Peer Specialist - Housing Justice

SummaryThe Downtown Women’s Center (DWC) seeks a full-time Peer Specialist with a proven history of high-quality work to provide culturally responsive services. The Housing Justice program is focused on providing culturally responsive services to unhoused women living on Skid Row who have experienced long-term homelessness and have been historically underserved by traditional housing programs. This innovative program is dedicated to implementing the recommendations of the Ad-Hoc Committee on Black People Experiencing Homelessness and the Ad-Hoc Committee on Women Experiencing Homelessness and is designed to quickly and permanently house the most vulnerable women of Skid Row. The Housing Justice program is a collaboration between Downtown Women’s Center, the Mayor’s Office, City Council, and other homeless service sector partners. This direct service role is responsible for engaging women in services, building relationships, and identifying natural community supports. This position will report directly to the Housing Justice Program Manager.Essential FunctionsProvide vision-driven hope and encouragement, supporting people in their housing and assisting them in connecting to the community.Provide opportunities for individuals receiving services to direct their own service process (self-determination) and act as an advocate for the needs and rights of persons served.Work with individuals in groups and on a one-to-one basis to provide training and outreach to individuals who use social services in the community. Community Care Circle.Serve as an advocate and liaison for clients in obtaining benefits; assist with completion of CalFresh, SSA / SSDI / SSI, GR, MediCal applications. Complete calls / visits with participants to above offices as needed.Develop authentic peer-to-peer relationships.Inform people served of available service options and choices while promoting the use of natural supports and resources within the community. Community outreach to obtain current resources, food banks, self-help workshops, etc.Assist individuals in navigating the social services system and achieving resiliency and recovery as defined by the person.Work as part of a multidisciplinary team (case managers, employment coordinator, clinician) in support of the individual’s needs.Participate in developing service plans and in multidisciplinary team meetings.Serve as an ambassador of DWC and its mission and values by participating in community meetings / events.Provide weekly, monthly, or as needed written reports to the Program Supervisor as assigned.Additional duties as assigned.Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.CompetenciesStrong engagement skillsCulturally responsiveFlexibilityEmpathyCommunicationRelationship buildingTrauma-informedOrganization skillsDecision makingCollaboration skillsSupervisory ResponsibilityThis position does not have supervisory responsibilities.Work EnvironmentThis job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and fax machines.Physical DemandsThe physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. This position would also require the ability to lift files, open filing cabinets, and bend or stand on a stool as necessary.Position Type and Expected Hours of WorkThis is a full-time, non-exempt position. Days and hours of work are 8 : 30 AM - 5 PM.TravelRegular travel throughout Los Angeles County is required in this position.Required Education, Experience, and QualificationsLived experience and familiarity with the Skid Row community strongly preferred.Strong interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills; proven ability to communicate with diverse audiences.Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities, including proficiency in balancing direct service responsibilities with data management responsibilities.Strong administrative skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) required.Ability to be flexible with hours when needed.Ability to build and sustain relationships.Excellent active listening and crisis intervention skills with the ability to exercise and model good judgment.Knowledge of the complex barriers surrounding women’s homelessness.Knowledge of communities that are disproportionately represented in the homeless population (communities of color, LGBTQ , etc.)Computer skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, and Outlook).Demonstrated ability to establish priorities, implement plans, and meet deadlines.Active listening and problem-solving skills, a solution-oriented attitude, and good judgment.Knowledge of trauma-informed care.Cultural humility.Must be a CA resident and live no more than 75 miles from DWC; must be available for in-person meetings at DWC.Must provide documentation of a negative TB test result within the last twelve months on the first day of hire.You will be required to be up to date on your vaccinations against COVID-19 and provide documentation.Pay Range$21.86 - $23.07 / hourWork Authorization / Security Clearance (if applicable)Being authorized to work in the U.S. is a precondition of employment. DWC does not sponsor employment visas, such as H-1B.#J-18808-Ljbffr

Salary : $22 - $23