Peer Specialist

Scheduled Work Times/Locations

Monday - Friday, 8:30AM - 4:30PM; flexibility for nights and weekends when necessary.

76 Pliny St., Hartford, CT

Job Summary:

The Peer Support Specialist of My Sisters' Place provides support to the client which is determined by working contracts developed between the client and the Community Social Workers. They will assist clients with activities of daily living such as shopping, cooking skills, socialization skills, use of public transportation, budgeting/banking and coaching to assist to maintain an apartment. The Peer Support Specialist will work with other MSP staff members in helping clients to locate adequate and secure affordable housing, self-advocacy, linkage to resources and referrals identified for clients' needs, as well as providing guidance and support within the community.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Provide support and guidance, ongoing coaching to clients to assist with gaining the necessary ADLs as determined in the Individual treatment plans.
• As a part of the Case Management team, assist client in housing searches and supportive services to promote client's self-sufficiency, integration into the community and permanency in housing.
• Refer clients to resources within the community to outside providers.
• Advocate on behalf of the client to provide support and to protect the client's rights when dealing with mental health/substance use, housing, medical and/or benefits.
• Attend and participate in agency and site team meetings as required.
• Maintain case notes reflective of client engagements within the home and the community.
• Conduct home visits and/or link with clients in the community to accompany appointments such as medical, mental health/substance use, housing, etc.
• Collaborate with Case Management and other Peer Support Specialist to facilitate recovery groups to discuss barriers and/or progress that the client may be facing.
• Offer support, guidance, and encouragement during times of a crisis.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Ability to work with persons with history of mental illness and/or substance use.
• Maintain client confidentiality.
• Self-starter, able to work and make decisions independently.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent computer skills with the ability to enter client information into a data management system, including but not limited to intakes and case notes.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines; ability to prioritize tasks.

Education and Experience:

• Associate's degree in a related field preferred; and at least 1-2 years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience, preferably with homeless persons, persons with mental illness and/or substance abuse.
• Bilingual, Spanish/English preferred.
• Peer Support Certificate and/or Recovery Coach Certificate

Licenses and Certifications

• Must have valid Connecticut driver's license and clean driving record with proof of automobile insurance.

Compensation and Benefits

• Hourly rate $17.00-$19.00 based on experience.
• Community Housing Advocates provides a generous employee benefits package, including medical, dental, retirement, short- and long-term disability, and tuition reimbursement.
• Full-time employees receive 10 days of PTO (paid time off) per year, plus 11 paid holidays and one (1) Floating Holiday and 40 Hours of Accrued CT Paid Sick Leave.

Physical Demands

• The physical demands associated with the essential functions of this job are intermittent physical activity, such as walking, sitting and occasional lifting.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.