Peer Support Specialist (Full Time)

Position Summary:

Under the general supervision of the Homeless Services Workers Supervisor and/or the Homeless Services Center & Interim Housing Manager, the Peer Support Specialist assists the Homeless Services Staff in not only the daily operations of the Center but in identifying and providing direct services to individuals and families encountering homelessness.  This role is critical for individuals to connect to, to determine the best client-centered pathway out of homelessness.  Through this mentorship, the peer support specialist will encourage participants to take an active role in obtaining secure and stable housing. Trusted to guide and mentor participants towards self-sufficiency, the Peer Support Specialist provides encouragement, assistance, and support, fostering long-term recovery.  This role supports CAPSLO’s mission by  extending care and assistance to participants in  their journey towards improved health and stability.  

Required Education and Experience:

• High school graduation or GED.
• Experience in navigating the day-to-day life of accessing homeless services, mental health services, physical health services, and drug and alcohol services.
• Lived past experience of homelessness and is currently in a stable housing setting.

License & Certifications:

• Must have dependable, insured transportation, a valid California Driver's License (mileage to be reimbursed), and an acceptable driving record. 
• A DMV printout and proof of insurance will be required.

Essential Functions:

• Help maintain a safe and secure environment by continually monitoring  immediate site and premises, ensuring the team and participants are following site-specific policies and protocols.     
• Screen participants upon entry and administer the participant sign in and data collection process.   
• Act as a participant resource by providing referrals to any available community resources.
• Coordinate and oversee participants assigned housekeeping duties are being completed.     
• Utilize prevention measures, conflict resolution skills and crises management techniques, with participants to help maintain an assault free environment.
• Responsible for completing any necessary documentation, in an accurate and timely manner.     
• Work with your team and be trusted to use best judgment to make onsite decisions in the absence of the HSW Supervisor.     
• Participate in staff meetings and training sessions to ensure you are up to date on all policies, protocols and procedures.    
• Promote teamwork and assist when needed with training and providing direction to other staff or volunteers.
• Provides, coordinates and oversees food service and coordinates meal provider staff regarding meals and food donations.  Maintains proper sanitation practices, clean-up, pick up and delivery of food.
• Addresses maintenance and housekeeping issues as they occur.  May be required to operate day center laundry equipment.
• Distributes personal hygiene items to clients.  

Responsibilities and Duties:

• Collects data as needed.
• Assists, as needed, in training and providing direction to other staff and volunteers.
• Attends staff meetings and training sessions as required.
• Must use reasonable precautions in the performance of one’s duties and adhere to all applicable safety rules and practices, and act in such a manner as to assure at all times maximum safety to one’s self, fellow employees, clients and children.
• Performs other duties as needed.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge:

• Must have demonstrated knowledge of local human services.
• Must have basic knowledge of computer use.

Skills:

• Must have strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Must have demonstrated organizational skills in former positions.
• Must be proficient in required charting and other documentation.

Abilities:

• Must be able to show warmth and appreciation of human growth at all levels and understand the process of gaining trust and credibility with any population.
• Must be able to relate well to all people of the community regardless of color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, disability or socio-economic level.
• Must be self-motivated and able to work independently and with minimal supervision.
• Must understand, uphold, and continue working toward accomplishing the mission, strategic goals and performance measures of the agency.

Supervisory Responsibility:

• This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities.

Work Environment:

• Requires working indoors in a temperature-controlled environment with some exposure to copier and printer chemicals/fumes.
• The work environment may include some exposure to aerosol transmissible diseases (ATD). 
• As part of an employee health and safety program, personal protective equipment is provided as needed.

Physical Demands:

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Physical:

• Position requires intermittent sitting, standing, walking, twisting, and bending.  
• Must be able to lift 30 pounds.  
• Simple grasping and hand manipulation required, as well as reaching above and below shoulder level.

Travel:

• Some travel may be required to attend meetings, conferences and training.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications:

• Must be at least 18 years of age by date of hire. 
• Must comply with the CAPSLO COVID-19 Vaccination Policy, either being fully vaccinated or sign a COVID-19 vaccination declination form.
• Based on program, a current TB skin test/Chest X-Ray may be required. 
• Employment is contingent upon meeting all applicable job requirements and background requirements. A criminal history clearance is required prior to employment. 
• Upon hire, agency staff will check the Megan’s Law (or the current sexual predator website) to ensure each staff being hired is clear for employment. Agency staff will check the website annually to ensure all program staff are cleared to work.  

Other Duties:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. 

Reasonable Accommodations:

I have read and understand the Essential Functions of this position, including the Responsibilities and Duties. I also acknowledge that the Responsibilities and Duties for this position may change in the future with or without prior notice. 

I further understand that I can request a reasonable accommodation, should one be necessary for me to carry out the Essential Functions of this position. I can perform these with or without reasonable accommodation.