Drop-In Center Peer Specialist

Description

Aviva Family and Children’s Services Mission Statement

Aviva believes every child and every family in our Los Angeles community deserves the chance for a brighter future. We provide compassionate support, therapeutic services, and guidance to at-risk children and families. We work to promote and support justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion at all levels in the organization.

Job Summary

Under the supervision of the Drop-In Center Coordinator, the Peer Specialist will play a crucial role in providing support, guidance, and encouragement to individuals experiencing homelessness by drawing upon their own personal experiences to connect and empathize with our clients.  They will provide peer support, mentorship, and advocacy to individuals seeking assistance at the drop-in center.  They will be responsible for completing all paperwork in accordance with County and agency regulations.

The Peer Specialist is an energetic self-starter who is able to function comfortably in a team environment and relates well to co-workers, volunteers, and external representatives. This position requires flexibility and the ability to manage time and multiple tasks. The individual in this position must be able to assume a wide range of responsibilities, provide timely responses to requests and deadlines and works well under pressure.

Essential Functions

• Utilize your lived experience of homelessness to build rapport and trust with clients
• Provide peer support, mentorship, and advocacy to individuals seeking assistance at the drop-in center
• Share strategies for overcoming challenges related to homelessness
• Assist clients in accessing resources, services, and support networks within the community Facilitate support groups and workshops focused on empowerment, resilience, and self-care
• Collaborate with case managers and other staff members to develop individualized support plans for population; take on case management duties as assigned, if applicable.
• Advocate for the needs and rights of individuals experiencing homelessness in the community
• Maintain confidentiality and boundaries while supporting individuals in a compassionate and non-judgmental manner
• Complete and regularly update case related documentation in specified time frames as required.

• Responsible for intake assessments and placements of children
• Interface with agency staff to complement the individual’s experience
• Maintain contact with outside agencies and their representatives
• Attend staff meetings, trainings, conferences and relevant informational meetings
• Provide trauma informed care – participate in trauma informed training as assigned.

• Sensitive and responsive to the cultural differences among the population being served
• Other duties as assigned by the Drop-In Center Coordinator or Assistant VP of Foster Adoption and Supportive Housing.
• Actively participate in the quality improvement project
• Work to promote a trauma-informed work environment

The Peer Specialist will take on special projects or additional duties as assigned by the Drop-In Center Coordinator

Qualifications

Competency Requirements

• Ability to speak, read, write and understand English
• Ability to work effectively as a member of a multidisciplinary team
• Ability to efficiently coordinate and complete field and office tasks
• Ability to utilize supervision and consultation constructively
• Knowledge of Child Abuse and Special Incident Reporting Guidelines and follow-up actions as required by law and contract
• Knowledge of positive behavioral interventions preferred
• Must demonstrate sound judgment and decision-making skills
• Must demonstrate time management skills
• Must have excellent oral and written communication skills
• Bilingual (Spanish) preferred

Education and Experience

• Lived experience of insecure housing with a deep understanding of the challenges faced by individuals in similar situations
• High school diploma or equivalent (required); additional training or certification in peer support (preferred)
• Strong communication and active listening skills
• Ability to establish trusting relationships and maintain professional boundaries
• Empathy, compassion, and a genuine desire to support and empower others
• Knowledge of community resources and services available to individuals experiencing insecure housing.
• Willingness to participate in ongoing training and professional development related to peer support.
• Must have exited out of an Aviva or other agency services for a minimum of 2 years.

Additional Requirements

-Tuberculosis clearance

-Department of Justice/Fingerprint clearance

-Satisfactory completion of health screening

-Proof of legal eligibility to work in the United States

-Satisfactory driving record

Delegates Authority To

N/A

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of a Peer Specialist, the employee is frequently required to sit, stand, walk and use his/her fingers to manipulate a keyboard or writing instrument. The employee is occasionally required to reach. The employee is rarely required to run, bend or lift object weighing more than 30 pounds. 

Work Environment

The work environment is indoors and outdoors. The noise level varies from quiet to moderate.

This Job Description has been developed to identify some of the duties and responsibilities of this position.  It is not intended to limit or encompass all duties and responsibilities of the position.

Aviva Family and Children's Services at its sole and absolute discretion, expressly reserves the right to modify, supplement, delete or augment the duties and responsibilities specified in this and all job descriptions.

Salary : $25