Peer Advocate, LifeSpring (Transitional Youth Housing) Program

Lifeline Community Services, Inc.; Vista (CA); On-site; USD 30,307 - 34,440; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous paid vacation

Paid sick time

Paid holidays

100% employer-paid medical, dental, &`

Job summary

Lifeline Services is seeking a Peer Advocate to support YYA experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness. The role focuses on creating a warm, welcoming environment and ensuring access to housing solutions that promote independence and connection.

The candidate should have lived experience, strong engagement skills, and the ability to conduct crisis intervention, case management, and goal setting with youth participants.

Qualifications

• Applicant must have lived experience and knowledge on navigating systems.
• BA preferred or enrolled in college courses.
• Understanding of homelessness issues in the area and related mental health/substance use impacts.
• Must have reliable transportation and be willing to work evenings to meet YYA needs.

Responsibilities

• Create a safe, welcoming and supportive environment to engage participants.
• Provide basic needs assistance (food, water, clothing, hygiene products, showers, laundry).
• Create, organize and facilitate groups and outings.
• Connect participants to resources based on their needs.
• Initiate and organize outreach efforts.
• Maintain the drop-in center (cleanliness, rules, inventory).
• Complete other duties as assigned.

Skills

Engagement

Crisis intervention

Case management

Interviewing

Rapport building

Assessment

Goal setting

Youth participation

Education

Bachelor's degree preferred

Job description

Position Summary

Lifeline Services is hiring a Peer Advocate to support our growing team. The Peer Advocate provides supportive services to youth and youth adults (YYA) who are experiencing homelessness or who are at risk of homelessness. Assures that the Drop in Center is functioning from a housing first model. The Peer Advocate makes sure that the YYA’s needs and wants are being heard and addressed, that YYA’s are getting assistance in obtaining safe, stable, inclusive housing that supports independence and permanent connection. This is a lived experience role that will help our team to create a warm and welcoming environment for the young people that we serve.

We’re looking for a candidate with strong skills in engagement, crisis intervention, case management, interviewing, rapport building, assessment, goal setting, and youth participation and development.

Required Qualifications

• Applicant must have lived experience and have knowledge on how to navigate systems.
• BA preferred or enrolled in college courses.
• Possess a good understanding of the homeless issue here in San Diego, human development, mental health, and substance use and how that impacts daily functioning.
• Must have reliable transportation and be willing to work evenings as necessary to meet YYA’s needs. Successful completion of multi-state criminal background check.

Responsibilities

• Create a safe, welcoming and supportive environment to engage participants.
• Provide basic needs assistance (food, water, new clothing, hygiene products, access to shower and do laundry, etc.)
• Create, organize and facilitate the various groups and outings.
• Connect participants to resources based on their needs.
• Initiate and organize outreach efforts.
• Maintain the drop‑in center (cleanliness, ensure rules are being followed, food orders and basic needs inventory).
• Completes other duties as assigned.

Schedule / Compensation

• FT/nonexempt position.
• Monday‑Friday from 8:30 am‑5 pm (with flexibility).
• $22.00 – $25.39 per hour. Salary will commensurate with experience and education. Differential pay offered for bilingual skills. EEO.

Additional Requirements

• Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation with a good driving record.
• Willing to use own, properly insured, reliable vehicle for the job (mileage reimbursed).
• Employment subject to clearances, including background finger printing checks, driving record, tuberculosis testing, and drug testing.

Benefits

• Generous paid vacation.
• Paid sick time (6 days).
• Paid holidays (14 days).
• 100% employer‑paid medical, dental, vision, chiropractic and acupuncture coverage.
• 100% employer‑paid life insurance.
• Health and wellness programs.
• Employee Assistance program.
• Professional development assistance.
• Great employee incentive awards program.
• Training and education assistance.
• Matched 403(b) retirement plan.
• Flexible Spending Account.
• Paid supervision hours (clinical positions).

Security and Background Screening

As part of our commitment to ensuring the safety and well‑being of our clients and maintaining the integrity of our workplace, North County Lifeline conducts comprehensive background and drug screening processes for all prospective employees. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Driving Record Check: Verification through the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to ensure a good standing driving record.
• Employment Verification: Confirmation of your employment history to verify your experiences and qualifications.
• Reference Checks: Contacting provided references to gain insights into your work ethic, professionalism, and suitability for the role.
• Tuberculosis (TB) Screening: A TB test to ensure the health and safety of our clients and staff, in line with public health recommendations.
• Drug Screening: A 10‑panel non‑DOT drug test to screen for the presence of common illicit substances, ensuring a drug‑free workplace.
• Criminal Background Checks: Comprehensive checks through the Department of Justice (DOJ), FBI, and Child Abuse Index to identify any history that may impact your suitability for employment, particularly in roles involving vulnerable populations.

These screenings are a vital part of our hiring process and must be successfully completed for employment eligibility. North County Lifeline is dedicated to fair and responsible hiring practices and ensures that all screenings are conducted in accordance with applicable laws and regulations, respecting the privacy and rights of all candidates. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in this process, aimed at creating a safe and productive work environment for everyone.