Peer Support Specialist
Volunteers of America ColoradoMissionjob_description.job_card.variable_days_ago
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job_description.job_card.job_descriptionWorks in collaboration with Department of Corrections, local justice partners, the Continuum of Care, the state of Colorado Department of Local Affairs Division of Housing, local mental health providers, and other local partners to provide community resources for individuals experiencing homelessness, advocates for client housing needs, works to resolve system failures to overcome housing barriers. Peer Specialists initiate contact with program participants and connect individuals experiencing homelessness to services, including but not limited to housing resources, healthcare including Medicaid and behavioral health treatments, and public benefits including SSI / SSDI while utilizing meetings in community gathering places, coffee meetings, and other spaces as a part of the program intervention. Follows up with individuals / households post-housing to check-in on stability and recovery progress (if applicable), assess for needs, and refers to further resources, as needed. Organizes and facilitates group activities to support community involvement, including but not limited to sober activities. Works independently, exercises good judgment and participates as a member of a multidisciplinary team. Demonstratable skills in operating computer programs (Word, Excel, databases), office equipment, and telephones. Travels to service locations, agency partners, and participant residences to conduct outreach and follow-up. Supports individuals in recovery with evidence-based practices associated with participant engagement and care. Coordinates with case managers, clinicians, therapists, and staff to foster positive outcomes in housing and behavioral health. Peer Support Specialists are expected to collaborate with case managers and advocate alongside participants for unmet needs. Performs all other duties as assigned Travel throughout the program’s service area is required on a regular basis. Must be able to work in diverse and, at times, uncomfortable environments such as homeless shelters, service facilities, streets, offices, and all other locations as necessary to fulfill program objectives. Exposure to Indoor and Outdoor environments, Memory / recall, Sitting and tying / documentation of client interactions, Hearing / Listening, Verbal and Electronic (i.e. email and text message) communication. Physical movements such as bending, kneeling, walking, and lifting (30 to 50 pounds) may be required. Work hours may vary but are typically scheduled around a 40-hour workweek designed to fulfill program objectives with occasional overtime requirements. Vacation Time / Separate Sick Time Paid Holidays / Floating Holidays / Personal Days Volunteer / Wellness Day Health, Dental, Vision, and Pet Insurance Tuition Assistance Pension Plan 403b Retirement Plan with Agency Match Life Insurance / Accident Insurance Employee Assistance / Work-Life Balance Program / Employee Discount Program LifeLock with Norton Public Service Loan Forgiveness
Description
WHAT MAKES VOA SPECIAL
Volunteers of America Colorado believes unique challenges require unique and thoughtful solutions. VOA creates specialized programs to meet the critical needs of the communities we serve—our programs across Colorado look different because each community is distinct. We support Denver’s homeless veterans who have been underserved, and prepare preschoolers challenged by poverty to be successful in elementary school and beyond. Wherever we go we engage faith, relationship-building, and volunteers to lift up and support Colorado’s most vulnerable citizens.
- A Peer Support Specialist leverages and models their individual lived experience of recovery from incarceration, addiction and / or mental health concerns, along with skills in resiliency and training, to deliver supportive services in the Colorado Rapid Rehousing for Reentry setting and promotes a wholistic mind-body approach to recovery and resiliency among program participants. This role requires knowledge of homelessness, incarceration, skills with support and advocacy, and provides connection to resources and treatment. The Peer Support Specialist embodies a positive spirit of recovery and resilience grounded in hope and optimism and facilitates program participant change through goal setting, education and skills building.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Supervisory Responsibilities : NA
Working Conditions and Physical Requirements
Position Type and Expected Hours of Work
Location : Colorado Springs Veteran and Supportive services Office
Pay Range : $21.00-$23.00 / hr
BENEFITS (eligibility is based on job type / status)
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Peer Support Specialist • Mission