Purpose
The Peer Support Advocate provides non-clinical, lived-experience-based support for participants in Love Home’s interim housing programs. Guided by a harm reduction and trauma-informed approach, this role focuses on building trust, sharing recovery-oriented experiences, and empowering participants to achieve their goals. The Peer Support Advocate works alongside program staff to promote stability, wellness, and community connection.
Key Responsibilities
- Serve as a peer role model, demonstrating recovery, resilience, and healthy boundaries.
- Build trusting relationships with participants through empathy, shared experience, and active listening.
- Facilitate peer-led support groups, recovery circles, and wellness activities.
- Provide one-on-one peer mentoring, goal-setting support, and encouragement.
- Assist participants with navigating systems of care and connecting to community resources.
- Collaborate with case managers, counselors, and program staff to support holistic care.
- Promote harm reduction strategies, including safe use practices, overdose prevention, and healthcare access.
- Provide crisis support and de-escalation, contacting supervisors or emergency responders when necessary.
- Maintain accurate peer support documentation, including activity logs and progress notes.
- Uphold confidentiality standards and follow Love Home’s policies and procedures.
- Participate in staff meetings, supervision, and ongoing training.
- Perform other duties as assigned by program management.
Qualifications
- Education/Experience:
- Completion of a Peer Support Specialist certification (California-recognized training program).
- Lived experience with recovery from substance use, mental health challenges, or housing instability, with at least one year of demonstrated recovery.
- Knowledge & Skills:
- Familiarity with harm reduction, trauma-informed care, and recovery-oriented practices.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Ability to maintain boundaries while fostering supportive peer relationships.
- Proficiency in basic computer applications (Microsoft Office, Google Workspace).
- Other Requirements:
- Ability to maintain appropriate professional boundaries.
- Clean driving record required if transporting participants.
Additional Requirements
Employment is contingent upon the following, in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws:
- Successful clearance of a background check conducted through Checkr (Live Scan may also be required, depending on program or funding requirements)
- Possession and maintenance of current CPR and First Aid certification throughout employment; if not current at time of hire, must obtain within 30 days of employment
- A current negative tuberculosis (TB) test; if not current at time of hire, must obtain within 30 days of employment and maintain as required
- COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test prior to initial workplace assignment; employee may also be required to undergo COVID-19 testing periodically, in accordance with public health guidance and company policy
- Participation in a drug screening program, including random urinalysis testing as permitted by law
- Must be able to safely and effectively perform the essential functions of the role, including compliance with all drug-free workplace policies and behavioral standards
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $21.00 - $25.00 per hour
Expected hours: 40 per week
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Vision insurance
Experience:
- Peer Support Advocate: 1 year (Required)
Ability to Commute:
- Los Angeles, CA 90004 (Required)
Willingness to travel:
Work Location: In person
