Peer Counselor (Housing First Program)

Peer Counselor, Housing First Program
Reports to: Housing Programs Manager
Scope of Position: Provides vision-driven hope and encouragement, supports Housing First Program participants in their recovery, and assists them in connecting to the community. The Peer Counselor, alongside the Housing Specialist, will help support Housing First Program participants navigate resources available through a holistic housing approach. They may help program participants with connection to health care, mental health, chemical dependency treatment, general education, rental education and employment readiness workshops, and in all aspects will carry out the Mission of YWCA NCW to Eliminate Racism and Empower Women.
Essential Duties and Accountabilities:

• Accompanies people, when requested, to support access and utilization of community resources.
• Provides advocacy as needed to help Housing First Program participants reach desired goals
• If applicable, assists with treatment needs
• Draws upon own life experiences to provide encouragement/counsel
• Model’s skills in recovery and self-management
• Provides opportunities for individuals receiving services to direct their own recovery process
• Informs participants of available service options and choices while promoting the use of natural supports and resources within the community.
• Assists individuals in navigating the behavioral health services system and in achieving resiliency and recovery as defined by the person
• Exhibits a nonjudgmental approach, effective listening, and positive interactions
• Provide assistance in accessing local services; other shelters, housing vouchers, housing assistance, vocational rehabilitation.
• Assist Housing Specialist in data entry, HMIS and Housing First o Ensure timely and accurate compliance to all reporting requirements, including database management, case noting, and file maintenance.
• Participate in all program meetings, staff development activities, and other duties as assigned.
• Work as part of a team to provide Housing First comprehensive and strength-based services to clients through coordination of cases and effective communication between team members and departments.
• Work to protect all clients’ safety, confidentiality and best interest.

Requirements: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily the requirements below are represented of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.

• Recovery oriented, person-centered, relationship focused, and trauma informed
• Demonstrated commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment
• Must be able to work with people of diverse backgrounds, races, religious beliefs, ethnicities and sexual orientation.
• Good math skills, attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficient with the use of the internet and basic computer programs (Office Suite).
• Ability to work cooperatively as a team member.
• Comply with all policies, procedures and protocols of the agency

Language Skills: Ability to communicate effectively with staff and team members. Must be able to read and understand documents such as policies and procedures such as safety rules, operations, instruction and procedure manuals.
Reasoning Ability: Ability prioritize, problem solve and make appropriate decisions.
Physical Demands: While performing duties of this job, the position may require lifting up to 50 pounds, on occasion.
Work Environment: The job is performed in a regulated environment within the building and may be in an outside environment for up to an 8-hour shift. May require evenings and/or weekends.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $18.00 - $21.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday
• On call

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: In person

Salary : $18 - $21