Youth Peer Specialist

OUR COMMITMENT

Ozone House aspires to end youth and young adult homelessness in Washtenaw County and surrounding communities through our mission of providing holistic support and housing services that enhance the wellbeing and safety of young people through empowerment, advocacy, and connection. At Ozone House, we are committed to fostering a workplace that reflects our core values of empathy, equity, integrity, collaboration, resilience, and safety.

We believe that every employee plays a vital role in creating an inclusive, affirming, and compassionate environment where all individuals are respected and valued. By embodying these values, we ensure that Ozone House remains a welcoming and empowering place for all employees, where we can thrive together as a team.

The Peer Support Specialist uses their lived experience with homelessness or housing instability to connect with and support youth currently experiencing similar challenges. The Peer Support Specialist position is community-based, with a strong presence at public transportation hubs, drop-in centers, schools, and other youth-centered locations. The Peer Support Specialist helps young people access basic needs, feel heard and supported, and connect to services, while modeling resilience and building trusting relationships.

• HS Diploma or GED (Preferred)
  * High school students with eligible work permit will also be considered.

• Personal lived experience with youth homelessness, housing instability, or related systems (required).
• Young person aged 16‑22 to apply (required).
• Passion for working with young people and creating safe, supportive spaces.
• Comfortability and personable skills with young people
• Reliable, respectful, and able to maintain boundaries.
• Comfortable working in public spaces (transit centers, streets, drop‑in centers).
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• Willing to receive training on peer support, trauma‑informed care, and harm reduction.

• Experience in peer support, outreach, or youth work.
• Familiarity with community resources in Washtenaw County.
• Show up for every shift as scheduled (or communicate appropriately with direct supervisor).
• Attend & participate in supervisions
• Complete timely documentation
• Complete annual 360 review including peers providing support to.

• Outreach Coordinator or Welcome Coordinator

• Engage and with youth in a manner that builds trust.
• Meet young people where they are—on the bus, at the drop‑in center, or in the community.
• Use lived experience to build rapport, reduce stigma, and create a welcoming environment for youth.
• Listen actively and offer emotional support without judgment.
• Help youth identify their own strengths, goals, and next steps.
• Share personal experiences when appropriate to support and encourage others.
• Support Access to Basic Needs and Services:
• Assist youth in accessing transportation, shelter, food, hygiene supplies, and other essential resources.
• Offer information and referrals to Ozone House programs or other community services.
• Learn about other youth resources, connecting with staff and other young people at these agencies in order to assist with warm handoffs to services.
• Participate in Outreach
  
  Activities:
• Join staff for community outreach efforts, including but not limited to transit‑based outreach, malls, schools, places where youth frequent most, and community events.
• Help distribute flyers, supplies, and information to youth in need.
• Assist with Group
  
  Activities:
• Help plan and co‑facilitate group sessions focused on building life skills, self‑esteem, identity, and community.
• Encourage participation and create a safe, inclusive space.
• Document Interactions:
• Record…