HiWay 40 Housing Program - Peer Support Worker

Volunteers of America Northern California & Northern Nevada, Inc.; Reno (NV); On-site; USD 28,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Volunteers of America Northern California & Northern Nevada, Inc. in Reno is hiring a Peer Support Worker for the HiWay 40 Permanent Supportive Housing program. You will draw on lived experience with mental health challenges to build trust, support residents, and promote stability and well-being.

The role emphasizes trauma-informed, recovery-oriented care. You will collaborate with case managers and staff across shifts, help residents develop daily living skills, and connect them to community

Qualifications

• A high school diploma or equivalent is required and personal lived experience is essential.
• Nevada CPSS certification preferred; MHFA and CPR/First Aid must be completed within 30 days of employment.
• Valid Nevada driver’s license preferred and able to meet insurance guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Establish supportive relationships with residents grounded in empathy and respect.
• Provide trauma-informed, non-judgmental support across day and swing shifts.
• Assist residents in developing daily living skills and community integration.
• De-escalate crises, offer active listening, and coordinate with staff as needed.
• Document interactions and participate in team meetings to support resident goals.

Skills

De-escalation

Active listening

Trauma-informed care

Communication

Boundaries

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Nevada CPSS certification preferred

MHFA & CPR/First Aid certs

Job description

Overview

WHO WE ARE: We are more than a nonprofit organization. We are a ministry of service that includes nearly 600 paid professional employees dedicated to helping those we serve. We provide compassionate care today for flourishing communities tomorrow. Founded locally in 1911, VOA Northern California & Northern Nevada is one of the largest providers of social services in the region, delivering a broad range of community-based services that transform lives while meeting immediate needs of families, individuals, veterans, seniors, and youth. In fact, VOA-NCNN provides shelter or housing to over 3,500 men, women, and children every night.

OUR MISSION: VOA puts faith into action by providing compassionate human services to empower individuals and strengthen communities. VOA aspires to create a world in which every person lives a life of emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being, filled with hope across Northern California & Northern Nevada.

PROGRAM AND LOCATION: VOA-NCNN, a Certified Great Place to Work, is recruiting for a full-time Peer Support Worker for our HiWay 40 housing program. HiWay 40 is a Permanent Supportive Housing site that provides stable, long-term housing paired with wraparound supportive services for individuals transitioning directly out of homelessness. Full-time employees (working 30 or more hours a week) are eligible for a benefits package that includes paid holidays, vacation, sick pay, health, dental, vision, life, and short-term disability insurance coverage.

Responsibilities

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Peer Support Worker provides direct, person-centered support to residents of HiWay 40, a Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) program. Drawing on their own lived experience with mental health challenges, housing instability, or related circumstances, the Peer Support Worker builds authentic, trust-based relationships with residents and assists them in developing the daily living skills needed to maintain stable housing and improve their overall well-being. This position operates from a trauma-informed, recovery-oriented framework. The Peer Support Worker meets residents where they are, models recovery and resilience, and provides consistent, non-judgmental support across day and swing shifts. All work is performed in collaboration with program staff, case managers, and community partners to advance the goals of each resident.

OBJECTIVES/ACTIVITIES:

A. Peer Support & Relationship Building

• 1. Establish and maintain genuine, supportive relationships with residents grounded in mutual respect, empathy, and shared lived experience.
• 2. Serve as a consistent, positive presence within the program, helping residents feel safe, seen, and supported in their housing environment.
• 3. Model recovery, coping strategies, and self-advocacy based on personal experience; share relevant experiences in a purposeful, boundaries way that supports resident goals.
• 4. Actively promotes resident dignity, self-determination, and hope throughout all interactions.
• 5. Apply trauma-informed principles in all resident interactions, recognizing the impact of trauma on behavior and approaching residents with patience, consistency, and a strengths-based perspective.

B. Daily Living Skills & Community Integration

• 1. Assist residents in developing and practicing essential daily living skills, including budgeting, meal planning, personal hygiene, housekeeping, and organization.
• 2. Accompany residents on grocery shopping trips and other community errands, providing guidance and encouragement to build independence over time.
• 3. Support residents in navigating public transportation, attending appointments, and accessing community resources.
• 4. Assist residents in setting personal goals and developing action plans; provide ongoing encouragement and accountability in working toward those goals.
• 5. Help residents identify and build upon existing strengths as a foundation for greater independence and self-sufficiency.

C. Activities Coordination & Community Building

• 1. Plan, coordinate, and facilitate on-site group activities, workshops, and social events that promote community connection, skill-building, and resident well-being.
• 2. Collaborate with the Director of Supportive Services and program staff to develop monthly activities calendar responsive to resident interests and needs.
• 3. Engage residents in activity planning to support ownership, agency, and a sense of community within the property.
• 4. Connect residents to off-site recreational, cultural, and wellness opportunities in the broader community as appropriate.

D. De-Escalation & Crisis Support

• 1. Provide timely, calm, and effective de-escalation support when residents are in distress, using trauma-informed and person-centered approaches.
• 2. Recognize early warning signs of mental health crises and respond proactively, engaging appropriate staff or emergency services when necessary.
• 3. Support residents through difficult moments by providing active listening, validation, and collaborative problem-solving.
• 4. Document and report all significant incidents, behavioral concerns, and crisis situations to the Director of Supportive Services in a timely manner.
• 5. Maintain awareness of each resident’s mental health history, triggers, and individualized support needs in coordination with case management staff.

E. Communication, Documentation & Team Collaboration

• 1. Communicate regularly and effectively with the Operations Compliance Manager, case managers, and other program staff to ensure coordinated, consistent support for residents.
• 2. Participate in team meetings, case conferences, and shift handoffs to share observations and contribute to individualized resident support plans.
• 3. Maintain accurate, timely, and professional documentation of resident interactions, activities, and incidents in accordance with program requirements.
• 4. Adhere to confidentiality standards and all applicable program policies, ethical guidelines, and fair housing requirements.
• 5. Refer residents to appropriate internal and external resources as needed; support warm handoffs to case managers or clinical staff.

F. Common Area Cleaning & Grounds Upkeep

• 1. Assist with routine cleaning of interior common areas, including lobbies, hallways, laundry rooms, restrooms, and shared community spaces, on a regularly scheduled basis.
• 2. Sweep, mop, vacuum, and wipe down surfaces in common areas to maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for residents.
• 3. Remove trash and debris from interior common areas and transport to designated disposal areas.
• 4. Assist with basic exterior upkeep, including sweeping walkways, picking up litter, and maintaining the general cleanliness of entryways, courtyards, and parking lot areas.
• 5. Perform snow removal from walkways, entryways, and parking areas during winter months to ensure safe access and prevent hazardous conditions from residents and visitors.
• 6. Report any maintenance issues, safety hazards, or damage observed during cleaning rounds to Maintenance Technician or Operations Compliance Manager.
• 7. Monitor community supply needs (cleaning products, trash bags, etc.) and report to the Director of Supportive Services as inventory runs low.

G. Professional Development

• 1. Complete required training in trauma-informed care, Mental Health First Aid, de-escalation, and other relevant areas within established timeframes.
• 2. Pursue ongoing professional development to strengthen peer support skills, self-care practices, and knowledge of community resources.
• 3. Attend all required staff meetings, supervision sessions, and training seminars.

Qualifications

EQUIVALENT EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

A high school diploma or equivalent is required. Personal lived experience with mental health challenges, housing instability, substance use recovery, or related circumstances is required and is considered a core qualification for this role. Candidates must be in a stable place in their own recovery and able to demonstrate resilience and professional boundaries when supporting others. Prior experience in peer support, direct services, case management, or a residential care setting is strongly preferred. Nevada Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS) certification is preferred; candidates without current certification may be required to obtain it within a specified period after hire. Mental Health First Aid and CPR/First Aid certification are required within 30 days of employment. Valid Nevada driver's license and ability to meet the organization’s insurance carrier guidelines are preferred.

SPECIFIC SKILLS REQUIRED:

Demonstrated ability to build trust with individuals experiencing mental health challenges, trauma, or housing instabilityWorking knowledge of trauma-informed care principles and recovery-oriented service deliveryEffective de-escalation and conflict resolution skillsStrong active listening and verbal communication skillsAbility to maintain appropriate professional boundaries while engaging authentically with residentsOrganizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities independentlyBasic computer proficiency for documentation and communication purposesAbility to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Lift and move up to 25 pounds.Stand, walk, bend, stoop, and sit frequently throughout the shift.Able to climb stairs as needed.Ability to accompany residents in the community, including walking and use of public transportation.Work a rotating day or swing shift schedule, including occasional evenings and weekends as program needs require.

Pay Range

USD $20.00 - USD $22.00 /Hr.