JOB DESCRIPTION: Housing Navigator/Peer Support Specialist

POSITION TITLE: Housing Navigator/Peer Support Specialist

DEPARTMENT: TPSS (Tenant Peer Support Services)

REPORTS TO: Program Director/Program Manager

BENEFITS: Alpha Project offers a generous benefits package, including 14 paid holidays, paid vacation, sick leave, and 100% employer-paid medical, dental, vision premium, and group life insurance.

FLSA: Full-time, Non-Exempt

POSITION SUMMARY:

The TPSS Housing Navigator/Peer Specialist, under the direct supervision of the Region Lead, and Program Manager, provides services to clients accessing one of the six HHSA Regions. The Housing Navigator/Peer Specialist is responsible for a full caseload, providing housing identification, case management, support services to clients, and if qualified, peer support.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Performs intake interviews and assessments and refers clients to appropriate community resources, as needed.
• Work with clients to identify and overcome barriers to securing housing and increasing income.
• Assist clients with obtaining and completing necessary documents to access housing, benefits, or increasing income.
• Provide peer support to clients.
• Maintains prompt documentation using HMIS, following agency and best standard practices.
• Assesses the client's needs and arranges, coordinates, monitors, evaluates, and advocates for a variety of services to meet those complex needs.
• Assists with transportation and moving clients into their residence, and assists with securing furniture, supplies, and other housing essentials.
• Addresses unanticipated client/resident needs/issues as they arise.
• Participates as a member of a multi-disciplinary team that reviews client cases and develops action plans that meet the individual needs of each client.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience and Education

• Two (2) years experience in case management working with vulnerable populations and/or in mental health settings preferred.
• Bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, counseling, or a related field, preferred.
• Individuals with lived experience are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Bilingual speaker preferred.
• Valid Driver's Licence

Other

• Ability to communicate in person and over the phone, required.
• Ability to drive throughout San Diego County, required.
• Firm understanding of Microsoft Office and HMIS, required.
• The ability to adhere to policies and procedures, required.
• Understanding confidentiality protocols and protecting personal information, required.
• Effectively problem-solve and maintain composure in high-pressure situations, required.
• Ability to work independently with minimal daily supervision, required.
• Knowledge of the utilized practices, including Housing First, Trauma-Informed Care, Motivational Interviewing, and Harm-Reduction, preferred.
• Completion of RI International's Peer Employment Training (PET), preferred.