Peer Support Specialist (JBU)

Urban Street Angels, Inc. (“USA”) is a local non-profit organization founded in 2012 with a mission to end youth homelessness in the San Diego area. At this time, USA operates in three related areas. First, our supportive housing programs provide over 102 beds for transition-aged youth ("TAY" 18 – 25 years old) living on the streets in our community. Second, our rapid re-housing programs effectively bridge graduates of our programs to sustainable, long-term housing. And third, our social enterprise programs provide vital job skills training and transitional employment opportunities for the TAY in our supportive housing and rapid re-housing programs.

USA’s JBU program targets TAY with Serious Mental Illness (SMI) who are homeless or otherwise at risk of homelessness and who repeatedly utilize acute or emergency mental health services but are otherwise unconnected to services. JBU’s goal is to break the cycle of youth homelessness by providing short‐term housing for youth in a supportive environment that identifies and facilitates connections to individualized treatment, housing, and other community resources. Primary innovative features of JBU include the emphasis on youth‐centric whole‐health/holistic services and the utilization of technology as an important tool for communicating with and engaging youth.

Responsibilities:

· Relate to the needs and concerns of clients through shared lived experience

· Model personal responsibility, self-advocacy and hopefulness

· Collaborate with team members and assist with client transportation as needed

· Accompany clients to appointments as needed to provide additional emotional support

· Collaborate with Case Manager to manage and check chores and curfew

· Support clients with daily living activities, such as personal hygiene, laundry, house cleaning, grocery shopping, and budgeting money

· Manage Peer Support client assignment with other Peer Support staff (and Program Manager if needed)

· Meet with all assigned enrolled clients 1:1 weekly

· Meet periodically with all graduated clients in 12-month follow up period

· Document all active and graduated client interactions in a timely matter

· Utilize effective positive engagement and conflict resolution skills

· Regularly attend team meetings and provide updates on client progress

· Deliver WRAP and WHAM training to clients

- Organize and plan activities, outings and events

· Manage and coordinate youth graduation events/celebrations

- Remind JBU team of upcoming events at staff meetings and put on shared calendar.

Job requirements:

• Minimum High School Diploma or G.E.D.;
• Minimum of one year’s experience working in a social service setting, serving individuals with severe mental illness or otherwise show demonstrated ability to relate to the needs and concerns of TAY with SMI;
• Lived experience a plus;
• Bi-lingual a plus;
• Must submit to a background check via Live Scan (with ongoing alerts), as required by specific programs, funding requirements and licensing regulations; and
• Must be able to reliably commute to various locations within the city/region.

USA reserves the right to revise job descriptions as the need arises. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.

It is the policy of Urban Street Angels, Inc. to ensure equal employment, contractor and volunteer opportunity without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender, age, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state, or local law.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $24.00 - $25.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Weekends as needed

Ability to Commute:

• San Diego, CA 92101 (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $24 - $25