take in order to achieve their goals and self-directed recovery
Assist clients in building social skills in the community that will enhance positive relationships
Attend staff development trainings and meetings as directed
All other duties as assigned.
RESIDENTS, GUEST, AND INTERNAL CUSTOMER FOCUS:
The Peer Specialist is sensitive to emotional, spiritual and practical needs of resident , families, guests and
staff members in all interactions. Provides positive feedback and comments about the quality of work and effort that have been offered by residents, families and coworkers. Adjusts priorities and schedules to meet specific customer needs. Reports and/or corrects problems related to safety, cleanliness and comfort of resident and work areas. Universal Precautions and Infection Control techniques are followed. Understands own their role facility safety plans and procedures related to fire, weather and other disasters.
PHYSICAL/MENTAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS:
Personal vehicle and valid Florida driver’s license
Physically able to work in a fast paced, multitasked environment
Ability to travel
Works in typical office setting
Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel
Work various shifts and weekends as required to ensure that case management services are adequately administered and accessible to clients.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
A High School Diploma is required and Associate Degree is preferred
A peer specialist certification required or will agree to obtain it within 90 days
Lived experience with mental health conditions, substance abuse, or trauma.
Experience working as a Peer Specialist or Case Manager preferred
Past experience working with the individuals who have experienced homelessness is preferred
Ability to establish cooperative working relationships with residents, colleagues, community partners, and volunteers
Ability to interact with people from diverse culture and racial backgrounds
Excellent customer service skills
Excellent interpersonal skills, leadership skills, and ability to work independently in a fast paced environment
Ability to manage and de-escalate crisis situations
Working knowledge of community resources
Strong computer, writing and communication skills.