Youth Homelessness Program Peer Support Specialist

Youth Experiencing Homelessness Program Peer Support Specialist

Youth ERA is an Oregon-based non-profit that creates lasting positive change in the lives of young people and the systems that serve them. By uniting a diverse collective of young adults and organizations around innovative solutions, Youth Era impacts thousands each year. The work we do is fueled by a deep sense of dedication to our staff, the young people we serve, and the system partners we collaborate with, who give their time and voices to empower young lives and improve our communities.

Every day, our team creates positive change in countless ways. Whether we're providing one‑on‑one support to a young person in need, developing programs and resources that help young people thrive, or working with system partners to create change at a broader level, we're driven by our mission to empower and uplift the next generation. Join us and be part of the change!

• 100% employer‑paid comprehensive medical, dental, and vision group health insurance.
• 403b retirement plan.
• Employee assistance program.
• Generous paid time off plan.

Are you passionate about helping your peers overcome their mental health and life challenges? Do you have firsthand experience with mental health, addiction/recovery, incarceration/juvenile justice, Oregon Youth Authority, foster care, education, or LGBTQ+ communities? If so, we want YOU to join our team at Youth Era!

Youth Experiencing Homelessness Program (YEHP) Peer Support Specialist

Program:
Youth Experiencing Homelessness Program (YEHP)

Reports To:

Program Manager

Status:
Full‑Time

Locations:
Marion and Polk Counties

The YEHP Peer Support Specialist provides community‑based peer support to youth and young adults ages 14 to 24 experiencing homelessness. This role operates in alignment with the Oregon Department of Human Services Youth Experiencing Homelessness Program.

The YEHP Peer builds authentic relationships with youth in community settings, drop‑in environments, and through street outreach. The role focuses on reducing barriers to stability, increasing access to basic needs and housing resources, and supporting youth in identifying self‑determined goals related to education, employment, recovery, and connection.

This position blends outreach, engagement, peer support, documentation, and systems navigation.

• Identify and engage unsheltered and unstably housed youth in the community
• Conduct street outreach in areas where youth gather
• Build trust through lived experience and authentic connection
• Conduct initial assessments of youth basic needs
• Provide youth‑determined support
• Offer strengths‑based, non‑clinical peer support
• Support youth in navigating housing systems and emergency shelter options
• Assist youth in accessing food, clothing, showers, hygiene supplies, and urgent physical needs
• Connect youth to health care, recovery services, and culturally specific resources
• Support youth in repairing or strengthening relationships with chosen family when appropriate
• Support education, employment, and long‑term stability planning

• Provide engagement and support within Youth Era drop‑in spaces
• Ensure inclusive and affirming practices for LGBTQIA2S+ youth
• Support safe, welcoming, and youth‑driven environments
• Assist with meal distribution and resource coordination

• Enter complete, accurate, and timely HMIS data
• Document services in Youth Era’s data systems
• Ensure demographic and service data is captured at intake
• Support quarterly reporting requirements
• Participate in monitoring and site visits as required

• Coordinate with shelters, housing providers, CCOs, and community partners
• Participate in case coordination meetings when appropriate
• Advocate for youth within systems
• Maintain professional communication with ODHS partners as directed

• Ability to build authentic relationships with youth from diverse backgrounds
• Strong boundaries and ethical peer practice
• Ability to work independently in community settings
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation…