Bilingual Peer Support Specialist

San Diego LGBT Community Center; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 31,684 - 33,544; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay scales

401(k) with company match

Full medical/dental/vision

Job summary

San Diego LGBT Community Center is seeking a Peer Support Specialist to assist participants of the LGBTQ affirming wrap‑around housing services. The role involves providing program support, guiding participants, monitoring progress, and offering crisis support in a trauma‑informed, collaborative team environment.

You will conduct assessments related to housing stability, mentor participants, and help connect clients with external services to support health and wellbeing.

Qualifications

• Familiar with life experiences common to housing instability.
• Fluency in English and Spanish required.
• Comfortable working in PC/Windows environments.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks with shifting priorities and trauma‑informed care.

Responsibilities

• Engage clients and support engagement and retention in LGBTQ housing services.
• Complete eligibility screening, intake forms, and document goals and needs in data systems.
• Enter program data and outcomes into HMIS for grant/contract reporting.
• Assist in monthly narrative reports and other program documentation.
• Provide outreach and field support to participants as needed.

Skills

Bilingual English/Spanish

Trauma‑informed care

Case management

Multitasking

Computer literacy

Job description

WELCOME TO YOUR CENTER!

Established as a community non‑profit in 1972, The Center provides targeted programs and services to the full diversity of the San Diego LGBTQ community. The mission of The Center is to enhance and sustain the health and well‑being of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, transgender, nonbinary, immigrant, and HIV communities for the betterment of our entire San Diego region. Our vision is to create a Center and Center culture where every person feels and knows that they are welcomed, valued, and supported. As the beacon for our regional LGBTQ community, we actively recommit to being a more vibrant, bold, innovative, safe, and modern center each day than the day before. The Center is sex‑positive and provides advocacy and critical health and social support services to support our community members through all stages of life, focusing on our deeply held values of equity, social justice, and client‑centered, trauma‑informed care. The Center currently has over 75 staff working at five facilities across San Diego County.

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the Manager of Adult Housing Services, the Peer Support Specialist is responsible for providing program assistance, guidance, monitoring of participant progress, and crisis support for participants of The Center's expanding LGBTQ affirming wrap‑around and support services. The Peer Support Specialist works collaboratively with a team in a trauma‑informed and goal‑oriented way to help resolve the housing stability of program participants.

PRIMARY ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Client Support:

• Utilize shared life experience expertise to advance client engagement and retention in services.
• Conduct assessments with clients experiencing housing instability, including Vulnerability Index-Service Prioritization Decision Assistance Tool (VI-SPDAT).
• Serve as a mentor to program participants and promote empowerment and hope.
• Provide ongoing support to clients and accompany them to appointments as needed.
• Guide clients in accessing external services that support their health and wellbeing.

Record Management and Reporting:

• Complete eligibility screening and intake forms.
• Maintain accurate documentation of client’s goals and needs, case management plans, and service entries into internal data systems.
• Enter program data and outcomes into the region’s Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) to adhere to grant and contract compliance.
• Document thorough case notes that accurately reflect client progress toward individualized case management goals.
• Assist in the completion of monthly narrative reports for funder reports.

Other Duties:

• Duties needed to help drive our vision, fulfill our mission, and abide by our organization’s values.

Required Qualifications:

• Experience: Must have familiarity with life experiences common to people who have experienced housing instability.
• Language Skills: Fluency in English and Spanish is required.
• Computer/Office Equipment Skills: Must be comfortable working in PC/Windows‑based environments.
• Other Qualifications:
  • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks with shifting priorities.
  • Must demonstrate competence in using strength‑based and trauma‑informed care.
  • Reliable transportation, a valid driver’s license, and auto insurance.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience: 1 year of experience working with people experiencing homelessness.
• Other Qualifications: Knowledgeable about current issues related to the LGBTQIA+ community and people experiencing homelessness.

Work Location:

• On‑site, in the office, and with program participants in the field.
• Office in the Hillcrest Community in the City of San Diego.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Compensation: The pay range for this position is $23.00 - $24.35/hour and is commensurate with experience. This is a Full‑Time, Regular Non‑Exempt position.
• Benefits: The CENTER offers a robust benefits package, inclusive of Competitive Pay Scales, 401(k) Retirement Plan (with company match), Full Medical, Dental, Vision, and Chiropractic Health Coverage, Out‑of‑Pocket Optional Coverage for Spouses, Domestic Partners, and Dependent Children, Full‑time and Part‑Time Schedules, Generous Vacation and Holiday Benefits, Professional Training & Development Experiences, Opportunities for Promotion & Advancement

Please review the current job openings by clicking the button below. If you believe you possess the heart and skills for any of these (or any other) exciting job opportunities, we encourage you to apply. Instructions for how to apply are included in each job announcement. We regret that we are unable to accept telephone inquiries.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The San Diego LGBTQ Community Center is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.