Youth Peer Specialist

Ozone House; Ypsilanti (MI); On-site; USD 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A community support organization in Ypsilanti, Michigan, seeks a Peer Support Specialist to help youth experiencing homelessness. The role involves engaging with young people at various locations, providing support, and assisting them in accessing essential resources. Candidates should have a lived experience with homelessness or housing instability and possess strong interpersonal skills. This position is ideal for passionate individuals aged 16-22 who are committed to creating supportive environments for their peers.

Qualifications

• Personal lived experience with youth homelessness, housing instability, or related systems (required).
• Young person aged 16–22 to apply (required).
• Passion for working with young people and creating safe, supportive spaces.

Responsibilities

• Engage and support youth in building trust.
• Assist youth in accessing essential resources.
• Participate in community outreach efforts.

Skills

Personal lived experience with youth homelessness

Comfortable working in public spaces

Good communication and teamwork skills

Education

HS Diploma or GED

Job description

OUR COMMITMENT

Ozone House aspires to end youth and young adult homelessness in Washtenaw County and surrounding communities through our mission of providing holistic support and housing services that enhance the wellbeing and safety of young people through empowerment, advocacy, and connection. At Ozone House, we are committed to fostering a workplace that reflects our core values of empathy, equity, integrity, collaboration, resilience, and safety. We believe that every employee plays a vital role in creating an inclusive, affirming, and compassionate environment where all individuals are respected and valued. By embodying these values, we ensure that Ozone House remains a welcoming and empowering place for all employees, where we can thrive together as a team.

SUMMARY

The Peer Support Specialist uses their lived experience with homelessness or housing instability to connect with and support youth currently experiencing similar challenges. The Peer Support Specialist position is community-based, with a strong presence at public transportation hubs, drop-in centers, schools, and other youth-centered locations. The Peer Support Specialist helps young people access basic needs, feel heard and supported, and connect to services, while modeling resilience and building trusting relationships.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• HS Diploma or GED (Preferred) *High school students with eligible work permit will also be considered.

EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

• Personal lived experience with youth homelessness, housing instability, or related systems (required).


• Young person aged 16‑22 to apply (required).


• Passion for working with young people and creating safe, supportive spaces.


• Comfortability and personable skills with young people


• Reliable, respectful, and able to maintain boundaries.


• Comfortable working in public spaces (transit centers, streets, drop‑in centers).


• Good communication and teamwork skills.


• Willing to receive training on peer support, trauma‑informed care, and harm reduction.

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS

• Experience in peer support, outreach, or youth work.


• Familiarity with community resources in Washtenaw County.


• Show up for every shift as scheduled (or communicate appropriately with direct supervisor).


• Attend & participate in supervisions


• Complete timely documentation


• Complete annual 360 review including peers providing support to.

REPORTS TO

• Outreach Coordinator or Welcome Coordinator

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Engage and with youth in a manner that builds trust.


• Meet young people where they are—on the bus, at the drop‑in center, or in the community.


• Use lived experience to build rapport, reduce stigma, and create a welcoming environment for youth.


• Listen actively and offer emotional support without judgment.


• Help youth identify their own strengths, goals, and next steps.


• Share personal experiences when appropriate to support and encourage others.


• Support Access to Basic Needs and Services:


• Assist youth in accessing transportation, shelter, food, hygiene supplies, and other essential resources.


• Offer information and referrals to Ozone House programs or other community services.


• Learn about other youth resources, connecting with staff and other young people at these agencies in order to assist with warm handoffs to services.


• Participate in Outreach Activities:


• Join staff for community outreach efforts, including but not limited to transit‑based outreach, malls, schools, places where youth frequent most, and community events.


• Help distribute flyers, supplies, and information to youth in need.


• Assist with Group Activities:


• Help plan and co‑facilitate group sessions focused on building life skills, self‑esteem, identity, and community.


• Encourage participation and create a safe, inclusive space.


• Document Interactions:


• Record brief, accurate notes about peer contacts and services provided, following agency guidelines.


• Contribute to a Supportive Team:


• Attend team meetings and check‑ins to share updates and receive support.


• Communicate regularly with program staff about youth needs and safety concerns.


• Help execute the daily operations at the Drop‑in Center or Welcome Center as directed by direct supervisor.

WORK ENVIRONMENT, PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND TRAVEL

This job operates in a variety of spaces including residential, drop‑in center & in community as well as in a professional office environment. The physical demands of the position include vision, effective speech and hearing for extensive telephone contact; repetitive motion; driving or riding in a motor vehicle; standing, sitting, walking, bending, reaching, and stretching; and lifting up to twenty‑five (25) pounds unassisted. This role routinely uses standard office equipment with prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions, so long as it creates no undue hardship to the agency. Must have reliable transportation to and from work.