Shelter Peer Case Worker

Catholic Community Services; Tacoma (WA); On-site; USD 69,773,000 - 80,231,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

Life insurance

Long-term disability

AD&D

Pension

403b

Catastrophic & accident insurance

3 weeks vacation

12 days sick leave

13 holidays

Job summary

Catholic Community Services seeks a Shelter Peer Caseworker for Nativity House in Pierce County. You will assess barriers to housing, create client-centered plans, and connect residents to housing resources, mental health services, and public assistance programs.

The role emphasizes trauma-informed, culturally competent care and collaboration with a multidisciplinary team. Responsibilities include 1:1 resident support, housing stability planning, and facilitating life-skill workshops while

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 2 years experience in social services for homelessness.
• Reliable transportation and WA driver's license needed.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Background checks and TB test within year required.
• Ability to manage time in fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft applications preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform resident assessments using Motivational Interviewing and Housing First approaches.
• Develop Housing Stability Plans with residents and set action goals.
• Meet residents 1:1 to support housing retention and access to services.
• Connect residents to internal and external resources for stability.
• Schedule follow-up, reminders, and document in databases.
• Maintain thorough documentation and meeting notes timely.
• Lead life skills workshops and resource navigation sessions.
• Monitor policy adherence and provide behavioral support as needed.
• Support daily schedules toward self-sufficiency and independence.
• Assist with program areas like laundry, donation, art, and meals.
• Respond to crises and medical emergencies; participate in team meetings.
• Uphold trauma-informed, culturally competent care; other duties as assigned.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Time management

Organization

Cultural competency

Community knowledge

Reliable transportation

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Overview

$24.35-$28.00 HR DOE

3 weeks vacation

12 days sick leave

13 holidays

medical

dental

vision

life insurance

LTD

AD&D

pension

403b

catastrophic & accident ins

Program Description: Nativity House is the largest, most comprehensive facility in Pierce Countserving low-income and homeless adult men and women. Our goal is to provide for the basic needs of adult individuals experiencing homelessness and offer concrete pathways to permanent housing and self-sufficiency.

Position Description: The Shelter Peer Caseworker plays a vital role by providing direct assistance and support to shelter residents experiencing homelessness. This position supports Nativity House shelter resident’s daily needs, assesses individual barriers to housing, develops a supportive client-centered plan of action and assist with the development of personal goals. Staff in this position connect residents to internal and external resources that promote housing stability, independent living, reduce barriers and increase access to services.

Responsibilities

• Using Motivational Interviewing and Housing First client-centered practices, performs resident assessments to include barriers to housing as well as the resident’s strengths and needs.
• Assist residents in developing a strength-based, client-centered plan for housing and housing retention that includes a comprehensive Housing Stability Plan:
• Develop supportive relationships by regularly meeting with residents to provide 1:1 support with established goals as outlined in the resident’s Housing Stability Plan.
• Acquire knowledge of local housing, mental health and public assistance resource and coordinate with community agencies to facilitate resident referrals and service access.
• Supports residents with follow up services, including appointment scheduling and reminders.
• Maintain accurate resident documentation within databases or software applications.
• Regularly performs resident meeting notes and completes other required documentation within established timeframes.
• Facilitate life skill workshops, support groups, or resource navigation sessions along with recreational activities.
• Monitor resident compliance with shelter policies and provides appropriate support and intervention.
• Respond to disruptive behavior and provides behavioral management to include setting limits, encouraging desired behaviors, assigning consequences and helping residents think through their actions and decisions.
• Support residents maintain a daily schedule towards self-sufficiency and independent living. this may include assistance with morning routines, meal times, planned recreational events, skill development, attending classes and assisting staff with residential upkeep.
• Perform various tasks associated with different program service areas such as the laundry room, donation room, art room as well as basic meal preparation and meal service.
• Respond to guests who are in crisis or having medical emergencies.
• Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings to ensure cohesive program delivery
• Uphold trauma-informed, culturally competent and client centered care practices.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or GED.
• 2 years experience working in environments that provide social services to those experiencing homelessness.
  • Must have reliable transportation, a valid WA State driver’s license, and auto insurance.
• Possess good verbal and written communication.
• Applicant must successfully pass required background checks.
• Ability to provide proof of a negative TB test in the last year.
• Ability to manage time effectively and prioritize in a fast-paced environment
• Possess proficient computer skills with various Microsoft applications preferred
• Possess a strong connection to and knowledge of the community being served
• Agreement to uphold the mission, beliefs and values of Catholic Community Services and Catholic Housing Services.
• Desire to support and contribute to a creative, collaborative and respectful environment that promotes teamwork.
• Demonstrates the necessary attitudes, knowledge and skills to deliver culturally competent services and work effectively in multi-cultural situations
• Must have reliable transportation, valid driver’s license, and automobile insurance.
• Must have an acceptable driving record per CCS’ driving policy. (required to provide current driving abstract.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• This role benefits from individuals who have overcome personal challenges related to mental health needs and homelessness that are now at a place to support others.

POST EMPLOYMENT QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must obtain Food Handler’s card within first month of employment.
• Must successfully complete the following trainings within 3 months of hire - Motivational Interviewing, Housing First Client-Centered Practices, De-escalation Training and First Aid/CPR Training