Peer Support Specialist

OVERVIEW: Founded in 1979 in direct response to rising rates of hunger and homelessness in North San Diego County, Interfaith Community Services works to break the cycle of poverty and homelessness by Helping People Help Themselves. Interfaith is the most comprehensive social services agency in North County, providing both immediate safety net services and long-term, life-changing programs designed to meet the holistic needs of people in crisis. Together, in partnership with 250+ diverse faith communities, more than 650 recurrent volunteers, and a growing staff of over 200, Interfaith provides a safe haven and pathway towards self-sufficiency for more than 17,000 community members annually.

WHAT YOU WILL DO: The Peer Support Specialist will provide a high quality program to include: needs assessment, client advocacy (resources & referrals) ,ongoing socialization opportunities to avoid isolation, continued mobility, helping seniors in financial or health crisis, food stability, provide a robust activities program centered on health and wellness, provide the supports needed to maintain permanent housing and self-sufficiency, while also supporting the mission of Interfaith Community Services.

• Provides support by drawing on own experiences and professional skills to build a trusting relationship with participants

• Provides resident services to clients including: outreach, assessment, crisis intervention, advocacy, and light touch case management

• Completes case notes, progress notes and any other stats in accordance with contract requirements.

• Provides guidance and support to help clients identify their own strengths, set achievable goals and follows through regularly to support client in becoming self-sufficient

• Administers supportive services per agency and contract guidelines

• Links and networks clients with resources within the agency and utilizes other public and private social service agencies as necessary

• Provides services in the community; working with clients in various settings, which include but are not limited to, other agency programs, faith centers, and school administrations

• Reads and follows department and agency Policies and Procedures

• Facilitates and/or Coordinates monthly resident meetings, wellness activities, social events, classes (Life Skills, Active Recovery, etc.), to engage clients according to the grants/contracts

• Supports Program Manager in gathering supportive data for all program reports

• Participates in all staff meetings and trainings

• Subscribe to Housing First, Trauma Informed Care and Harm Reduction practices when working with clients

• Performs additional duties as assigned

EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS

• Paid Time Off – Three weeks to start!
• Paid Holidays – 13 scheduled
• Flexible Work Schedules
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• AD&D / Group Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts – Medical and Dependent Care
• Matched 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Early Release Days!
• Work Anniversary Bonuses
• Tuition Reimbursement and Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligibility
• Employee Assistance Plan (EAP)
• Home Ownership Assistance Program
• Casual Work Environment
• Professional Growth and Career Development Opportunities

EXPERIENCE / EDUCATION

• High school diploma or equivalent required

• Experience working with the homeless population preferred

• Experience working with serious mental illness (SMI) population preferred

• Bilingual (Spanish/English) preferred

Interfaith is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to age, race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, pregnancy, marital status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, nationality, sex, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, Interfaith will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.