Peer Support Specialist; HSC)

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20 - EWS-ACG DHS HSC Full Time Pathforward, Arlington, VA, US

3 days ago Requisition

Salary: $50,000.00 Annually

Position Summary: The Peer Support Specialist will provide empathetic, peer-based support and advocacy to individuals navigating homelessness and/or substance use recovery. This role is designed for someone with lived experience in these areas who is passionate about helping others by sharing their journey, offering guidance, and providing hope. As a Peer Support Specialist, you will work closely with clients to enhance their engagement with services, develop recovery plans, and promote overall well-being.

This role is essential in fostering trust, promoting wellness, and empowering clients through lived experience, mentorship, and advocacy.

• Provide peer support to shelter residents struggling with substance use, mental health challenges, and homelessness.
• Facilitate one-on-one and group recovery sessions to encourage healing, resilience, and long-term stability.
• Plan, develop curriculum for, and facilitate up to five (5) groups per week focused on recovery, healthy coping skills, life skills, and other topics that support client wellness and stability.
• Assist clients in developing personal recovery plans and navigating available community resources, such as healthcare, housing, and employment services.
• Act as a liaison between shelter residents and professional service providers to ensure access to necessary support systems.
• Advocate for individuals by promoting their rights, dignity, and recovery-oriented goals within the shelter and community.
• Maintain accurate and confidential records of interactions and progress in accordance with organizational and legal standards.
• Educate and guide clients on harm reduction strategies, relapse prevention, and self-care techniques.
• Support the shelter's mission by contributing to program development and outreach efforts.
• Work closely and collaboratively with Case Managers to support clients in achieving individualized goals, including but not limited to housing stability, substance use recovery, mental health recovery, employment, and community integration.
• Partner with the Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) to develop, enhance, and facilitate client-centered programming, groups, activities, and recovery-oriented initiatives.

• High School diploma or GED equivalent
• Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) or willingness to obtain certification within a specified timeframe.
• A deep commitment to ethical conduct, maintaining the highest standards of integrity and professionalism. A demonstrated commitment to confidentiality, reliability, and precision is required. Passionate about using your talents to make a tangible impact in the community.
• Lived experience with substance use recovery, mental health challenges, or homelessness, combined with a strong commitment to helping others.
• Experience working in homeless shelters, mental health programs, or addiction recovery services is highly preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to connect, listen, and build trust with diverse individuals.
• Knowledge of recovery models, trauma-informed care, harm reduction, and crisis intervention
• Ability to work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
• Strong problem-solving, advocacy, and organizational skills.

• Demonstrated proficiency in computer skills, including the ability to effectively operate a laptop and navigate and utilize Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, as well as SharePoint. Must be able to schedule and manage calendar invites and meetings.
• Demonstrated proficiency in written communication, including the ability to communicate clearly and professionally via email and to write accurate, timely, and well-organized case notes.
• Comfortable using organization-approved artificial intelligence tools, including Microsoft Copilot, to support documentation, communication, program development, and other work-related tasks in accordance with agency policies.
• Possess a valid driver's license and a satisfactory driving record. Must be comfortable operating a minivan or similar agency vehicle to transport clients safely to appointments, community activities, and other…