What are the responsibilities and job description for the Peer Support Specialist position at Northwest Michigan Supportive Housing?
Overview
Peer Support Specialist provides client-centered support using lived experience to help tenants obtain and maintain stable housing. Offers peer coaching, skill-building and proactive engagement to connect individuals with needed supports and promote independence and housing stability. Works with tenants to navigate housing challenges and build positive tenancy practices. The Peer Support Specialist will work in partnership with Northwest Michigan Supportive Housing’s leadership team.
Essential functions:
1. Provide one-on-one peer support and coaching to help tenants obtain and maintain stable housing and achieve personal goals.
2. Build trusting relationships through assertive outreach, engagement, and lived experience.
3. Assess and triage tenant needs, connecting individuals to appropriate mental health, physical health, and community resources.
4. Support tenants in developing daily living skills, including communication, conflict resolution, budgeting, and maintaining housing.
5. Help tenants navigate barriers to housing stability through problem-solving and ongoing support.
6. Respond to crises using de-escalation techniques and connect to emergency services when necessary.
7. Assist tenants in understanding lease expectations and maintaining positive relationships with property management and service providers.
8. Collaborate with leadership, case managers, and community partners to ensure coordinated, individualized care.
9. Promote tenant voice, choice, and leadership in service planning and community engagement.
10. Facilitate or support peer-led groups, activities, and opportunities that build community connection and life skills.
11. Accompany tenants as needed to appointments, outreach efforts, and community activities.
12. Observe and communicate tenant well-being or property-related concerns to appropriate team members.
13. Maintain accurate documentation and participate in team meetings, training, and professional development.
Position Objectives:
To support individuals in maintaining stable housing by providing client-centered peer coaching, connecting them to essential services and promoting long-term independence and housing success in collaboration with NMSH leadership.
Experience Preferred:
1. Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS) or ability to obtain certification
2. Bachelor’s degree in social work or other relevant degree
3. Lived experience with homelessness, recovery, or behavioral health systems
4. Experience working with individuals experiencing housing instability or in supportive housing settings.
Minimum Environmental Expectations: Work is performed in a variety of settings, including office, client homes, community locations, with frequent interaction with individuals experiencing complex needs. The role requires flexibility, the ability to manage stressful or crisis situations and regular local travel with use of technology in both field and office environments.
Benefits
● Qualified Small Employer Health Reimbursement Arrangement
● SIMPLE IRA with employer match
● Generous paid time off (PTO) and holidays
● Professional development support
Pay: From $20.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Bereavement leave
- Paid time off
Work Location: In person
Salary : $20