Peer Support Specialist, SSVF, SS (47666)

Position Summary

The Peer Support – SSVF Shallow Subsidy works directly with Veterans and their families in applying to receive services through ACCESS with long-term solutions. This position works collaboratively with a multi-disciplinary team that assists participants in navigating through complex resources and processes to identify/obtain/sustain housing. A Peer Support – SSVF Shallow Subsidy works to engage the participant in the spheres of being independent by working through barriers that may keep them from achieving their goals related to housing stability. This position requires frequent travel between office, participant’s homes, and outreach activities.           

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• The position works within the guidelines of the Shallow Subsidy service. Participants should have the ability to sustain payment on the unsubsidized portion of their rent.
• Works through outreach services to maintain a caseload of Veteran households for Peer delivered services.
• Conducts regular mentoring sessions with participants to encourage positive adjustment out of housing instability into housing stability.
• Identifies unstably housed veteran households through outreach activities with landlords, property managers, transitional housing entities, and through community engagement events. Attempts to assist in navigation to best fit services.
• Provides support through positive social interactions with participants in one-on-one settings, to build mutual trust and build positive relationships.
• Monitors participants’ progress and keeps track of their status. Assists in ensuring participants adhere to progress toward Shallow Subsidy and housing stability related goals.
• Teaches participants and families about self-care, in addition to prevention techniques to avoid falling into experiencing being unhoused.
• Serves as an advocate for Veterans and their families to help meet their housing goals.
• Serves as a team member for the SSVF program, working in tandem with SSVF Housing Stabilization Case Managers and SSVF program Peer Supports to assist with community resource navigation. Provides regular feedback, documentation compliance, and necessary case notes.
• Makes referrals to appropriate community resources, both internal to ACCESS and external from ACCESS.
• Participates in appropriate conferences, workshops, trainings, outreach activities, and meetings as directed.
• Maintains complete participant records, daily activity logs, mileage logs, and other reports as directed.
• Takes appropriate action to deal with any housing instability related emergency.
• Maintains the confidentiality of all program participants.

Position Requirements

• Belief in ACCESS’s mission to provide food, warmth, and shelter.
• Must be certified in Peer Support and complete crisis intervention training, within one year of employment.
• Must have a minimum of 1-year direct client contact and/or customer service experience.
• Must have interpersonal, written communication, and oral communication skills.
• Must be proficient with computers and use of basic programs such as Microsoft Office.
• Ability to interact effectively with a variety of individuals and groups from varying educational, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds to include listening, sensitivity to the other's feelings, needs, point of view, tact and courtesy in expressing opinions or ideas.
• Ability to work flexible hours, and at times in poor weather. Willingness and ability to adjust to changing conditions or priorities.
• Must be willing to work flexible hours to support operations of the Medford Severe Weather Shelter.
• A valid Oregon driver’s license with a record that is acceptable under ACCESS’s insurance policies.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous military experience.