Peer Navigator - Outreach

Job Description

Job Description

Reports to : Lead Outreach Case Manager

Hours : 10-20 hours per week, as scheduled

Location : Street Outreach and Engagement Center (Chicago area)

Pay : Competitive hourly rate, paid twice monthly

Benefits : 403(b) savings plan with 3% agency match

The Peer Navigator uses their lived experience of homelessness to guide and support individuals who are currently unhoused. Working as part of ReVive’s Street Outreach team, the Peer Navigator builds trust, models recovery and resilience, and helps clients navigate housing, health, and community systems.

This position serves as both a mentor and bridge, helping peers identify goals, access resources, and maintain progress toward stable housing and self-sufficiency. The Peer Navigator reports to the Lead Outreach Case Manager

Position Responsibilities :

Program Delivery (85%)

Street Outreach and Program Support

Participate in Street Outreach runs with ReVive staff, visiting homeless encampments and community locations in all weather conditions.

Coordinate peer-led groups and resource sharing at the Engagement Center.

Maintain current knowledge of Chicago's housing, healthcare, and social service systems.

Collaborate with staff to ensure that HUD Street Outreach outcomes are met or exceeded.

Peer Support and Client Engagement :

Build trusting, supportive relationships with peers experiencing homelessness.

Share relevant lived experiences appropriately to foster hope and connection.

Provide one-on-one and group peer support to clients in Street Outreach and ReVive's Engagement Center.

Accompany clients to appointments and community services as needed.

Use motivational interviewing, trauma-informed care, and harm reduction techniques to support client progress.

Assist with de-escalation and crisis intervention when necessary, in accordance with agency policy.

Encourage clients to develop self-advocacy skills, health management, and life goals.

Help clients transition from homelessness to stable housing, employment, and wellness.

Support clients to :

Navigate homeless systems by planning and accompanying clients to necessary programs and services based on support need

Develop skills to effectively transition from homelessness to housing

Develop self-advocacy skills and related knowledge

Access healthcare, housing and related community resources and services

• Program Administration (15%)

Record all client interactions and services provided promptly and accurately in ReVive's database.

Maintain confidentiality and data integrity in all documentation.

Contribute feedback to improve outreach programming and peer-support strategies.

Attend required trainings and professional development sessions.

Working Conditions

Field-based role with frequent outdoor work in varying weather conditions.

Regular travel between outreach sites, the Engagement Center, and community service partners.

Requires ability to walk, stand, or sit for extended periods; reasonable accommodations available.

Must adhere to ReVive’s Peer Navigator Code of Ethics and complete all required training before providing direct service.

Qualifications

Required :

Personal lived experience of homelessness and successful transition to stable housing (minimum 6 months).

Skills and experience related to peer support, social service, mental health and / or substance use

Comfort using lived experience to support others while maintaining boundaries.

Strong communication, professionalism, empathy, and active-listening skills.

Ability to work effectively with individuals who may be in crisis or experiencing mental health / substance use challenges.

Basic computer skills for documentation and communication.

Ability to travel locally and work flexible hours (including some evenings / weekends).

Commitment to ReVive’s mission and values.

Preferred :

Alumni of ReVive’s housing or homeless service programs (at least 1 year post-graduation).

Bilingual (Spanish / English).

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

Travel between client and assigned location(s)

Work is normally performed on the street or in the engagement center with some time in an office or client residences with fellow staff member

Exposure to all varieties of Chicago weather

Physical ability to travel to encampments and other locations where Street Outreach occurs

Functional hearing, vision, manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination or effective accommodations in place to perform job functions

Effectively work on teams with interprofessional collaboration

This description provides a summary of the major duties and responsibilities and is not an exhaustive list of the duties and responsibilities. The employee holding this position may be required to perform additional duties to meet the needs of the organization.

To apply, please submit resume and cover letter.

Company Description

ReVive seeks to end homelessness and restore hope, that all might flourish. ReVive runs an innovative Engagement Center thoughtfully designed to help people with disabilities who have experienced homelessness articulate and reach their goals. ReVive is committed to treating each and every client with dignity. And ReVive is committed to creating a community where staff, volunteers, clients, and the broader community can all thrive.

Company Description

ReVive seeks to end homelessness and restore hope, that all might flourish. ReVive runs an innovative Engagement Center thoughtfully designed to help people with disabilities who have experienced homelessness articulate and reach their goals. ReVive is committed to treating each and every client with dignity. And ReVive is committed to creating a community where staff, volunteers, clients, and the broader community can all thrive.