Peer Support Specialist

Summary of Position

TGTHR seeks a Peer Support Specialist with lived experience in homelessness and mental health and/or substance misuse, who is now housed and in recovery. The Peer Support Specialist uses their personal, practical experience, knowledge, and first-hand insight to benefit clients and their support team.

This role provides assistance, support, and advocacy for clients, helping them identify life choices and overcome obstacles to achieve their goals. Focusing on each client's strengths, the Peer Support Specialist promotes personal growth, development, and recovery, supporting clients through their transition from homelessness to stable housing.

• Provide individual peer support and use lived experience to validate clients' experiences.
• Encourage clients to take responsibility for and actively participate in their recovery.
• Help clients identify, understand, and combat stigma related to mental health, substance misuse, and homelessness.
• Respond appropriately to crises using trauma-informed care.
• Solicit, listen to, and respond to client feedback about services.
• Assist clients with transitioning into and maintaining housing.
• Facilitate connections to substance misuse programs and on-site or telehealth mental health resources.

• Facilitate group peer support sessions, validating shared experiences and encouraging active recovery participation.
• Foster a supportive, trauma-informed, and culturally competent environment that encourages collaboration and respect.

• Maintain confidentiality of all client information.
• Complete documentation and reports accurately and timely in Salesforce.
• Ensure all required forms are complete and submitted promptly.

• Understand and follow organizational policies and procedures.
• Attend required meetings, supervision sessions, and trainings focused on peer support core competencies.
• Participate actively in staff meetings to address client and program issues.
• Provide excellent internal and external customer service.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure client voice and choice are prioritized in service planning.

• Complete additional tasks and responsibilities as assigned by management.
• TGTHR is a dynamic and growing organization — flexibility and teamwork are key.

 This is not a full job description; duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
TGTHR is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of employment. 

Requirements

Required:

• Lived experience as a recipient of mental health, substance use, and/or homeless services with the ability to model recovery. 
• At least one (1) year of stable housing.
• Active participation in personal recovery (two or more years preferred; all recovery pathways honored). 
• High school diploma or GED.
• Time management skills and ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience with computerized office systems (e.g., Microsoft Office, email, phone systems).
• Conflict mediation and resolution skills.
• Ability to relate to people from diverse backgrounds and lived experiences.
• Trauma-informed, anti-racist, and anti-oppressive approach.
• Creativity, flexibility, and resilience under pressure.
• Ability to lift up to 30 lbs., move up and down stairs, and sit for long periods while performing typing duties.
• Reliable transportation.
• Proof of COVID-19 vaccination or ability to obtain within seven weeks of hire.
   

Preferred:

• Bilingual (English/Spanish).
• One year or more of paid or volunteer experience in a related field.
• Prior experience working with youth and/or vulnerable populations.
• Customer service experience.
• Experience with Salesforce.