Shelter Peer Specialist; One Hopeful Place) Bridgeway Center

Position Summary

Bridgeway Center, Inc. (BCI) is seeking a compassionate, reliable individual who wants to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals experiencing homelessness in Okaloosa County.

The One Hopeful Place (OHP) Shelter Peer Specialist provides direct support, oversight, and recovery-based interventions for participants s is an excellent entry-level opportunity for candidates interested in beginning or growing a career in Human Services. The Shelter Peer Specialist serves as a consistent, supportive presence for participants throughout their shelter stay - completing regular rounds, monitoring the facility through video camera observation, inspecting bunk and common areas, and helping participants navigate day-to-day life at the shelter while working toward stability and housing.

The ideal candidate is outgoing, dependable, and comfortable working independently while remaining part of a collaborative professional and para-professional team. They communicate easily with BCI departments and external stakeholders, multi-task effectively, and maintain a calm, professional demeanor - even in challenging situations - to ensure every participant has a positive and supportive experience.

At BCI, you’ll be part of a dynamic and innovative team dedicated to improving the quality of life for the individuals we serve. As a Shelter Peer Specialist, your work will be both rewarding and impactful, as you help participants work toward stability and make a difference every day in their lives.

We provide comprehensive training, mentoring, and coaching throughout your onboarding process to ensure your success and professional growth, along with real opportunities to grow your career within BCI.

• The opportunity to provide steady, compassionate support to individuals working toward stability and housing
• A collaborative team environment with consistent support from OHP and BCI staff
• Interactive training, mentoring, and coaching from day one
• Room to grow your career within a stable, mission-driven organization

BCI offers competitive salary and benefits. Benefits include:

• Eleven (11) Paid Holidays
• Seventeen (17) days per year of PTO
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with Employer Match
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Health Care / Dependent Care Reimbursement Program
• Employer Paid $15,000.00 Life Insurance
• Teladoc
• Health Insurance
• Vision / Dental Insurance

• High School Diploma OR GED. Specific experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness is preferred.
• Candidate must be currently certified through the Florida Certification Board as a Peer OR must be able to obtain a Peer certification within one hundred eighty (180) days of employment as a condition of continued employment.
• Bilingual/Bicultural (English/Spanish) preferred (not required).

• Applicants must be able to pass an Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) Medicaid and Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) Level II background check (Clearinghouse Education and Awareness Website: )
• National Sex Offender Registry search
• Office of Inspector General (OIG) check (if you have previously worked for DCF, including Contract or Subcontract Provider)
• Drug screen
• Tuberculosis (TB) test
• Applicants must be at least twenty-one (21) years old and possess a valid Florida Driver's License with no more than three (3) points on their driving record to be insured under BCI's automobile insurance policy.

• Ability to display sensitivity to all persons and cultures.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
• Knowledge of community resources or the ability to become knowledgeable.
• Demonstrate a positive,…