Peer Engagement Specialist – Homeless Services

Eliot Community Human Services, Inc.; Springfield (IL); On-site; USD 28,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous Paid Time Off

Comprehensive Benefits

Retirement Savings

Wellness & Family Support

Financial Security

Professional Growth

Job summary

Eliot is seeking a dedicated Peer Engagement Specialist to join PATH to provide outreach, case management, mental health treatment, housing assistance, and referrals for adults with serious mental illness.

Qualifications include a high school diploma or GED, lived experience with homelessness or mental health recovery, and a valid driver’s license. Bilingual in Spanish is a plus; compensation ranges per degree level and hourly rate.

Qualifications

• Requires a high school diploma/GED equivalent.
• Must have lived experience of homelessness, mental health or substance use in the past and have an established recovery process.
• Strong commitment to mental health recovery.
• Skills to establish supportive relationships with persons with severe and persistent mental illnesses and respect for their preferences for treatment.
• Ability to provide flexible services that are community based and focused on teamwork.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation to and from work and for the transportation of consumers as needed.
• 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

Empathy & support

Bilingual in Spanish

Strong communication

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Join Eliot — A Place to Belong, Grow, and Inspire Change

At Eliot, your work has purpose. You’ll be part of a compassionate, mission-driven team committed to resilience, empowerment, and lasting change. We foster an inclusive workplace where all backgrounds and perspectives are valued, creating a culture of belonging and professional growth.

Benefits at Eliot

We prioritize your well-being, work-life balance, and career growth. Benefit eligible positions include:

• Generous Paid Time Off — Vacation, sick time, and paid holidays
• Comprehensive Benefits — Medical, dental, and vision plans
• Retirement Savings — 401(k) with employer match
• Wellness & Family Support — Discounted fitness services and access to trusted childcare resources
• Financial Security — 100% company-paid life and accidental death insurance
• Professional Growth — Ongoing training, career advancement programs, tuition reimbursement, and leadership development

Eliot’s Homeless Services Division is seeking a dedicated Peer Engagement Specialist to join our PATH (Project for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness) Team which offers a wide range of services, including outreach, case management, mental health treatment, housing assistance, and referrals to other resources for adults with serious mental illness, including those with co-occurring substance use disorders. The ideal person will have the ability to provide outstanding support skills and have lived experience of homelessness, mental health or substance abuse in the past and have an established recovery process.

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.

Qualifications:

• Requires a high school diploma/GED equivalent
• Must have lived experience of homelessness, mental health or substance use in the past and have an established recovery process.
• Strong commitment to mental health recovery.
• Skills to establish supportive relationships with persons with severe and persistent mental illnesses and respect for their preferences for treatment.
• Ability to provide flexible services that are community based and focused on teamwork.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation to and from work and for the transportation of consumers as needed.
• Peer Specialist Certification a plus
• Bilingual in Spanish a plus

Compensation:

• HS/BA – $20.04/hour
• MA – $25.33/hour

Hours:Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm
Hourly Rate
$20.04—$25.33 USD
At Eliot, we are committed to supporting you at every stage of your career, providing opportunities for growth, purpose, and community. We foster belonging in the workplace by identifying and removing barriers that may prevent individuals of all backgrounds from reaching their full potential, advancing into leadership roles, and fully engaging at all levels of the organization.