Peer Support/Community Support Associate

Job Title: Peer Support Specialist/Community Support Associate

Reports To: Program Coordinator
Location: Omni Resource Services Public Health and Wellness Center, Louisville, KY

Job Summary:

Omni Resource Services is seeking a compassionate and motivated Peer Support Specialist/Community Support Associate to join our team. This dual-role position leverages lived experience with substance use, mental health recovery, or related challenges to connect with clients and provide meaningful support. The ideal candidate will foster trust, offer guidance, and assist individuals in navigating resources to improve their overall well-being. This role focuses on harm reduction, advocacy, and removing barriers to care in alignment with Omni’s mission of “Treatment without Barriers.”

Key Responsibilities: Peer Support Specialist Responsibilities:

• Client Engagement and Relationship Building:
• Utilize lived experience to build rapport with clients and provide emotional support.
• Share recovery strategies and personal insights to inspire hope and resilience.
• Peer-Led Education:
• Facilitate one-on-one and group discussions on recovery, harm reduction, and life skills.
• Provide education on topics such as substance use recovery, coping strategies, and maintaining wellness.
• Advocacy and Empowerment:
• Advocate for client needs within healthcare, social services, and community settings.
• Encourage self-advocacy and help clients set and achieve personal goals.
• Crisis Support:
• Offer immediate support and connection to resources for individuals in crisis, including overdose prevention education.
• Work with the interdisciplinary team to coordinate crisis intervention as needed.

Community Support Associate Responsibilities:

• Resource Navigation:
• Assist clients in accessing essential services such as housing, healthcare, employment, and education.
• Provide transportation support to appointments or community resources when necessary.
• Outreach and Engagement:
• Participate in street outreach, community events, and harm reduction efforts to connect with underserved populations.
• Distribute supplies such as naloxone, safe injection kits, and informational materials.
• Service Coordination:
• Collaborate with Omni’s clinical team, case managers, and community health workers to ensure clients receive comprehensive, wrap-around support.
• Maintain communication with external service providers to facilitate seamless care.
• Documentation and Reporting:
• Record client interactions and progress accurately in the electronic health record system.
• Assist with tracking program metrics and outcomes.

Qualifications:

• Required:
• Lived experience with substance use recovery, mental health challenges, or related barriers, with at least one year of sustained recovery.
• Peer Support Specialist certification (or willingness to complete certification through Omni’s program).
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Preferred:
• Experience in community-based services, outreach, or harm reduction programs.
• Knowledge of local resources and social services in Louisville.
• Proficiency in data entry and basic computer skills.

Core Competencies:

• Empathy, cultural humility, and a nonjudgmental approach to care.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Resilience and emotional stability in high-stress situations.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to travel throughout the community for outreach activities and client appointments.
• Comfortable with standing, walking, and carrying supplies during outreach efforts.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary based on experience.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, PTO, and retirement plans.
• Opportunities for professional development and continuing education.
• A supportive and inclusive work environment committed to community impact.

About Omni Resource Services:

Omni Resource Services is a leading public health organization serving the Louisville community with innovative, barrier-free solutions. Through our harm reduction initiatives, integrated healthcare referrals, and outreach programs, we strive to improve the health and well-being of marginalized populations.

Omni Resource Services is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $40,863.00 - $43,555.00 per year

Medical Specialty:

• Addiction Medicine
• Public Health

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Ability to Commute:

• Louisville, KY 40203 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Louisville, KY 40203: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Willingness to travel:

• 25% (Preferred)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Louisville, KY 40203

Salary : $40,863 - $43,555