Peer Support Specialist I

Title: Peer Support Specialist

Division: Affordable Housing – PSH

Reports to:  Community Engagement Manager

PURPOSE          

According to prescribed policies and procedures of the organization including all applicable state, federal and accreditation regulations and under the general supervision of the Community Engagement Manager, the Peer Support Specialist provides recovery-oriented peer support services to individuals and families enrolled in National Church Residences' Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) programs. Drawing upon lived experience with mental health, substance use, or homelessness, the Peer Support Specialist promotes hope, recovery, housing stability, self-advocacy, and community integration through mutual support, mentoring, and shared lived experience.  Guided by Housing First, trauma-informed, person-centered, strengths-based, and recovery-oriented practices, the Peer Support Specialist works collaboratively with the Community Engagement Manager, Case Managers, Housing Stabilization, Clinical Services, Medical Home, Property Management, and community partners to support residents in achieving their personal recovery goals and maintaining permanent housing.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Peer Support & Recovery Services

• Provide one-on-one and group peer support services that promote recovery, housing stability, wellness, self-advocacy, and community integration.
• Collaborate with Case Managers and the Community Engagement Manager to develop and support individualized recovery goals and service plans.
• Assist residents in identifying personal strengths and establishing recovery, wellness, employment, and independent living goals.
• Utilize evidence-based recovery tools, including the Whole Health Action Management (WHAM) and Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP), to assist residents in developing individualized wellness and recovery plans.
• Conduct ongoing follow-up with residents to monitor progress, provide encouragement, reinforce recovery skills, and address barriers to housing stability.
• Teach and model self-advocacy, coping skills, problem-solving, communication, and decision-making skills that promote independence and long-term recovery.
• Assist residents in developing Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), including budgeting, meal planning, cooking, housekeeping, shopping, personal hygiene, medication organization, and use of community resources.

Resident Engagement & Community Programming

• Facilitate peer-led support groups, recovery groups, wellness activities, educational workshops, and life skills classes that promote healthy relationships, recovery, resilience, personal wellness, and community integration.
• Encourage resident participation in workshops, employment services, volunteer opportunities, Resident Councils, community events, and recreational activities.
• Collaborate with Community Engagement Specialists to implement resident programming and create opportunities for meaningful resident engagement.
• Assist with community events, resident celebrations, volunteer projects, and special activities that strengthen community connections and reduce social isolation.
• Transport and/or accompany residents to community activities, appointments, educational programs, recovery meetings, employment opportunities, and other off-site activities as needed.

Collaboration & Care Coordination

• Collaborate with Case Managers, Community Engagement Specialists, Housing Stabilization Specialists, Clinical Services, Medical Home, Property Management, and community providers to support coordinated, person-centered services.
• Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings, case consultations, supervision, and care coordination activities.
• Identify residents who may benefit from additional services and communicate concerns to the appropriate team members.
• Advocate for resident voice, self-determination, and recovery-oriented practices throughout service delivery.

Documentation & Compliance

• Document all resident encounters, peer support services, assessments, referrals, group activities, and service contacts electronic health records, service logs, and other required documentation systems.
• Collect and maintain accurate program data in accordance with HUD, Medicaid, CARF, federal, state, local, and private funder requirements.
• Maintain resident files in compliance with agency documentation standards and confidentiality requirements.
• Ensure services are delivered in accordance with Housing First principles, state Peer Recovery Supporter standards, HIPAA, organizational policies, and applicable regulations.

• Complete all required onboarding, mandatory training, continuing education, and Peer Recovery Support certification requirements.
• Ensure service delivery aligns with agency policies, regulatory requirements, and recovery-oriented best practices.
• Complete assigned duties and productivity expectations based on program needs and assigned location.
• Submit accurate and timely documentation for billable and non-billable services each week.
• Maintain a minimum of 50% of worked hours providing direct resident services.
• Participate in supervision, staff meetings, and quality improvement initiatives.

EXPECTATIONS

• Must adhere to all policies, procedures, terms and conditions set forth in the National Church Residences’ Employee Information Guide (EIG), the Code of Conduct, as well as any facility handbook, including but not limited to, corporate compliance, drug free workplace, safe work practices, all federal, state, local regulations and laws.
• With respect to Resident Rights, ensures all care is provided with respect and dignity for the residents/clients, their families and the staff. Reports all complaints made by residents/clients and/or families to the appropriate supervisors, reports all allegations of abuse, misappropriation of funds/resident property and/or any other corporate compliance, drug free workplace, safe work practices, all federal, state and local regulations and laws.
• Completes all annual education requirements timely, including but not limited to Compliance, Privacy, Security and HIPAA training and exhibits behavior as set forth by the Code of Conduct in the performance of their duties.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education:        High school diploma or GED.  Current Ohio Certified Peer Recovery Supporter certification, or the ability to obtain certification within the required timeframe. Associate's degree in Human Services, Behavioral Health, Social Work, or a related field preferred.

Experience:      

• Lived experience with mental health recovery, substance use recovery, homelessness, or another qualifying experience recognized under Ohio Peer Recovery Supporter standards.
• Experience providing peer support, mentoring, advocacy, or recovery support services
• Preferred experience: working in Permanent Supportive Housing, Housing First programs, behavioral health, homelessness services, or community-based human services and experience facilitating peer support groups, recovery groups, educational workshops, or life skills programming.

Mental:            

• Must have excellent communication, comprehension, and interpersonal skills. 
• Must have the ability to speak, read, write and understand English, as well as the ability to make self-understood.

Skills:                 

• Knowledge of recovery-oriented, trauma-informed, and person-centered practices.

• Knowledge of WHAM, WRAP, motivational interviewing, and community resources.

• Knowledge of resident engagement, peer support, employment readiness, life skills development, community resources, and community integration principles.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills, with the ability to effectively engage residents, community partners, and multidisciplinary team members.
• Strong facilitation and group engagement skills, with the ability to plan and deliver workshops, support groups, educational sessions, and resident activities.
• Strong organizational, time-management, and documentation skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, maintain accurate records, and meet established deadlines.
• Ability to engage and motivate residents to participate in programs and services that support recovery, independence, employment, community involvement, and housing stability.
• Ability to apply culturally responsive, strengths-based, trauma-informed, and resident-centered practices when working with diverse populations.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with interdisciplinary teams, service providers, employers, and community partners to support resident goals and positive outcomes.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries, confidentiality, and ethical standards.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and other technology platforms, with the ability to quickly learn and utilize new software systems.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, work independently, and consistently demonstrate professionalism in support of the mission, vision, and values of National Church Residences.

Travel:                Some, up to 49%

Licensure:         Valid driver’s license.

Vision:              Normal: Consistent with standard workflow.

In return, National Church Residences offers an excellent total reward package that includes:

• Medical & Rx – 3 plan options to fit your budget; choose from coverage offered through a Nationwide network for you and your family.
  • Complimented with a Healthcare Flexible Spending Account or Employer funded Health Savings Account.
  • Includes Fertility & Family Building Support, Weight Management, and Chronic Condition Support.
  • Parental Leave paid at 100% for four weeks.
  • Coverage begins first of the month following your date of hire!

• Dental & Vision coverage for you and your family with Nationwide providers.
• Company provided Life & ADD insurance and Disability coverage.
• Voluntary benefits such as Life & ADD for you and your family, Accident Insurance, Hospital Indemnity, Critical Illness, and Pet Coverage.
• Flexible Spending Accounts for Dependent Care (with company match) and Transportation & Parking.
• Well-being Programs including an enhanced EAP with mental health and work-life support, tobacco cessation, and Well-Being Your Way which offers up to $1000/year in rewards & reimbursements!
• 3-4-5 Retirement Program offering immediate company funding at 3%, increasing up to 5% over time and an additional company match up to 5% when you contribute your own funds!
• Reimbursement for Tuition expenses.
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and 9 paid Holidays.

*Programs vary depending on Full Time, Part Time or Contingent Status.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, military status, disability, genetic information and/or any other characteristics protected by applicable law.