Peer Specialist (Watkins, CO)

Mission The Colorado Coalition for the Homeless is dedicated to preventing homelessness and creating lasting solutions for homeless and at‑risk families, children, and individuals throughout Colorado. We advocate for and provide a continuum of housing and a variety of services to improve the health, well‑being, and stability of those we serve. Philosophy of Service Honoring the inherent dignity of those we serve, affirming their capabilities, and fostering hope for a better life . Building strong, caring, and trauma‑informed communities through the integration of housing, health care, and supportive services. Advocating for social and racial equity, inclusion, and diversity, challenging the status quo in partnership with our workforce members and the communities we serve. Achieving excellence through continuous quality assurance, innovation, and professional development. Using resources judiciously and effectively. Essential Job Functions Provides mentorship and support to clients through personal lived experience to build skills in goal setting and problem solving with an emphasis on strengths, resilience, and empowerment. Facilitates counseling and activities for clients in recovery from substance use disorders in individual or group settings to promote connection and agency. Helps clients coordinate and navigate critical integrated services, including healthcare, housing assistance, and behavioral health, in partnership with internal teams and outside community partners. Transports or escorts clients to scheduled appointments at Coalition properties and elsewhere as needed using a CCH vehicle or an approved personal vehicle; reliable vehicle access is required. Collaborates with Coalition staff to foster trusting relationships with clients and ensure services align with individual goals. Conducts ongoing client outreach within the community to monitor recovery‑oriented needs. Maintains timely and accurate recording of all clinical and non‑clinical services, communications, and tasks in the EHR and other systems, keeping charts up to date and supporting system upgrades as directed. Qualifications Completion of an accredited Peer Specialist training program is highly preferred. CPR and First Aid certification required within 30 days of employment. Bi‑lingual English–Spanish and/or ASL preferred. Must possess and maintain a Colorado driver’s license in good standing within 30 days of hire. Prior peer‑mentoring experience serving individuals with behavioral health challenges and/or homelessness is highly preferred. Must be a person with lived experience of substance use disorders, homelessness support services, and/or mental health challenges with ongoing recovery activity. Demonstrates the ability to role‑model recovery, understand confidentiality protocols, and adhere to privacy laws and organizational policies. Engages in authentic, trauma‑informed interactions that foster trust, empathy, and active listening. Recognizes professional boundaries and identifies potential conflicts of interest to maintain ethical standards. Advocates for the needs and rights of individuals and families to ensure access to necessary services and resources. Demonstrates awareness of and continuously applies inclusive language respecting diverse identities and experiences. Collaborates cross‑departmentally with other Coalition Peer Specialists to contribute to program objectives and a positive working environment. Additional Requirements Valid driver’s license required; waiver may be considered based on overall candidate experience and business needs. Compensation $25 per hour. Placement within this range depends on total relevant years of experience. Benefits Choice of HMO or PPO health insurance coverage options; full‑time employees contribute 1% of earnings for their own coverage and ≤4% for eligible dependents. Same‑and opposite‑sex domestic partner coverage. Choice of dental insurance or discount plan. Vision insurance. Flexible spending accounts for health care, dependent care, and parking expenses. Free basic life and AD/DD insurance coverage. Employee Assistance Program. 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 during their first year. Employment‑Related Statement Employee must be able to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation and without posing a direct threat to the safety or health of self or others. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. EEO Statement 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr