Peer Support Specialist, Housing Retention

ACCESS; Medford (OR); Presencial; USD 25 000 - 33 000; Tempo integral

Resumo da oferta

ACCESS is seeking a Peer Support Specialist to assist program participants in shelter and housing programs. You will help with benefits applications and planning toward stabilization, working with case managers and partners to overcome barriers and access resources.

You will focus on peer support, resources, and referrals for individuals and families already in ACCESS programs, supporting housing stability and community access.

Qualificações

• Minimum 1 year's experience in a client-facing role.
• Peer Support Certification or ability to obtain one within the first year of employment.
• Use a trauma-informed communication delivery model when interacting with all clients and staff.
• Ability to lead others in a dynamic environment during severe weather activations.

Responsabilidades

• Identify the needs of individuals and families through direct Peer Support activities.
• Make referrals and follow up on referrals to community resources.
• Establish and maintain positive working relationships with service providers and community partners.
• Daily maintain client records, logs, HMIS, and reports.
• Transport participants as needed and work in collaboration with ACCESS staff and partners.

Conhecimentos

Client-facing experience

Trauma-informed communication

Active listening

Communication excellence

Formação académica

Peer Support Certification

Ferramentas

HMIS

Microsoft Office

Descrição da oferta de emprego

Description

The main role of the Peer Support Specialist is to support program participants set, and achieve their goals while in shelter and housing programs. They will assist participants daily with applying for benefits and creating a plan that will help them move toward stabilization. The Peer Support Specialist will also work with other program case managers, other ACCESS staff members, and community partners as part of a multi-disciplinary team to help participants overcome barriers and access resources. This position will primarily focus on providing peer support, resources, and referrals to individuals and families already in ACCESS programs.

About ACCESS

ACCESS is an energetic, diverse, and compassionate team that creates positive change in the community every day. If you are dedicated, hardworking and have a passion for helping others, ACCESS is the place for you!

Position Duties & Responsibilities

• Identify the needs of individuals and families through direct Peer Support activities.
• Make referrals and follow up on referrals to appropriate community resources.
• Establish and maintain positive working relationships with other service providers and community support providers, providing wrap-around services to assist this population towards housing stability.
• Participate in appropriate workshops, training, and meetings as requested.
• Daily maintain complete client records, case notes, daily activity logs, mileage logs, HMIS database, and other reports as requested.
• Take appropriate action to deal with any participant or potential participant emergency.
• Work with the Peer Support Supervisor, Outreach Manager, and Director to identify new opportunities for ACCESS program participants.
• Transport participants in a company vehicle to and from appointments as needed.
• Work closely with community partners to support participants' needs.
• De-escalate situations when they occur and work closely with Security and property staff to identify potentially dangerous situations/behavior.
• Work as a lead at night or on weekends when severe weather activations occur.
• Attend regular meetings with local community partners to help improve access to services for program participants.
• Conduct room inspections for the health and safety of participants.
• Utilize Microsoft Office and HMIS daily to track and maintain participant records.

Position Requirements

• Belief in ACCESS's mission to provide food, warmth, and shelter.
• Minimum 1 year's experience working in client facing role.
• Ability to lead others in a dynamic environment during severe weather activations.
• Ability to maintain patience and tact when dealing with individuals with barriers as needed to provide information or instruction.
• Ability to interact effectively with a variety of individuals and groups from varying educational, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds, including listening, sensitivity to others' feelings, needs, and point of view, tact, and courtesy in expressing opinions or ideas.
• Projecting a positive image of ACCESS and recognizing opportunities to enhance community relations.
• Peer Support Certification or ability to obtain one within the first year of employment.
• Use a trauma-informed communication delivery model when interacting with all clients and fellow staff members.
• Ability to work flexible Willingness and ability to adjust to changing conditions or priorities.
• In addition to working in a typical office environment, the Peer Support program will be required to work in areas inhabited by unhoused persons, low-income apartments, and in outside environments and dealing with persons who may become challenging to work with due to the barriers they may be experiencing.
• Must be willing to work in poor weather.
• Proven ability to consistently provide ideas, opinions, or information in an articulate, professional way.
• Ability to actively listen to others and demonstrate understanding of other points of view.
• This position requires you to have a work-issued cell phone (in lieu of a cell phone, other similar options are available per the agency Cell Phone Election Form).
• A valid Oregon driver's license with a record that is acceptable under ACCESS' insurance policies.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement

“ACCESS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our guidelines are clear: there shall be no discrimination on the basis of age, disability, sex, race, religion or belief, gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, or sexual orientation. We are an inclusive organization and actively promote equality of opportunity for all with the right mix of talent, skills, and potential. We welcome all applications from a wide range of candidates. Selection for roles will be based on individual merit alone.”