Peer Support Specialist

Work at TASC; United States; On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

Life Insurance

Flexible Spending

Paid Leave

Sick Time

Floating Holiday

Tuition Reimbursement

403 B retirement plan

Job summary

TASC is seeking a Peer Support Specialist to empower individuals through community reintegration and permanent supportive housing access. You will coordinate with behavioral health providers and PSH teams to promote recovery, resilience, and independent living.

Responsibilities include coaching life skills, assisting with service plans, and connecting clients to natural supports and community resources to foster stable housing and successful reentry outcomes.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office suite.
• Experience in group facilitation.
• Certifications or licensure may be required based on contractual obligations.
• Ability to take initiatives and be creative.
• Flexibility in leading group discussions.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Excellent time management with proven deadlines record.

Responsibilities

• Assist individuals in achieving service plan goals through direct support and coordination with providers and agencies.
• Coach clients in daily living skills and housing-related tasks.
• Educate clients on recovery capital and build personal strengths.
• Reinforce tenant rights and responsibilities and address housing issues.
• Provide transportation assistance and accompany to appointments when needed.
• Document interactions in the Electronic Client Record (ECR) system.
• Participate in supervision, trainings, and community meetings.
• Develop effective working relationships with internal and external partners.

Skills

Microsoft Office

Group facilitation

Communication skills

Time management

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

ECR system

Job description

At TASC Treatment Alternatives for Stronger Communities our mission is to empower people and strengthen communities with impactful services Since 1976 we have been guided by the belief that every individual holds the potential for positive change We advocate support and most importantly empower people to break barriers find recovery and reshape their destinies Through Specialized Case Management we create a world where recovery justice and empathy lead to thriving communities Our foundation is anchored at the intersection of behavioral health and the criminal legal system Today TASC also operates at the forefront of transformative solutions We are a social impact organization that embodies a future where health safety and justice is synonymous with hope We are TASC The BRIDGE To Home Program serves individuals returning from Illinois prisons who face significant and often compounded barriers to successful reentry Frequently excluded from traditional housing and support systems these individuals are at increased risk of homelessness and recidivism The programs primary goal is to provide permanent supportive housing for individuals traditionally considered hard to place creating a foundation for long term stability and successful reintegration into the community Guided by low barrier housing placement principles the B2H Program eliminates preconditions such such as abstinence or mandatory treatment participation offering immediate access to housing The Peer Support Specialist PSS will utilize lived experience in assisting tenants to achieve community inclusion and participation The PSS will foster resilience independence and recovery by coaching life skills development and providing additional supports including outreach and transportation when necessary By serving as a relatable trusted resource the PSS works closely with the PSH team to ensure participants are supported holistically on their path to recovery and community inclusion

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The PSS will assist individuals in achieving service plan goals through direct support and coordination with behavioral health providers public agencies and community based resources Identify and promote opportunities for clients to engage in meaningful community activities support groups or volunteerservice opportunities that build belonging and purpose Coach clients in daily living skills such as budgeting hygiene conflict resolution and communication with landlords or neighbors Help clients identify and access natural supports such as family faith based groups peer communities or neighborhood associations Educate clients on their recovery capital and assist in building personal strengths resources and supports that contribute to long term wellness Reinforce clients understanding of tenant rights and responsibilities including how to address non rent issues eg requesting repairs reporting maintenance needs Encourage and model effective problem solving and decision making skills to help clients maintain housing and navigate reentry challenges Conduct home visits and outreach to clients who may have disengaged from services or need additional encouragement Serve as a bridge between the client and the PSH team helping reduce stigma or mistrust of formal systems Provide transportation assistance or accompaniment to critical appointments including medical visits social service intakes or housing related meetings Ensure all necessary documentation including signed releases of information are in place before providing support Enter timely and accurate documentation of all client interactions and services in the Electronic Client Record ECR system Assist with monthly data collection reporting on service engagement housing retention outcomes and peer led activities Participate in regular supervision peer learning groups and all required agency trainings on trauma informed care recovery housing services and reentry best practices Participate in community meetings trainings and projects including multi disciplinary staffing vocational and educational programming and other meetings assigned Develops effective working relationships with the internal and external partners

Our Ideal candidate

High school diploma or general education degree GED;Demonstrated proficiency in the Microsoft Office suiteDemonstrated experience in group facilitationCertain programs may require a higher level of education certification andor licensures based on contractual obligationsAbility to take initiatives and have creativenessFlexibility in thinking and approaches to leading group discussionsExcellent verbal written and interpersonal communication skillsExcellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines

Our benefits package includes

MedicalDentalVisionLife Insurance and Flexible SpendingPaid Leave STDLTDPaid Time OffSick Time Floating HolidayTuition Reimbursement403 B retirement plan

TASC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug Free workplace The agency does not discriminate on the basis of race color religion sex national origin age disability veteran or military status or any other protected status in accordance with federal and state law