Peer Housing Advocate

Job Title: Peer Housing Advocate

Date of Origination: 07/2018

Status: Non-Exempt

Title of Direct Supervisor: Outreach Program Manager

Date of last revision: 01/2021

Job Summary:

The Peer Housing Advocate position will follow the Housing First Model, assisting departments in the delivery of comprehensive services to household members that have a history of homelessness, behavioral health challenges, and medical disabilities that may be barriers to maintaining in housing. This position will provide households with assistance attending appointments, providing peer support regarding various needs the person(s) may encounter, assist with assessing and maintaining benefits, and connect with the households on a peer-to-peer level that engages the household in developing their dreams and wishes as they seek interdependence in the community.

Qualifications:

● Bachelors' degree or Associate's Degree in a Human Services field OR a High school diploma with 3-5 years of lived experience preferred

● Experience as a Peer Advocate a plus

● Possess social justice and human rights perspective and frameworks that align with agencies principle and mission.

● Knowledge of the community; resources and housing relationships locally.

● Excellent engagement, written and verbal communication skills and documentation skills.

● Ability to work independently and able to set clear boundaries.

● Possess a strong sense of respect for confidentially involving both clients and peers.

● Possess an ability to work in a variety of settings with culturally diverse individuals and family and remain sensitive to their individuality.

● Possession of a valid NYS driver's license and a driver's record considered acceptable by agency and insurance carrier and availability of a car for daily use including transporting clients to appointments, etc.

Essential Functions:

● Provide support services to newly housed and currently housed individuals in the programs as necessary for each team to grow their relationships with the community.

● Complete Peer Assessments, Patient Activation Measures, and Surveys as needed for the household's service delivery.

● Assist with household transportation needs exploring possible options to assist and providing only when it is safe and appropriate to do so.

● Attend scheduled staff meetings and training sessions, arriving in a timely manner, and actively participating in meetings.

● Advocate for participants with other agencies as necessary to support staff service delivery.

● Conduct outreach where necessary and work with the outreach team to engage households that may be resistant to provider's intervention.

● Maintain strong relationships with property owners when assisting households with services.

● Provide detailed and timely documentation into the HMIS, ensuring each client is entered thoroughly and within 72 hours of contact.

● Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Other General Expectations:

● Demonstrates ability and flexibility to work as a team member.

● Remain open to ideas and suggestions offered by other staff.

● Shares information, ideas and constructive criticism with other staff.

● Communicates relevant information to fellow staff and community members with respect and consistency.

● Is consistent and follows through on all assigned tasks.

● Demonstrate ethical business practices, in conformance with all state and federal laws and regulations.

● Possess excellent verbal and written communication skills.

● Ability to multi-task and prioritize duties.

● Ability to maintain absolute confidentiality in regards to all records reviewed including client records.

● Proficiency and experience with PCs and Microsoft applications.

● Ability to analyze and interpret data and to handle problem resolution.

● Possession of a valid NYS driver's license and a driver's record considered acceptable by agency and insurance carrier.

● Continuous use of a reliable and insured vehicle.

● Demonstrate commitment to the Mission Statement of Person Centered Housing

Employer's Disclaimer:

● All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities

● This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by their supervisor

● This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" relationship.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $19.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Rochester, NY 14616