Peer Advocate

POSITION:Peer Advocate

DIVISION: Programs – Engagement

LOCATION: North Hollywood, CA

HIRING RATE: $21.01/hour

SUMMARY OF THE ORGANIZATION

LA Family Housing is a leading homeless service provider and affordable housing developer in Los Angeles. We believe that housing is a human right, and we are invested in driving forward the innovative solutions we know are effective in ending homelessness. With nearly 40 years of experience, we know what works: an individualized approach that combines a continuum of housing options enriched with supportive services. In 2021, we connected nearly 12,000 people with housing resources and supportive services every year. We also own or co-own 30 interim, affordable, and supportive housing properties and have over 700 additional units of permanent supportive housing in our pipeline.

Our community-based approach allows us to influence how homelessness is addressed in Los Angeles and nationwide. We take tremendous pride in positioning our staff as national leaders in innovation, best practices, and policy within housing production and homeless services. From presenting at national conferences to facilitating service collaboration among providers in other regions, we equip our industry to effectively respond to homelessness and ultimately move more people home. Join this incredible team of changemakers and start making a difference in people’s lives today at LA Family Housing!

SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES

The Peer Advocate is responsible for providing outreach service within a Street-based Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) serving single adults experiencing homelessness. Primary duties include engaging people experiencing homelessness in street based supportive services including coordinating referrals and program linkage to other regional programs; collaborating with other homeless outreach entities; providing peer-to-peer support and counseling drawing from lived experience with homelessness; providing encouragement and guidance to program participants to reduce harm and improve their physical, social, emotional, and economic health.

SPECIFIC DUTIES

• Provides mobile, street-based outreach services to people experiencing homelessness living on the streets and/or in encampments
• Motivates homeless individuals to engage in outreach services and associated community referrals that promote well-being by building rapport & providing emotional support to participants
• Acts as a bridge between program participants and staff when communication appears to be a barrier
• Provides feedback to staff on how to better serve participants based on Peer Advocate’s lived experience with homelessness
• Utilizes a Harm Reduction and Housing First approach
• Works within the goals of CES to reduce street homelessness by linking program participants to mental health, health, housing services, and other supportive services for which they are eligible; facilitate a “warm hand-off” in service linkage
• Maintains thorough and accurate records in both written form and through assigned electronic database
• Maintains and keeps appropriate and ethical boundaries with participants and staff
• Ability to share life experiences (and successes) with history of homelessness, incarceration, substance abuse, mental health, and/or other risky behaviors when appropriate to promote well-being for the participant
• Attends various, regular staff, agency and community meetings as designated by supervisor
• Drives personal vehicle in and around Los Angeles County and drives agency vehicles periodically to transport clients
• Additional tasks, projects and responsibilities as assigned by supervisor

ACCOUNTABILITY AND REVIEW

Position Reports To: Outreach Supervisor

Performance Review: Annual

DIRECT REPORTS

Number of employees receiving work direction: Zero (0)

Position titles reporting to position: Zero (0)

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Lived experience with homelessness required
• Able to demonstrate empathy and a non-judgmental attitude when engaging with persons experiencing homelessness
• Possess a high level of tolerance and understanding for individuals who present for services with mental health and physical health needs
• Basic knowledge of issues facing homeless single adults (e.g. chronic health, substance abuse, mental health, domestic abuse, resources for undocumented persons)
• Peer Partner/Peer Advocate/Peer Mentor Training recommended but not required
• Ability to be flexible and work in an environment subject to ongoing change
• Good customer service skills
• Good conflict resolution skills
• Ability to maintain a professional demeanor and boundaries with peers and staff
• Ability to communicate clearly, both written and orally
• Proficient in Microsoft Programs (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint), Zoom, and web-based scheduling software
• Ability to work within a team environment and collaborate with team members
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred

OTHER

• Maintain and execute confidential information according to HIPAA standards
• Obtain and maintain CPR/First Aid Certification
• Ability to pass post-offer Tuberculosis (TB) clearances
• Ability to pass a Pre-Employment Physical Exam
• Travel is a regular duty for this position and is required 25-30% of the time
• Use of a personal vehicle to travel between worksites and other locations is required
• Must have and maintain a valid California Driver’s License and auto insurance in good standing
• Ability to work a 9/80 work schedule

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• At least three (3) months of lived experience with homelessness (living on the streets, a car, a place not meant for human habitation or couch surfing) required
• One (1) year experience working with people experiencing homelessness desired

WHAT WE OFFER

Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, 403B Retirement Plan, 529 Education Savings Plan, Long Term Disability, Employee Assistance Program, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), Legal Access Plan, Employee Appreciation Program, Company Sponsored Employee Events, Staff Development, 9/80 Alternative Work Schedule, Paid Sick, Vacation and 13 Observed Holidays, Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program Eligibility and more!

PHYSICAL DEMANDS, ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS, EQUIPMENT

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Potential physical demands include but are not limited to: walking, climbing stairs, handling, finger/grasp/feel objects and equipment, reaching, communicating, being mobile, repetitive motions, visual activity, driving, and entering buildings. Comfortable working in a pet-friendly environment required. If an accommodation is needed, please inform the Human Resources Department.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

LAFH is committed and proud to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, age, disability or status as a veteran.

FAIR CHANCE ACT

LA Family Housing will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if LA Family Housing is concerned about conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing’s Fair Chance Act webpage.