Peer Engagement Advocate for Recovery & Housing

Eliot Community Human Services; Springfield (MA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 53,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous Paid Time Off

Comprehensive Benefits

Retirement Savings 401(k) match

Wellness & Family Support

Financial Security - life and AD&D

Job summary

Eliot Community Human Services in Massachusetts is seeking a dedicated Peer Engagement Specialist for the PATH team to support outreach, case management, housing assistance, and referrals for adults with serious mental illness and/or co-occurring disorders.

Ideal candidates have lived experience of homelessness or mental health challenges, a recovery process, and a valid driver’s license. This role emphasizes community-based, teamwork-driven care and opportunities for growth within Eliot.

Qualifications

• Requires a high school diploma or GED.
• Must have lived experience of homelessness, mental health or substance use and have an established recovery process.
• Strong commitment to mental health recovery.
• Ability to build supportive relationships with persons with severe and persistent mental illnesses and respect for their preferences for treatment.
• Flexibility to provide community-based, team-oriented services.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation for work and transporting consumers.
• Peer Specialist Certification a plus.
• Bilingual in Spanish a plus.

Responsibilities

• Perform outreach and engagement activities to identify homeless people living in public places, drop in centers, meal sites and shelters.
• Provide supplies such as warm clothing, blankets, and food to reduce risk of harm on the streets.
• Encourage use of shelter, meal sites, and other related services for those who are unsheltered.
• Maintain a thorough, current knowledge of local public and private resources including housing, residential programs, and other community organizations. Maintain positive working relationships with representatives of these organizations.
• Coordinate efforts with the other service providers to ensure integrated service delivery for consumers.

Skills

Lived experience

Community engagement

Bilingual in Spanish

Driver's license

Strong interpersonal skills

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Eliot Community Human Services in Massachusetts is seeking a dedicated Peer Engagement Specialist for the PATH team to support outreach, case management, housing assistance, and referrals for adults with serious mental illness and/or co-occurring disorders.

Ideal candidates have lived experience of homelessness or mental health challenges, a recovery process, and a valid driver’s license. This role emphasizes community-based, teamwork-driven care and opportunities for growth within Eliot.