Peer Support Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Description :

About Interfaith Community Services :

At Interfaith, we empower individuals and families in need by providing essential resources and services with compassion and integrity. Together, we foster a community of hope, accountability, and dignity.

Founded in 1979 in direct response to rising rates of hunger and homelessness in North San Diego County, Interfaith Community Services works to break the cycle of poverty and homelessness by Helping People Help Themselves. Interfaith is the most comprehensive nonprofit social services agency in North County, providing both immediate safety net services and long-term, life-changing programs designed to meet the holistic needs of people in crisis. Together, in partnership with 250+ diverse faith communities, more than 650 recurrent volunteers, and a growing staff of over 200, Interfaith provides a safe haven and pathway towards self-sufficiency for more than 17,000 community members annually.

If you're passionate about making a difference and thrive in a service-driven environment, we invite you to be part of our mission!

What You'll Do :

In the Peer Support Specialist role, you'll support clients at Interfaith’s Oceanside Navigation Center by fostering rapport, building trust, and assisting with program intake and enrollment. This role provides resident education, facilitates access to services, and performs duties similar to those of Resident Coordinators to ensure a safe and secure living environment. Working as part of a multidisciplinary team, the PSS collaborates closely with case managers and other shelter staff to help residents work toward stability, self-sufficiency, and long-term success.

CORE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :

• Draws on personal experiences and professional skills to build rapport and trust with individuals, fostering a supportive and understanding environment.
• Provides direct services to individuals including assessment of needs, intake, enrollments and discharges.
• Acclimates new clients to their living arrangements and orient them to program policies, procedures, and shelter rules.
• Maintain ongoing engagement with individuals, particularly those in the pre-contemplation stage of change.
• Provide advocacy, navigation, and timely linkage to services such as mental health care, substance use disorder (SUD) treatment, housing programs, and community resources.
• Develop and maintain effective relationships with providers of SUD, mental health, and medical services.
• Provide education and support related to harm reduction and facilitate access to harm reduction programs or SUD services.
• Assist with enrollment in detox and residential treatment services, including coordination for medical clearance and Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT).
• Support clients in attending appointments, arranging transportation, and engaging in therapeutic or skill-building activities.
• Accompany clients to appointments under the guidance of qualified personnel when needed.
• Monitors resident behavior, interactions, and overall well-being, addressing concerns promptly and professionally.
• Responds appropriately to crisis situations, including de-escalation and safety / risk assessments, following established protocols.
• Maintain a drug-, alcohol-, and violence-free environment in accordance with program policies, report any concerns immediately.
• Administer First Aid / CPR and contact emergency services when necessary, providing accurate and timely information.
• Maintain accurate records, files, and required reports for agency and funder compliance.
• Safeguard confidentiality of all client information and health records in accordance with legal and ethical standards.
• Participate in case conferences, interdisciplinary care meetings, quality improvement initiatives, and all required staff meetings and trainings.
• Maintain hallways and common areas free of debris, wheelchairs, and other hazards; perform cleaning and sanitizing tasks in absence of janitorial services.
• Prepare rooms and beds for new admissions or upon client exit.
• Review and update daily logbooks; brief incoming shift staff on relevant issues.
• Escalate operational concerns and client needs to supervisory staff in a timely manner.
• Conduct facility safety checks, wellness checks, fire drills, and utility inspections to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Collaborate with other Resident Coordinators to promote a positive and cohesive community.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by supervisors.

Requirements : Who You Are :

You're passionate about making a lasting impact, whether supporting individuals directly or enhancing our organizational effectiveness. To thrive in this role, you'll :

Skill Sets / Additional Requirements :

Working Conditions / Physical Requirements :

The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions.

Location : Onsite / Oceanside

Hourly Rate : $19.63-$23.99

Hours :

EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS

Interfaith is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to age, race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, pregnancy, marital status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, nationality, sex, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, Interfaith will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.