Peer Specialist - East Scattered Site - 10734

Coloradocoalition; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental and vision insurance

Flexible spending accounts (FSA)

Life insurance

Job summary

The Colorado Coalition for the Homeless is seeking a Peer Specialist to join the Fort Lyon Supportive Residential Community. The role draws on lived experience with recovery to provide peer support, case management, and advocacy for residents, helping them identify goals and build skills.

You will conduct meetings, coordinate with building staff, arrange transportation, document in HMIS, and participate in team planning to promote recovery, dignity, and self-determination.

Qualifications

• Must be a current or former recipient of substance abuse treatment and/or mental health or homeless services; recovery role-modeling encouraged.
• Experience with homelessness programs and knowledge of recovery principles.
• Ability to work under stress, flexible hours, and be available 24/7 for crisis response.
• At least one year of recovery from substance abuse preferred.
• Knowledge of evidence-based practices used by this project.
• Commitment to recovery and client-centered services.
• Pass a CBI background check.
• Adhere to non-discrimination policies.
• Bilingual preferred.
• Valid driver’s license; waiver possible based on experience.
• COVID-19 vaccination per CDC guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Provide individual and group peer support drawing on shared experiences.
• Conduct routine room checks and report to case management; address resident concerns such as cleanliness.
• Coordinate with building staff if assigned to specific buildings.
• Provide transportation for needs outside local transit.
• Participate in the Supportive Residential Community activities and promote a team culture.
• Help residents combat stigma related to addiction, mental illness, and homelessness.
• Serve as a liaison with consumer‑run programs and drop‑in centers.
• Maintain confidentiality of resident information.
• Solicit and respond to client feedback.
• Attend staff meetings and address resident and program issues.
• Complete HMIS documentation in a timely manner.
• Participate in performance assessments through data collection.
• Monitor residents’ needs and assist in crisis intervention.
• Organize social activities and distribute event flyers.
• Perform direct client care for at least 50% of time.
• Maintain a respectful, inclusive, and team‑oriented work environment.

Skills

Peer support

Case management

Advocacy

Crisis response

Job description

Job Summary

The Peer Specialist has experience as a recipient of mental health, substance treatment or homeless services and is willing to use and share personal, practical experience, knowledge, and first‐hand insight to benefit the team and its clients. The Peer Specialist will provide assistance, peer support, case management, and advocacy for program residents, identifying life choices and helping them overcome obstacles to achieving their goals. The role focuses on residents’ strengths, promoting personal growth, development, and recovery within the Fort Lyon Supportive Residential Community, a transitional housing setting that offers addiction recovery, education, vocational training, case management, and basic supportive services.

Responsibilities

• Provide individual and group peer support, drawing on common experiences, to validate residents’ experiences and encourage them to take responsibility and actively participate in their own recovery.
• Conduct routine room checks and submit reports to case management; address resident concerns such as cleanliness.
• If assigned to building 8, coordinate with building 5 staff as residents move from 5 to 8.
• Provide transportation for needs not met by local transit, including taking residents to outside recovery meetings.
• Actively participate, collaborate, and contribute to the Supportive Residential Community program, promoting a team culture that values resident perspectives and self‑determination.
• Help residents identify, understand, and combat stigma and discrimination related to addiction, mental illness, and homelessness; work with team members to address broader stigma within the team.
• Serve as a liaison between the team and consumer‑run programs such as self‑help groups and drop‑in centers.
• Maintain confidentiality of all resident information.
• Solicit, listen to, and respond to client feedback about services.
• Attend and participate in formal and informal staff meetings, addressing resident and program issues.
• Complete all necessary documentation, including HMIS, in a timely manner.
• Participate in performance assessment activities through data collection and by facilitating access to program residents.
• Monitor residents’ needs through regular contact and assist the team in crisis intervention.
• Organize and facilitate social activities, including creating and distributing event flyers; activities include office gatherings, process groups, and skill‑building field trips.
• Perform direct client care for a minimum of 50% of working time, including face‑to‑face appointments, case management via phone, advocacy, and linkages with external supports, as reflected by HMIS documentation.
• Maintain a work environment marked by respect, inclusiveness, and teamwork.

Qualifications

• Prior or current recipient of substance abuse treatment and/or mental health or homeless services, capable of role‑modeling recovery and actively participating in their own recovery; experience with co‑occurring mental health and substance treatment disorders.
• High degree of knowledge and experience working with individuals who are homeless.
• Evidence or experience with program implementation.
• Ability to work under stressful conditions, variable hours, and be available 24/7 to respond to crises.
• At least one year of recovery from substance abuse is preferred.
• Knowledge of evidence‑based practices used by this project.
• Embrace the mission and philosophy of recovery and client‑centered services.
• Pass a CBI check.
• Adhere to the Agency’s non‑discrimination policies.
• Bilingual preferred.
• Valid driver’s license required; waiver possible based on overall experience and role needs.
• Maintain current and complete COVID‑19 vaccination(s) as defined by CDC and local health authorities.

Benefits

• Choice of HMO or PPO health insurance; full‑time employees contribute only 1% of earnings for own coverage and ≤4% for eligible dependents.
• Dental and vision insurance or discount plans.
• Flexible spending accounts for health care, dependent care, and parking expenses.
• Free basic life and AD&D insurance coverage.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Dollar‑for‑dollar retirement plan matching contributions up to 5% of earnings with 3‑year vesting.
• Extensive paid time‑off, including 9 holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and three weeks of vacation for new full‑time employees in their first year.
• Domestic partner coverage (same‑and opposite‑sex).

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Colorado Coalition for the Homeless is committed to delivering services, making employment‑related decisions, selecting volunteers, and selecting vendors without regard to age over 40, race, sex, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, disability, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, military status, or any other applicable status protected by law.