Peer Support Specialist (HOY)

Are you passionate about helping others and want to work with an organization that shares that passion? Do you want to make an impact on a youth's life, helping to create a path to health and self sufficiency? Consider joining Urban Street Angels and our dedicated team of professionals who are making a difference. Founded in 2012, Urban Street Angels is a San Diego based non-profit dedicated to supporting homeless youth through supportive housing, peer support, mentorship, mental health counseling, and job training initiatives, to develop a more employable workforce and cultivate personal responsibility. Of California's unhoused population, 50% cite they first had an experience with homelessness between the ages of 18 and 25. This critical demographic has the potential to leave the streets behind for good when provided with the support needed to make a change in their lives. Urban Street Angels has made it our mission to serve this under-supported group, and in so doing, make meaningful progress toward ending homelessness in San Diego and beyond.Title: Peer Support Specialist (Housing our Youth program)Status: Full-time, nonexempt, in-personHourly rate: $22 - $24 (based on qualifications and experience)Schedules: On-siteLocation: Vista, CaliforniaPosition Summary: The Peer Support Specialist provides direct peer support, engagement, and guidance to transitional age youth (TAY) participating in the Housing Our Youth (HOY) program. This position assists with participant engagement, resource navigation, and participant groups while using appropriate research methods to complete duties, lead group exercises, develop professional rapport with participants, and monitor participant progress throughout the program.Services are delivered in alignment with the agencys goals, objectives, mission, and overall team framework. The Peer Support Specialist works collaboratively within the multidisciplinary team to help establish and meet team goals and objectives. The role centers on relationship-building, mentoring, and supporting youth in navigating housing resources, behavioral health services, independent living skills, and other community supports that promote stability, wellness, and self-sufficiency.Responsibilities: Build trusting, supportive relationships with youth and young adults experiencing or at risk of homelessnessFoster a safe, nonjudgmental environment that promotes empowerment, self-determination, and personal growthUtilize shared lived experience to enhance program engagement, advance interventions, and increase participant satisfactionProvide administrative and intervention support to program staff, including preparing agendas and activities for groups, assisting with documentation and data collection, supporting meetings and events, facilitating groups, and leading youth activitiesSupport the collection, organization, and analysis of program data required for reporting purposesIdentify and connect youth to community resources such as emergency shelter, transitional housing, healthcare, education, and employment opportunities.Assist participants in developing individualized goals related to housing stability, life skills, education, and wellnessProvide guidance on navigating daily living, budgeting, self-care, and healthy relationshipsCollaborate closely with case managers, housing navigators, and mental health clinicians to ensure coordinated service deliveryParticipate in case conferences, team meetings, and community collaborations to support a holistic approach to careFacilitate peer-led support groups and life skills workshops focused on empowerment, recovery, and resilienceRespond to participants in crisis using trauma-informed care principles, de-escalation techniques, and mental health first aid strategiesProvide emotional support and connect youth to appropriate crisis or emergency servicesDemonstrate cultural humility and sensitivity to diverse backgrounds, identities, and experiencesApply trauma-informed principles in all interactions to promote safety, healing, and trustEngage in youth recruitment, outreach, and advocacy activities to increase program visibility and accessibilityProvide aftercare, follow-up, and stabilization support services to participants as they transition into stable housingMaintain professional, supportive relationships with participants while upholding program boundaries and ethicsMeet with participants regularly to assess needs, provide supportive services, and apply evidence-informed curricula as appropriatePerform administrative tasks as assigned, including maintaining proper documentation, file organization, and audit readinessAttend all agency required meetings and trainingsOther duties as assigned and relevantQualifications:High school diploma or GED equivalent requiredLived experience or familiarity with challenges common among transition-age youth (TAY) requiredExperience supporting youth with Independent Living Skills (financial aid, college admission, GED preparation, housing, transportation, etc.)Knowledge of community resources, referral processes, and local support networksExcellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to quickly build rapport and maintain positive relationshipsAbility to serve as a positive adult role model while establishing appropriate boundaries and providing guidance in high-stress or crisis situationsAbility to work with a diverse population, demonstrate cultural sensitivity, and maintain professional boundaries with participantsCompletion of a Peer Support Specialist training program recognized by the State of California (or willingness to complete within 6 months of hire)Valid drivers license and reliable transportationBasic computer literacy, including email, documentation, and case notesMust submit to a background check via Live Scan (with ongoing alerts) as required by program, funding, and licensing regulations.Must be able to comfortably perform all physical and mental aspects of the job and additional duties as assignedAdditional Requirements:Reliable transportationAbility to travel between Urban Street Angels locations, if necessaryAbility to lift up to 20 lbs. and work in varied indoor/outdoor settingsFlexibility to work evenings or weekends as neededMust submit to a background check via Live Scan (with ongoing alerts), as required by specific programs, funding requirements and licensing regulationsMust submit to a TB testMust be authorized to work in the U.S. and complete I9 verificationBenefits:Urban Street Angels offers an array of benefits to employees, supporting health, wellness and retirement, including: 401(k) retirement savingsMedical insuranceDental insuranceVision insuranceAncillary voluntary insurancesPaid time off including sick and vacation timeReferral incentive programUrban Street Angels is an equal opportunity employer, committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. Discrimination of any kind, notably based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable laws, is strictly prohibited. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs.

Salary : $22 - $24