Supportive Peer Support Specialist

Department:
Client Services

Reports To:

Supportive Housing Program Manager

Position Type: 1.0

FTE, 40 Hours/Week, Non-Exempt

Work Type:
InPerson, Not Hybrid/Remote Eligible

Salary Range: $21.50 - $22.79

Salary

Note:

Bilingual candidates are eligible for an additional $1.50 Bilingual Differential (not included in the salary range).

Benefits Available: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./benefits

Agency Overview: /

The Peer Support Specialist (PSS) will be a part of our multi-disciplinary Supportive Housing Program. A PSS has lived experience similar to clients in this program. With this experience, the PSS helps model and teach appropriate boundaries and tenancy behavior to clients as needed, with a client-centered and trauma-informed approach. The PSS must have strong boundaries and a clear understanding of structure and accountability.

The PSS will work directly with people living with HIV to help increase their housing stability. The PSS will play a critical role in utilizing harm-reduction strategies and motivational interviewing to empower clients to take steps to improve their health and housing stability. The PSS must be able to effectively work with a variety of providers including substance use treatment and behavioral health providers.

While not all clients will be ready to enter treatment, or engage in behavioral health care, the PSS will support them in identifying harm reduction goals to reduce the negative impact of substance use and reduce the risk of HIV and HCV transmission, and support the clients in behavior change. In addition, this position coordinates access to support services provided through the Ryan White Treatment Modernization Act.

• Travel:
  Frequently travel across service area, which may encompass multiple counties to provide in-person services, including weekly home and/or community visits. Provide frequent client transportation and accompany clients to appointments to facilitate access to treatment and other services and resources.
• Client Management:
  Carry an active caseload of program-eligible clients, providing direct one-on-one peer services. Able to provide services in person, over the phone and on a drop-in basis. Assist with coverage of services.
• Onboarding:
  Assess clients to determine program eligibility and support program enrollment.
• Housing Support:
  Research and identify suitable housing options, including motel placements, permanent supportive housing, and emergency shelters. Advocate for client needs with prospective landlords.
• Health Insurance Support:
  Assist clients in signing up for health insurance, including Medicare, Medicaid and CARE Assist.
• Coordination of Services:
  Work collaboratively with Oak Program team members, Client Services department, and wider agency, landlords, medical providers, and community partners to facilitate access to housing, medical care, social services, mental health services, and public benefits.
• Documentation:
  Maintain accurate and timely documentation of client interactions, placements, services provided, and progress updates in agency databases. Process and collect necessary eligibility documents including Authorization for Release of Information.
• Crisis Intervention:
  Respond to client crises, including eviction prevention and emergency relocation assistance, and follow up.
• Referrals:
  Refer clients to local resources as needed, often accompanying clients to support system navigation.
• Community Engagement:
  Build partnerships with local property managers, housing authorities, and shelters to enhance housing placement opportunities. Attend relevant community meetings and participate in ongoing training and professional development.
• Client Events:
  Assist with planning and attending client events on a monthly to quarterly basis. This includes shopping for food, cooking, and socializing with clients lity to attend events outside of normal business hours.
• Standards:
  Comply with all applicable program standards, guidelines, laws and administrative rules.
• Ability to work well with others, handle stress appropriately, have reliable…