Peer Specialist (Family Support Services)

The mission of the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless is to work collaboratively toward the prevention of homelessness and the creation of lasting solutions for homeless and at-risk families, children, and individuals throughout Colorado. The Coalition advocates for and provides a continuum of housing and a variety of services to improve the health, well-being, and stability of those it serves.

The Peer Support Specialist is a key member of the Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) team, providing essential support to residents by drawing on their own lived experience with housing instability, mental health challenges, or substance use recovery. This role involves fostering a sense of community, assisting residents in navigating challenges, and connecting them with appropriate resources. The Peer Support Specialist works collaboratively with case managers and other staff to promote resident stability, empowerment, and overall well-being.

• Choice of HMO or PPO health insurance coverage options: full-time employees contribute only 1% of their earnings for their own HMO health coverage and no more than 4% of their earnings for coverage of eligible dependents. We’re proud to offer same-and opposite-sex domestic partner coverage. 
• Choice of dental insurance or discount plan. 
• Vision insurance.  
• Flexible spending accounts for health care / dependent care / parking expenses. 
• Free basic life and AD&D insurance coverage. 
• Employee Assistance Program, a problem-solving resource available to you and your household members. 
• Dollar-for-dollar retirement plan matching contributions up to 5% of earnings with 3-year vesting. 
• Extensive paid time-off, including 9 holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and three weeks of vacation for new full-time employees in their first year. 

• Resident Support: 

• Build trusting, supportive relationships with residents through shared lived experiences.
• Provide one-on-one peer counseling, offering empathy and understanding to help residents address personal challenges. 
• Assist residents in setting and achieving personal goals related to housing stability, recovery, and self-sufficiency.
• Support residents in navigating services and systems, such as healthcare, benefits, and employment resources.
• Encourage residents to participate in program activities, support groups, and community events.

• Advocacy and Empowerment:

• Advocate for the needs and rights of residents within the PSH program and the broader community.
• Empower residents by promoting self-advocacy, self-determination, and the development of life skills.
• Provide education on topics such as tenant rights, self-care, and wellness strategies.
• Facilitate group sessions and workshops that address the needs and interests of residents.
• Crisis Intervention and Conflict Resolution:
• Respond to crises and conflicts in a calm and supportive manner, providing immediate assistance and de-escalation.
• Work with residents to develop and implement personal safety plans.
• Collaborate with the housing management team to resolve disputes and maintain a peaceful living environment.

• Collaboration and Coordination:

• Collaborate closely with case managers, housing managers, and external service providers to ensure comprehensive support for residents.
• Participate in team meetings, case conferences, and other collaborative efforts to improve resident outcomes.
• Act as a liaison between residents and the PSH program, ensuring that resident voices are heard and considered in program decisions.

• Documentation and Reporting:

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of resident interactions, progress, and services provided.
• Assist in the preparation of reports for program evaluation and compliance with funding requirements.
• Contribute to the ongoing development of peer support best practices within the FSS program.

• High school diploma or equivalent required; some college coursework in social work, psychology, or a related field preferred.
• Certification as a Peer Support Specialist or willingness to obtain certification within a specified time frame.
• Lived experience with housing instability, mental health challenges, substance use recovery, or related experiences.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to connect with and support individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries while fostering supportive and trusting relationships.
• Basic knowledge of community resources and services relevant to the PSH population.
• Experience in a supportive housing, social services, or mental health setting is preferred.

Employee must be able to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation and without posing a direct threat to safety or health of self or others. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. Employee will perform job according to applied laws. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The Colorado Coalition for the Homeless is committed to delivering services, making employment-related decisions, selecting volunteers, and selecting vendors without regard to age over 40, race, sex, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, disability, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, military status, or any other applicable status protected by law.