OUTREACH PEER ADVOCATE - F/T POSITION

Outreach Peer Advocate

The Lord's Place is a dynamic, passion-driven social impact organization in Palm Beach County providing innovative, compassionate, and effective services to homeless men, women, and children in our community. We are an organization committed to building a varied workplace welcoming people of all backgrounds. We have consistently ranked nationally as a Best Nonprofit to Work For and as a Best Place to Work in Florida.

We are seeking an Outreach Peer Advocate to join our Outreach Program. Peer Specialists provide outreach services directly to individuals and families experiencing homelessness. The Peer Specialist utilizes his/her lived experiences and demonstrates an ability to use his/her personal narrative in the service of assisting others. The Peer Specialist assists in the utilization of appropriate community resources, engagement, and development of wellness and recovery skills. The Peer Specialist provides information, support, assistance, and advocacy for individuals and/or families. The Peer Specialist is uniquely poised to provide collaborative and person-centered support services from a peer perspective.

Some essential functions and responsibilities include:

• Provides peer support and self-help services to participants as appropriate, including engagement, coaching to develop self-advocacy, communication, and empowerment skills.
• Assists in a variety of support activities including peer support groups, peer recovery and family and/or psycho-educational groups outcomes for client.
• Collaboratively works with peers in the development of a strength-based wellness and recovery plans to overcome barriers to good mental health.
• Develops effective working relationships with agencies, organizations, and community members to respond and advocate for individuals and families from a peer perspective.
• Communicates effectively, represents and promotes the consumer and/or family members' perspective within mental health, homelessness, reentry, and other relevant systems.
• Attends and participates in special events, conferences, and workshops and trainings within the community.
• Focuses on and is sensitive to client satisfaction with the services received and general satisfaction with services provided.
• Attends and participates in supervision and multidisciplinary meetings.
• Assists program staff to implement daily activities.
• Provides transportation in company vehicle throughout Palm Beach County.
• Documents all activities as required.

Requirements

Requirements for the position include:

• If eligible, holds, or is willing to obtain Certified Recovery Peer Specialist (CRPS) certification with the Florida Certification Board.
• Must be able to pass a level 2 DCF background screening.
• Upholds the highest ethical standards and SAMHSA's Core Competencies.
• Must possess a valid driver's license and a clean driving record.
• Demonstrates a working knowledge and ability to model recovery values including hope, education, self-advocacy, personal responsibility and support.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, high stress environment.
• Requires High School diploma, or GED.
• Preferred qualification is completion of Peer Support Specialist training with additional mental health training. If training has not been completed, Peer Specialist must complete within 6 months of hire.
• Familiarity with local social service agencies, community resources, and support services preferred.
• Requires excellent verbal and communication skills.
• Requires ability to maintain confidentiality of all information.
• Requires basic knowledge of Microsoft Word, internet software and a web-based database.
• Ideal candidates are not required to have received services with The Lord's Place. All candidates who identify as being a peer are eligible for hire. Former clients will not receive special consideration.

Salary Description $20 - $21/hour based on experience and education