Outreach Peer Support Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Description :

SHIFT : Monday - Friday 6 : 30 / 7 : 00a.m. - 3 : 30 / 4 : 00p.m.

COMP : Uncertified $20-22 and Certified $23-25

OVERVIEW : Founded in 1979 in direct response to rising rates of hunger and homelessness in North San Diego County, Interfaith Community Services works to break the cycle of poverty and homelessness by Helping People Help Themselves .

Interfaith is the most comprehensive social s ervices agency in North County, providing both immediate safety net services and long-term, life-changing programs designed to meet the holistic needs of people in crisis.

Together, in partnership with 250+ diverse faith communities, more than 650 recurrent volunteers, and a growing staff of over 200, Interfaith provides a safe haven and pathway towards self-sufficiency for more than 17,000 community members annually.

WHAT YOU WILL DO :

We are seeking a dedicated Peer Support Specialist to join our team, focusing on homeless outreach initiatives.

This position provides direct services to clients, including but not limited to intakes, assessments, crisis intervention, case management, securing employment opportunities, accessing shelter and housing resources, and client advocacy to connect individuals experiencing homelessness to housing, health, and other supportive services.

This position will often work in tandem with a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor. You will also interact closely with a the interdepartmental team of case managers, resident coordinators, behavioral health clinicians, clients, interns, community partners, program leadership, and staff.

This role is unique because you will work both in an office setting and directly in the field, engaging with the homeless population to build trust, offer guidance, and facilitate their journey towards stability.

• Conduct outreach activities to identify and engage with unhoused participants in various settings, including streets, shelters, and community centers.
• Provides direct services to clients, which include : assessments, referrals, and client advocacy with the goal of achieving self-sufficiency.
• Provides peer counseling through guidance and support, and pulls from lived experiences to help clients identify their own strengths, set achievable goals and follow through consistently so they can become self-sufficient.
• Maintain accurate documentation and tracking tools in multiple databases of client interactions, progress notes, and service referrals in compliance with organizational policies and confidentiality standards.
• Collaborate with local agencies, nonprofits, and employers to access resources, provide warm referrals, and facilitate job placements and vocational training opportunities for our unhoused participants.
• Provides education on overdose prevention and reversal.
• Participates in harm reduction activities in partnership with Neighborhood Healthcare Harm Reduction program and Outreach Teams.
• Conducts Community Assessment Tool (CAT) and enters data into CES / HMIS, as needed;
• Provides services for timely entry into Detox / Residential treatment including connection to health care provider for medical clearance and Medication Assisted Treatment services.
• Develops and maintains effective relationships with SUD, mental and medical health providers.
• Identifies, engages and links underserved populations with SUD and behavioral health services.
• Transports clients in agency van in a safe and timely manner while observing traffic laws and regulations.
• Prepares and facilitates group learning sessions for clients. Integrating spiritual wellness introductions to meditation, and other culturally rooted healing modalities.
• Serve as a resource and advocate for unhoused individuals within the community, promoting awareness and understanding of homelessness issues.
• Utilizes Housing First and Diversion strategies to stabilize clients experiencing homelessness.
• Assist unhoused participants in accessing shelter or housing resources, including guiding them through application processes and advocating on their behalf.
• Administers supportive services per agency and contract guidelines and identifies resources depending on clients’ needs.
• Links and networks clients with resources within the agency and utilizes other public and private social service agencies as necessary.
• Ability to work independently and professionally at partnering agencies, faith centers and other community settings.
• Develops and maintains effective relationships with volunteers, interns and other agency personnel through collaborative efforts.
• Participate in team meetings, case conferences, and trainings to enhance knowledge and skills related to homeless outreach and peer support practices.
• Meets regularly with Supervisor and participates in agency meetings and staff trainings.
• Performs additional duties as assigned.

Requirements :

EXPERIENCE / EDUCATION

• Minimum High School Diploma or equivalent required (Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or related field preferred).
• 1+ years of relevant work experience required. Previous experience working with homeless populations or in outreach services is highly desirable.
• Certification as a Peer Support Specialist or willingness to obtain certification within the probationary period.
• Experience working with severely mentally ill, medically fragile, and homeless populations preferred
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and have a clean driving record for insurability under the agency’s insurance carrier’s standards
• Bilingual (English / Spanish) preferred

EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS

• PTO Accrue 3 weeks in your first year!
• Paid Holidays 13 scheduled
• Flexible Work Schedules
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• AD&D / Group Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts Medical and Dependent Care
• Matched 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Early Release Days!
• Work Anniversary Bonuses
• Tuition Reimbursement and Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligibility
• Employee Assistance Plan (EAP)
• Home Ownership Assistance Program
• Casual Work Environment
• Professional Growth and Career Development Opportunities

Interfaith is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to age, race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, pregnancy, marital status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, nationality, sex, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.

In addition, Interfaith will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.