POSITION TITLE: Certified Peer Specialist – Shelter Based
REPORTS TO: Coordinator
FLSA CLASSIFICATION: Non-Exempt
POSITIONS SUPERVISED: None
POSITION OVERVIEW:
The Certified Peer Specialist utilizes lived experience in recovery to provide support, mentorship, and encouragement to residents within a shelter-based environment. This role helps residents build skills, increase independence, and take an active role in their recovery by modeling coping strategies, promoting self-advocacy, and supporting engagement in services. The Peer Specialist contributes to a welcoming, respectful environment that fosters hope, dignity, and connection.
ESSENTIAL POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:
Service Delivery
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Provide peer support services in a shelter-based environment, aligned with resident goals and recovery plans
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Share lived experience appropriately to model recovery, coping skills, and self-management strategies
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Support residents in developing skills related to daily living, decision-making, and community integration
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Facilitate or support group and individual peer interactions that encourage recovery and connection
Care Coordination & Collaboration
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Collaborate with Team Leads, Behavioral Health staff, and Case Managers to support resident goals
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Communicate relevant updates regarding resident engagement, needs, and progress
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Support connection to internal services and community resources as appropriate
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Participate in team meetings, shift communication, and supervision
Monitoring Progress & Responding to Client Needs
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Observe resident engagement, behaviors, and recovery progress within the shelter-based environment
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Identify changes in needs or concerns and communicate with team members or supervisors
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Provide support during challenging situations using learned coping and de-escalation strategies
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Encourage use of wellness and recovery plans (e.g., coping strategies, WRAP principles)
Client Engagement & Support
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Build authentic, respectful relationships with residents using a person-centered, recovery-oriented approach
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Encourage participation in services, routines, and goal-setting activities
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Promote self-advocacy, independence, and informed decision-making
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Foster a welcoming and supportive shelter environment that enhances the overall resident experience
Documentation & Compliance
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Complete accurate, timely documentation of peer services in accordance with agency standards
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Maintain required logs, notes, and communication records
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Meet productivity expectations and submit documentation within required timeframes
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Complete required trainings and maintain peer certification standards
ORGANIZATION STANDARDS:
Professionalism and Communication
Demonstrates clear, respectful, and professional communication in both verbal and written interactions, with a focus on collaboration and solution-oriented dialogue. Shares information responsibly and addresses concerns constructively while maintaining a positive, professional demeanor—even in challenging situations.
Time & Priority Management
Effectively manages workload by prioritizing tasks, planning proactively, and addressing challenges to meet deadlines and responsibilities. Maintains a solution-focused approach and professional composure while balancing competing priorities.
Reliability & Accountability & Ownership
Demonstrates dependability by consistently meeting commitments, deadlines, and responsibilities while taking ownership of work and outcomes. Acts with integrity, follows through on obligations, and addresses mistakes proactively to support a culture of accountability and trust.
Adaptability and Change Agility
Demonstrates adaptability by embracing new processes, priorities, and organizational changes with resilience and a willingness to learn. Adjusts work approaches as needed and supports others through change with a constructive, solution-focused mindset.
Organizational Alignment and Mission Focus
Demonstrates behaviors aligned with the organization’s mission, values, and professional standards while supporting goals and initiatives through actions and attitude. Consistently follows policies and ethical guidelines, maintains confidentiality, and contributes to a culture of professionalism, respect, and service.
POSITION REQUIREMENTS:
- High school diploma or equivalent required. Previous experience in relevant role preferred.
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Proficiency in basic computer systems and software programs including electronic health record systems.
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Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism in all interactions
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Strong service delivery, communication, and organizational skills
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Ability to manage multiple tasks and work in a fast-paced environment
Driver Level: Level 1, valid driver's license, reliable transportation, insurance and clean MVR required
Position Flexibility: This position is primarily community-based, with most work conducted in the field with clients. Required office-based tasks must be completed onsite; limited remote work flexibility may be available in accordance with HR approved department standards.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Driving for community-based services
- Sitting for extended periods of time.
- Lifting/carrying up to thirty (30) pounds
- Climb, Bending, Stooping, Balancing
All the above duties and responsibilities are considered essential job functions subject to reasonable accommodation. All job requirements listed indicate the minimum level of knowledge, skills and/or ability deemed necessary to perform the job proficiently. This job description is not to be construed as a detailed statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements. Employees may be required to perform any other job-related instructions as requested by their supervisors, subject to reasonable accommodation.
EEO race, color, religion, sex, parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, political affiliation, military service, or other non-merit based factors.
