Housing Peer Mentor

Organization: Project Homeless Connect Washington County

Position: Peer Mentor- Housing Support

Status: Full time (Not to exceed 40 hours weekly)

Hours: Day Shift

Reports To: Peer Mentor Manager

Compensation: $23.50 - $28.00

Benefits: 80 hours PTO, 40 hours Paid Sick Time, 10 paid holidays, Simple IRA with

3% match. Medical, Dental, Vision (employee only)

Location: Varies, within Washington County

Position Closes: Open Until Filled

Project Homeless Connect Washington County (PHC), a nonprofit serving those experiencing homelessness in Washington County, is seeking an individual passionate about serving the vulnerable in our community to join our team. PHC serves the community of Washington County by providing a multifaceted approach towards serving those affected by homelessness. Our vision is to cooperatively develop a high quality, fully integrated system of services and support that responds to the needs of those struggling in our community. Our success depends on knowing everyone as individuals and meeting them where they are at. We know there are many complex reasons someone may be experiencing homelessness. We look to reduce the stress they endure and provide basic needs, and services through a variety of programs. We operate a Day Center, Outreach Team, Temporary Emergency Shelters, and coordinate collaborative One Day Events that provide critical services.

Why Work With us? PHC encompasses our values of Community, Hope, Empowerment, & Compassion in how we serve our guests, and our staff. Our staff are driven by their passion to make a meaningful impact in our community. We strive to foster an environment of inclusiveness, and support staff in their strengths. We value an open, transparent environment and welcome contributions from each staff member. Project Homeless Connect has an organizational commitment to equity and inclusion, and to ensure that programs and staff culture are equitable in both access and outcomes regardless of race, ethnicity, faith, culture, language, disability, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, or family status. Project Homeless Connect is committed to pursuing effective strategies and devoting dedicated time and resources at every level of the organization to address disparities based on identity and to apply an equity lens to all decisions, programs, and policies.

Position Overview:

The Peer Mentor plays a pivotal role in providing peer support and guidance through a trauma-informed lens to individuals within our housing program coping with mental health, addiction, and life challenges. Leveraging their own life experiences, and recovery journey Peer Mentor offers empathy, encouragement, and practical assistance to empower individuals in their recovery process. This position fosters a supportive environment, promotes self-determination, and advocates for the holistic well-being of our program participants. Peer Mentors support our participants by meeting them where they are and walking them through the challenges they face. Peer Mentors advocate for the individual and support them to pursue personal goals and individual wellness journeys.

Primary Responsibilities:

Peer Support and Empowerment:

• Act as a positive role model for individuals being served, model a healthful lifestyle.
• Offer non-judgmental peer support to individuals experiencing mental health and addiction challenges, fostering hope, resilience, and a sense of belonging.
• Share personal experiences of recovery, coping strategies, and self-care techniques to inspire and empower participants on their recovery journey.
• Engage in active listening, validation, and empathetic communication to establish trusting relationships and promote a sense of connection and understanding.
• Collaborate with Residential Facilities, doctor appointments, and other community partners to provide necessary treatment plans for participants.
• Participate in admission and discharge planning for any participant wanting to access treatment services, doctor's appointments, or recovery services.
• Connect participants with various models of recovery support and community resources and assist with developing a support network.
• Provide relapse prevention support services planning, following up regularly with participants.
• Using the Empowerment model, assist participants with basic life skills knowledge.
• Will work in partnership with our Housing Department to serve as a “subject matter expert” and provide our participants with resources in the areas of food stamps, OHP, bus passes, job assistance, food boxes, and social security.
• Follow documentation guidelines and program policies that are relevant to your job duties.
• Provide ongoing support, encouragement, and accountability to clients, helping them navigate challenges, overcome barriers, and celebrate milestones in their recovery journey.
• Continue to learn and grow as a part of the PHC team.
• Provide crisis intervention and de-escalation support to individuals experiencing mental health crises, utilizing peer support principles and trauma-informed care.
• This is not an exhaustive list of duties and responsibilities.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Highschool diploma or equivalent
• Certified Peer Support Specialist Mental Health and Addiction
• Experience working with participants with mental health disorders, chronic health issues, substance use disorders, and disabling conditions.
• Experience in the following areas: chronic homelessness, outreach and engagement strategies, housing navigation, best practice models, mental health and substance use disorder services, crisis intervention, suicide assessment and prevention.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office products, including Word and Excel.
• Passion for ending homelessness.
• Ability to work as a member of a team and independently.
• Strong people skills.
• Ability to work effectively with people of varying racial, ethnic, cultural, educational, and socio-economic backgrounds.
• Current driver's license and reliable vehicle.

Experience Preferred:

• An understanding of the unique needs and struggles of individuals with high barriers to employment and housing.
• Knowledge of local programs available for unemployed individuals
• A preference may be given to an individual who has similar life experience, either as a formerly homeless person or person with high barriers to employment.
• A preference may be given to speakers of two or more languages.
• Knowledge, experience, or training in mental health work, crisis de-escalation, conflict resolution, and/or providing trauma-informed care.

Criminal Background

PHC understands that those in recovery may have backgrounds they are not proud of, and do not represent who they are today. Items that may show up on a background check are not automatic grounds for refusing to hire. Please disclose anything that you would like us to be aware of prior to the background check being completed so we can talk through any situations that may arise. Candidates will be chosen on an individual basis.

To Apply: Please send the following to: careers@phcwc.org

• A chronological resume without a personal photo
• A cover letter that states your background, skills, and abilities to align with this position.

Thank you for exploring an opportunity to be employed with us!

PHC values diversity in its workforce and is an equal opportunity employer. BIPOC candidates are encouraged to apply.

In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, employment decisions at PHC will be based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. PHC does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

PHCWC partners with a wide variety of for-profit and nonprofit organizations, including churches and religious organizations, large and small businesses, and government. Partnerships might include direct engagement, receipt of goods and services, rental spaces, and/or endorsements and advertising.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $23.50 - $28.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Mileage reimbursement
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

Salary : $24 - $28