Peer Support Specialist
Job Description
Objective: Housing for New Hope connects our neighbors to housing and hope. The Peer Support
Specialist will serve as a key member of the Supportive Housing team and will bring a commitment to
providing excellent supportive services to clients during their transition from homelessness to
permanent housing. The Peer Support Specialist will engage in highly individualized services in the
community and promote the self-determination and decision-making abilities to homeless individuals
and families as they take their next step in their journey to stable housing: long-term rental in an
apartment or house. The Peer Support Specialist will provide ongoing supportive services tailored to
client needs connecting housing stability and mental wellness.
Reports to: Supportive Housing Program Manager
Team: Supportive Housing with caseload drawn from Streets to Home, and/or Williams Square and
Andover
Status: Full-time
Responsibilities:
1) Facilitate individualized services to program clients that meet the diverse needs of the client and
focus on the discharge-planning goal.
2) Instruct clients in daily living skills, socialization skill enhancement and conflict resolution.
3) Assist in clarifying mental health and recovery goals as appropriate.
4) Teach and reinforce effective coping strategies and symptom management skills.
5) Assist and support clients to carry out daily activities such as personal hygiene, nutrition
education, meal planning, grocery shopping, food preparation, and other household duties.
6) Work side by side with client to assist, teach, and empower with financial management skills,
access to needed entitlements/benefits, access reliable transportation, and connect to needed
health services.
7) Advocate on behalf of clients with outside service providers.
8) Provide supportive services to increase interpersonal relationships and leisure skills.
9) Assist in maintaining up-to-date, accurate individual case records on each assigned client.
10) Network with community service providers to identify programs and resources that will increase
client skills and establish goals (life management skills, educational and/or career goals, financial
management skills, health and wellness goals, and decision-making skills).
11) Ensure consistent contact with clients based on assessed needs, program policies, and funding
guidelines. Client engagement will include on-site home visits.
12) Participate in agency trainings, meetings, and special events.
13) Attend regularly scheduled staff meetings and supervision as well as in-service training and
development activities.
14) Attend case management meetings with Durham Continuum of Care and other community
partners, as appropriate.
15) Other duties as assigned by supervisor.
Qualifications:
• High School Degree or Equivalent
• Peer Support Certificate required
• 1- 2 years' experience working with homeless or low-income individuals or families (preferred).
• 1-2 years' experience working with individuals with a mental health diagnosis.
• Flexible work hours.
• Ability to utilize appropriate tools and approaches for empowering clients (ie. Motivational
interviewing)
• Self-knowledge to manage their mental illness and be well along in their recovery.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Demonstrate maturity and professionalism even in stressful situations.
• Outstanding capacity to build strong relationships with a diverse range of clients, colleagues,
and community partners.
• Compassion for people who are struggling with a variety of challenges, including homelessness,
mental health, and/or substance abuse.
• Commitment to an empowering, client-centered approach to peer support.
• Flexible and adaptable work style.
• Familiarity with Durham’s social service providers and community resources is preferred.
• Valid NC driver license and car insurance with a willingness to travel in the community and
transport clients as needed.
Compensation: $18.46 to $20.19 hourly
To apply: Submit one document that includes your cover letter and resume via email to:
Tamaira Johnson
HR Manager
Housing for New Hope
Applications review will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
Academic, MVR, and criminal checks will be conducted before final offer is made.
Housing for New Hope is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. All employment is
decided based on qualifications, merit, and business needs.