Peer Advocate

Pay Range :  $25 - $27 (Depending on Experience)

OVERVIEW :

Under the supervision of the Program Manager, the Outreach Coordinator will provide crisis intervention and peer counseling to encourage community members to engage in services, reduce harm, and work to improve their physical, emotional, and economic health. Peer Service Advocates will conduct outreach in the community; staff the drop-in area, especially focusing on reaching out to individuals who may have a difficult time engaging with services

QUALIFICATIONS :

• Minimum two years’ peer counseling experience, particularly working with diverse constituencies or a BA / BS degree combined with related experience.
• Previous personal and / or lived experience with poverty, homelessness, mental illness, and / or substance use issues.
• Ability and skill to develop rapport with community members who regularly visit the center and to motivate them to participate in services and activities by utilizing the principles of harm reduction.
• Demonstrated ability to actively engage people experiencing homelessness, active drug use, mental illness, and other barriers to stability and health utilizing harm reduction and self-help principles. Ability to work compassionately with those who may have difficulty engaging with more traditional services.
• Ability to effectively resolve conflicts among community members and to de-escalate tense situations.
• Ability to work professionally and ethically in a team setting, and able to maintain a high degree of confidentiality.
• Demonstrate aptitude for documentation, time management, and organizational skills.
• Excellent interpersonal communication and active listening skills
• Willingness to attend staff meetings and training that are not during regular shift hours.