Peer Support Specialist

JOB SUMMARY:  The Peer Support Specialist supports others experiencing homelessness within the shelter setting.  Serves as a role model, mentor, advocate, and motivator to individuals in order to help them work towards housing along with connections to resources and promote long-term stability.  Provides outreach and support as needed.   Addresses barriers with clients and their families preventing homelessness.

JOB DUTIES: 

1. Provides peer support to service recipients for every phase of their stay in the shelter and day services.
2. Be a model by demonstrating that exiting from homelessness is possible.
3. Assist persons to identify their personal interests, goals, strengths and weaknesses. 
4. Assist and coach clients to develop their own plan for ending their homelessness.
5. Promote self-advocacy by assisting clients to have their voices heard; their needs, goals and objectives established as the focal point of wrap around services.  
6. Provides initial outreach and follow up to participants of the shelter and day services.
7. Participates in interdisciplinary team meetings, as needed.
8. Provides support to the individual as specified in the service plan.
9. Is available to drive clients to appointments as necessary.
10. Maintains logs, reports and records in appropriate files and database of all activity in case.
11. Participates in case file preparation, as needed for each client referred, ensuring all relevant documents are updated and included.
12. Participates in File Reviews as part of the Performance and Quality Improvement process.
13. Participates in supervisory meetings, both on an individual basis and as a group; reviews all new support plans with a supervisor.
14. Has or obtains knowledge and ability to access community resources; helps individuals connect with needed resources. 

1. Promote ongoing commitment to excellence and continual quality improvement to ensure the highest quality of services to our staff and clients. 
2. Performs other duties as assigned.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

1. Education /Background: Minimum of a High School Diploma or Equivalent and at least one year of continuous work experience. Must have or obtain peer support certification and must have experienced homelessness in the past.
2.  Job Knowledge: Must be sensitive to cultural differences within the agency and community. Fluent in Microsoft Office Applications (Word & Outlook). Has or obtains experience in cultural diversity; homelessness, substance abuse; domestic violence; crisis intervention; and other relevant issues.  
3.  Working Conditions/Physical Demands:  Must be able to stoop, bend, squat, sit on floor and ambulate over uneven floor surfaces including stairs and steps. Must be able to visually and auditory assess and interact with clients to ensure their safety and wellbeing. Requires work outside of the office and driving. May lift to 30 pounds. Must be able to drive extensive hours a day if needed.
4. Other requirements:
   1. Valid AZ driver’s license, reliable transportation and ability to show proof of registration/insurance.
   2. Level One Fingerprint clearance or ability to obtain fingerprint clearance; must maintain clearance.
   3. You must be 21 years of age or older to drive on behalf of Catholic Charities.
   4. Must have or complete within 90 days of hire, training in CPR and First Aid and remain current in the certification.

Hourly rate starting at $16.00 and may increase depending on experience.

Excellent Benefits: Medical (including Vision), Dental, Basic Life, Short-Term Disability, Vacation, Sick Time, 13 Paid Holidays, Flexible Spending Account (FSA), 403(b), EAP and Pension Plan

We Value Diversity!

EEO

OUR GUIDING PRINCIPLES

RESPECT

INTEGRITY

ACCOUNTABILITY

COMMITMENT

QUALITY