Peer Mentor - Homeless Response Team

Description

Under the clinical supervision or the Facility Director (or their designee), the Peer Mentor for the Homeless Response Team program will be responsible for providing clients with support and assistance to further their recovery goals and objectives. Peer Mentors shall operate in accordance with the policies set forth by the Board of Directors and as implemented by his/her supervisors and they shall abide by all applicable laws and regulations.  Peer Mentors shall adhere to the policies and procedures set forth in the KDADS peer support services policy statement. Peer Mentors must be a Kansas Certified Peer Mentor (KCPM) or Kansas Certified Person-Centered Case Manager (PCCM) or eligible to become one and have completed the KDADS approved (15 hour) peer mentor or person-centered case management training. This position works directly with individuals experiencing homelessness to help them access essential services, such as housing, case management, behavioral health, physical health services, and substance use support.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Conduct outreach in the community as part of the Homeless Response Team, engaging with individuals experiencing homelessness to provide support and connect them to resources.
2. Assist clients with navigating and applying for identification or benefits, including Medicaid, food stamps, housing assistance, and SSI/SSDI.
3. Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team, including peers, mental health professionals, physical health professionals, and substance use counselors, to ensure clients receive comprehensive care.
4. Accurately enter client data into the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) & Peer Fellows encounter tool to document services and track progress.
5. Build trust with unhoused individuals, assess their needs, and advocate for them to access necessary resources and services.
6. Participate in ongoing peer training and team meetings and contribute to the ongoing development of outreach strategies that align with Mirror and the City of Lawrence's missions.
7. Maintain confidentiality and adhere to ethical standards when handling sensitive client information
8. Perform other job-related functions as directed by your immediate supervisor.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. High school diploma or General Educational Development certificate.
2. Lived experience with homelessness, mental health recovery, or substance use recovery, with certification as a Peer Support Specialist.
3. Experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness, particularly in outreach or direct service roles.
4. SOAR SSI/SSDI training and experience assisting clients with obtaining disability benefits is a plus.
5. Familiarity with the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) or similar data tracking systems is beneficial.
6. Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
7. Knowledge of local resources and services available to the unhoused community in Lawrence.
8. Be a Kansas Certified Peer Mentor (KCPM) or Kansas Certified Person-Centered Case Manager (PCCM) or eligible to become one.
9. Good reading, writing and communication skills.
10. Ability to organize and prioritize and follow through with multiple tasks related to client charting.
11. Must be able to pass background checks authorized by the agency.
12. Employees who have been diagnosed with any type of substance use disorder or behavioral addiction/compulsion must have sustained a minimum of two consecutive years of abstinence from all intoxicating substances and symptoms of their chemical and/or behavioral addiction; and must be in full sustained remission.
13. Job functions in this position may involve some walking, climbing stairs, bending, lifting (or assisting) up to 40/50 pounds.