Housing Transition Specialist (Peer Support Professional)

The mission of the Housing Authority of the City of Aurora (AHA) is to develop and promote quality housing while supporting and encouraging economic opportunities leading to self-sufficiency and independence. AHA accomplishes this mission by providing affordable or subsidized housing at 15 different properties, administering approximately 1700 vouchers, and offering a variety of programs with case management.    

AHA fosters a professional, productive, and friendly work environment in which the open exchange of ideas and information is encouraged. At AHA, we know that our reputation and impact are built upon the acts of each employee.

Why work for AHA?  

• Make a difference in your community  
• Earn outstanding benefits including medical, dental, vision, 401k w/ 4.5% employer match, and robust holiday, vacation, and sick leave policies  
• Participate in a diverse workplace that values inclusivity  
• Volunteer in the community on paid time  
• Continue your education on the job and through our tuition reimbursement program  

Prior to hire, candidates will receive our full benefits guide detailing these and other benefits.  

AHA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Support people experiencing literal homelessness while they transition into permanent housing and serve as a guide and mentor to help identify and remove obstacles and barriers to maintain house stability. This position supports previously homeless individuals in connecting to community to build positive social connections. The peer specialist will work with participants to develop skills to be able to maintain their housing and help promote decision making and self-determination. This position will work with the Housing Stability Navigator to help individuals identify and set goals, identify and overcome barriers to achieving their goals, as well as identifying and utilizing community resources in the achievement of their goals. This position will collaborate across agencies, working closely with the City of Aurora Street Outreach team and the Aurora Navigation Campus.

1. Engage peers in collaborative and caring relationships and provide personalized support by practicing a strengths-based approach to support housing stability
2. Assist individuals to identify and build on their strengths and resiliencies and assists them in identifying support systems and resources to meet their goals.
3. Work collaboratively with community partners in identifying individuals for the State Housing Voucher program and assist these participants in completing intake or eligibility paperwork. This may include meeting with program participants in the office, on the streets, or in the shelters and assisting them in obtaining vital documents and income verifications.
4. Collaborate with Housing Stability Navigator to assist participants with housing search and application.
5. Meet regularly with participants in their own homes according to their longevity and stability. Weekly for newer participants and monthly for well-established and stable participants.  Meetings will include career planning, counseling, problem solving, crisis intervention, etc. All meetings have the goal of empowering participants to remain housing stable and move toward self-sufficiency.
6. Provide referral information for participants and assist participants in accessing community resources.
7. Assist participants in applying for and receiving appropriate mainstream benefits (TANF, SNAP, social security, SSI, etc.).
8. Advocate for participants with service providers (governmental and nonprofit) when needed and appropriate.
9. Attend and participate in weekly staff meetings led by the Manager of Homeless and Housing Stability Services or the Director of Family Services.
10. Attend and participate in all required AHA meetings and community meetings.
11. Interface effectively and professionally with other agency departments and community colleagues to assure a successful living experience for all concerned.
12. Maintain appropriate paperwork and documentation for client files, billing and tracking systems.
13. Follow all rules and regulations from funding sources.
14. Other duties as assigned.

Direct lived experience as someone who has experienced homelessness.

Preferred experience working with the homeless individuals, specifically in a behavioral health or recovery setting.

Preferred skills include de-escalation, trauma informed care and peer mentoring.

Experience working with a county human or social service system.

Bilingual (Spanish-English) strongly preferred.

Excellent organizational, time management, communication and interpersonal skills including conflict resolution required.

Cooperate well with other team members, AHA staff who interface with the self-sufficiency program and partner agency personnel.

Up to 12 months of on-the-job training to perform the job effectively.

Valid Colorado Driver License and Insurance. Must transport participants in own vehicle.

Aurora Housing Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Please submit a resume and cover letter when responding to this job posting. Starting salary for this role will be between $56,000-$61,000, depending on experience.