Peer Support Specialist

WHY WORK FOR US?
We are mission and values driven and your contributions will make a difference. We make a positive difference in people's lives and help an average of 23 people per week to find a place to live.

If you join us, you will be able to advocate for change while also working with influential people who effect changes in policy and devote time to issues of racial and social justice. We prioritize your work/life balance and provide various scheduling options in addition to generous time off, health, and wellness benefits and we're committed to helping you reach your potential by providing opportunities for professional growth across the state.

JR 4256
Peer Support Specialist - Outreach
San Jose CA
Salary: $26.64 - $31.68 per hour
Pay Frequency: 24 Pay Periods Per Year
Full Time
Non-Exempt
Driving Required

PATH is seeking candidates passionate about helping others make a positive change in their lives to join our Outreach Services Team as the Peer Support Specialist at the PATH San Jose office location.

ABOUT PATH
Since its foundation in 1984, PATH (People Assisting The Homeless) has pioneered bold and effective approaches to assist people experiencing homelessness. PATH operates services throughout California, connecting our clients to a comprehensive continuum of homelessness prevention, street outreach, employment preparation and placement assistance, individualized case management, supportive services, interim housing, and permanent supportive housing.

ABOUT THE JOB
The Peer Support Specialist is a lived-experience position that engages, inspires, and facilitates meaningful conversations with clients that assist them to explore, create, and meet their own goals. As part of a multidisciplinary team, the Peer Support Specialist builds positive relationships with clients to provide them with assistance and support with their transition to housing, accessing necessary services, and linkage to mainstream resources.

Position Responsibilities include:

• As an engagement tool, appropriately share personal experiences, skills, strengths, ongoing support and resource referral for housing related goals.
• Accompany clients to appointments and meetings, housing searches, voucher application/issuance sessions, and any other activities related to their individualized service plan.
• Collaborate with clients and other staff members to assist with developing a client-centered Individualized Service Plan (ISP) for each client that address their barriers to obtaining and maintaining stable housing and identify clear objectives, service needs, and short- and long-term goals.
• Provide field-based, mobile services to address all identified client needs.
• Assist with linkage tasks, advocacy and accompaniment within the community on an as needed basis.
• Able to drive for prolonged periods, stretch, reach, push, pull, bend, carry, lift, run, and walk.
• Participate in team meetings.
• Respond to critical situations with high-level engagement and de-escalation skills which support clients experiencing an emergency related to a mental health/physical health/substance use challenge.

WHAT YOU BRING
We're looking for candidates with:

• Analytical Skills and Attention to Detail: Gather and interpret data, identifying trends, patterns, and insights to inform decision-making. Ability to consistently produce high-quality work, ensuring accuracy and precision in all tasks.
• Collaboration and Teamwork: Work effectively with others, seeking out and building positive working relationships with colleagues, participants, and stakeholders. Work effectively with others, contributing to team goals and recognizing the strengths and contributions of others.
• Communication: Convey information clearly and effectively (both verbally and in writing) to individuals and groups in a manner that informs, engages and maintains their attention.
• Creativity and Initiative: Take action and make decisions without being prompted, demonstrating a proactive approach to work and a willingness to take on additional responsibilities. Think outside the box, generating innovative solutions to problems or challenges.
• Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: Analyze and evaluate information and situations, identify key issues, consider alternatives, and make logical decisions based on sound reasoning that will achieve the desired outcome.
• Ethics and Boundaries: Maintain ethical and professional standards, demonstrating honesty, integrity, and a commitment to doing the right thing in all situations while maintaining professional boundaries.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• One (1) year or part-time equivalent of experience supporting members served with behavioral health challenges.
• Peer Support Certification.
• Lived experience demonstrating successful recovery with issues related to homelessness, mental health, and/or substance use challenges which can be utilized to enhance effectiveness of services by informing service models and/or supporting clients through shared personal experiences.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• All levels of education and experience are welcome.

MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS
Regardless of qualifications, candidates must:

• Have employment eligibility verification
• Have or be able and willing to obtain CPR/First Aid training
• Successfully complete the following as a condition of hire:
  • Tuberculosis Test
  • Background Screening
  • Drug Test

DRIVING
Driving is an essential function of this position. To meet the employment requirements for this role, all candidates must:

• Have reliable transportation
• A valid driver's license
• Proof of insurance and ownership for personal vehicles used during work duties
• The ability to qualify for PATH's insurance coverage

EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY
Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa.

FLEXIBLE WORK
We are a California employer. Therefore, all regular and customary work must be performed within the state. Approval for work outside of the office, does not establish approval for work to be conducted outside of California.

WHAT WE OFFER
In addition to a rewarding work environment, we offer our employees a competitive benefits package that includes medical, dental and vision coverage, vacation and sick time, paid holidays, and a retirement plan.

READY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE THROUGH ACTION?
If this position sounds like a fit, please submit your application today. A resume is required.

PATH provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, PATH complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

PATH will consider for employment all qualified Applicants, including those with Criminal Histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.

PATH is dedicated to racial and social justice by centering equity in our service delivery and maintaining a diverse and inclusive work environment for the communities we serve. We seek awareness and insight from witnessing the stories of our clients and learning from the experiences of our staff to ensure impactful systems change. If people are empowered, they can bring their authentic, whole selves to work and when people feel like they belong, they can become part of a unified effort of ending homelessness for all.