Peer Specialist

About the position

The Peer Specialist at Abode Services plays a crucial role in providing outreach, case management, and rehabilitative services to homeless individuals, particularly those with serious mental health disorders, substance use disorders, and chronic health conditions. This position involves engaging with participants identified through county data and assessment processes, and working collaboratively with a supportive team to deliver comprehensive clinical services. The Peer Specialist will help participants navigate various systems, establish goals for self-sufficiency, and access necessary community resources.

Responsibilities

• Provide outreach and engagement to homeless adults to locate referred individuals in various locations such as encampments, parks, shelters, and treatment facilities.
• Re-engage participants who have lost contact with the program team.
• Assist in interviewing and completing initial intakes with clients, gathering and assembling related information, and maintaining appropriate records and files.
• Maintain thorough and concise case notes.
• Link participants with community treatment services for mental health, substance recovery, physical health care, financial assistance, educational and employment services, housing, and advocacy.
• Assist participants in establishing goals and strategies for increasing self-sufficiency.
• Support participants in accessing public benefits such as General Assistance, Food Stamps, and SSI.
• Advocate for participants by interacting with judges, court mental health staff, and public defenders.
• Help participants develop a Wellness Recovery Action Plan.
• Provide support, role modeling, and coaching to participants in the program.
• Attend clinical, administrative, and case conferencing meetings as required.
• Enter all data on time and correctly to support program evaluation and outcomes tracking.
• Ensure proper and timely documentation of services including written case notes using the BIRP formats and billing services to Medi-Cal.
• Assist the Program Manager, Clinical Supervisor, and other staff as needed.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Personal life experiences with recovery from addiction, homelessness, and/or mental health recovery required.
• Six months of field experience working with people experiencing homelessness.
• Use of personal vehicle and proof of a valid and current California Driver's License and current insurance along with a clean DMV record required.
• Excellent verbal & written communication, organizational, and time management skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with meticulous attention to detail.
• Ability to work well independently and collaboratively with teams.
• Understanding and practice of cultural sensitivity.
• Experience in building rapport and engaging with difficult-to-serve participants.
• Ability to build supportive and respectful working relationships with individuals with disabilities and/or experiencing homelessness.
• Sensitivity to and understanding of the special needs of the homeless.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs, systems, and platforms.
• Ability to learn and use required mobile devices and business-related applications.
• High degree of emotional intelligence and cultural humility.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in case management or social services.
• Familiarity with community resources for homeless services.

Benefits

• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Paid time off
• Employee assistance program
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance