Emergency Shelter Peer Support Specialist

City Union Mission; Kansas City (MO); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Dental and Vision insurance

403b Retirement Account match

Life Insurance

FSA & HSA options

11 paid holidays per year + 3 weeks of

PTO

Job summary

City Union Mission operates an emergency shelter focus at our Men’s Center and Women & Family Center to provide life-saving refuge for individuals and families in crisis. The Peer Support Specialist ensures a safe, respectful environment and access to essential supports such as shelter, meals and hygiene while guiding clients toward next steps.

The role emphasizes dignity, compassionate leadership, andDe-escalation in handling crises, with shifts including evenings and weekends to meet demand.

Qualifications

• Requires strong interpersonal skills and compassion towards people in crisis.
• Ability to communicate Gospel messaging appropriately and respectfully.
• Comfortable working in a faith-based setting with homeless individuals.

Responsibilities

• Organize mealtime and fellowship environments, modeling healthy interaction.
• Oversee shift operations including safety, cleanliness and flow of the center.
• Perform routine rounds, safety checks and front entrance monitoring.
• Respond to incidents calmly and escalate when needed to ensure safety.
• Manage real-time capacity, bed usage and census accuracy.
• Maintain cleanliness and dignity of personal and shared spaces.
• Assist with hygiene, shower and laundry routines to teach life skills.

Skills

Empathy

Communication

De-escalation

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma

Job description

City Union Mission operates an emergency shelter focus at our Men’s Center and Women & Family Center to provide life-saving refuge for individuals and families in crisis. The Peer Support Specialist ensures a safe, respectful environment and access to essential supports such as shelter, meals and hygiene while guiding clients toward next steps.

The role emphasizes dignity, compassionate leadership, andDe-escalation in handling crises, with shifts including evenings and weekends to meet demand.