Peer Counselor

The Peer Counselor in Housing is responsible for providing excellent customer service as well as monitoring and assisting with the safety and security of each building and our tenants. Hilltop Lofts is staffed 7-days a week, 24-hours a day. The Peer Counselor is responsible for providing support to the tenant, enforcing building rules, performing janitorial tasks, responding to and reporting tenant and building emergencies. The position is generally assigned to the Hilltop Lofts building, but may be reassigned on a short- or long-term basis or shared between properties, based on business/service needs.

This position is full-time.

Building Safety

• Maintains a safe, sanitary living and work environment including offices and outside areas by conducting floor checks, perimeter checks and unit inspections with Case Managers when appropriate.
• Maintains building safety at all times by following building/staff safety and emergency procedures according to MDC policies.
• Monitors all areas of the building and systems with the use of security cameras and by regular checks of common areas to ensure tenant and building safety.
• Monitors the building to ensure only authorized persons enter the building and all guests follow building rules and policies.
• Ensures the removal of unauthorized persons within MDC guidelines.
• Supports and assists tenants logging guests in and out.
• Writes up Incident Reports as appropriate, and forwards to Management in a timely manner.
• Unlocks tenant door when tenants are locked out.
• Supports and enforces building rules, responds to tenant complaints and forwards to Management.
• Responds to building emergencies and takes action within MDCs Housing/Case Management guidelines.
• Contacts and/or coordinates 911, police, fire department, and other service agencies and appropriate staff for assistance as needed according to MDC policies.
• Makes referrals to community resources, MDC services and Property Manager as appropriate.
• Completes work order requests as needed for building maintenance.
• Familiar with location of shut-offs (water, electrical, heat) and how to perform emergency shut-offs.

Tenant Engagement

• Engage with tenants using trauma informed care and growth mindset methodology.
• Communicate and build rapport with tenants
• Deescalate tenants when necessary.
• Facilitate and/or co-facilitate group activities; recreational activities, holiday events, field trips, etc.
• Provide and assist tenants with information and access to community resources.
• Complete monthly on-line training to improve engagement skills and knowledge of resources and services.

Janitorial

• Cleans employee restrooms and stocks paper products as necessary.
• Cleans interior windows in common areas.
• Cleans assigned common areas (Community room, Laundry Rooms, Offices, etc.), including vacuuming carpets and mopping floors.
• Takes out trash and rotates dumpsters.

Office

• Use office machines to file, fax, and photocopy.
• Maintains various daily logs of building activities and building records.
• Routes tenant information for tenant/case management files.
• Answer the phone and follow proper phone procedures.
• Familiar with documentation forms such as Incident Reports, Tenant concerns, Work orders, Notice to vacate, and move out forms.
• Use Microsoft Outlook for communication and scheduling.
• Assists with gathering of tenant information.
• Distributes and posts flyers and notices.
• Facilitates access to building areas for contractors, repair and service representatives and vendors.
• Assists with office and janitorial supply inventories.
• Participates and contributes to meeting team goals.
• Fulfills other duties as requested by Care Management, and/or Property Management

Schedule: Mon - Thu, 11pm - 7am

Compensation & Benefits:

• $18.90/hour
• union representation
• health/vision/dental/life insurance
• 403(b) retirement plan
• employee assistance program
• 13 vacation days per year
• 13 paid sick days per year

• 12 paid holidays

• Some experience working with chronic street population, or be currently enrolled in human or social services program at an educational institution.

• Current certification as a Peer Counselor is required and previous experience as a Peer Counselor is desirable
• Completing specialized training approved by the State of Washington - the training is free.
• Passing a written and oral state exam - the exam is free.
• Must have valid/current Washington State drivers license, reliable personal transportation and insurance.
• The incumbent must successfully pass a criminal background check which may include fingerprinting.
• Physically able to climb flights of stairs and carry up to 40 lbs.
• Must have personal skills to communicate effectively with tenants and the public; maintain professional boundaries with tenants.
• Experience with diverse, low-income or special needs population
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Able to complete concise reporting
• Working knowledge of computers and computer data entry processes