Engagement and Peer Support Specialist

Join to apply for the Engagement and Peer Support Specialist role at Vinfen

1 week ago Be among the first 25 applicants

The Safe Haven Peer Specialist works within Safe Haven programs to promote engagement, hope and the full integration and functioning needed for Safe Haven residents to live successfully in the community. Acts as a leader within Safe Havens in the areas of person-centered services, recovery-oriented principles, engagement strategies, and inclusion of residents in Safe Haven programming; offers training and coaching to all staff in these areas.

Along with Program Director (PD) or Team Leader the Safe Haven Peer Specialist fosters a transition-oriented culture of mutual respect, support, caring, and collaboration. Welcomes, orients and engages clients into the Safe Haven, collaborates with Program Director (PD) and client to formulate person-centered service plans. Provides Peer Support Services to clients in groups and 1:1; helps clients explore their options and gain the confidence, skills, and resources needed to succeed in goals and transition out of Safe Haven.

Provides leadership and collaboration in creating an environment where safety, health, and learning are paramount and attaining permanent housing is the goal.

• As a member of Safe Haven program leadership, partners to create and maintain a culture of safety and welcome for residents of a Safe Haven transitional housing program. Maintains a person-centered philosophy and culture within the Safe Haven, oriented to the needs of individuals who have experienced chronic homelessness.
• Collaborates with program leadership to initiate and conduct the enrollment process for all referred clients. Welcomes, orients, and engages clients to support their understanding of services and supports available. Builds a trusting relationship to promote the client’s engagement with the supports available in Safe Haven and the community.
• Works with clients to formulate person-centered Homeless Outreach Action Plans; implements Action Plan interventions with person. Works with person to complete 8 Dimensions of Wellness Assessment and person-centered Power Statement to supplement Action Plan.
• Establishes and maintains a “transition-oriented culture” in which housing readiness skills and preparation for transition to permanent housing play a consistent role in daily activities and engagement with residents.
• Designs and facilitates groups, events, and activities for Safe Haven residents according to resident needs, input, and feedback. Co-facilitates evidence-based Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) groups.
• Introduces Safe Haven residents to supports, treatment, and resources available in the community and works to connect residents to available resources including housing resources, self-help groups, medical care, psychiatric and/or substance use treatment, and employment services. According to person’s choosing, accompanies residents to activities, support groups, provider appointments, and other engagements in the community. Provides transportation as necessary.
• Facilitates connection between Safe Havens and relevant community resources including RLCs, Clubhouses, Recovery Support Centers, Recovery Cafes, employment services, and other resources.
• Implements Peer Bridging supports at times of service and life transitions; in particular enrollment into the Safe Haven; being discharged from a hospital setting; and moving out of the Safe Haven into permanent housing.
• Supports residents to prepare for transition into permanent housing.
• Facilitates inclusion of client input and feedback into programming and programmatic decision-making within Safe Haven. Supports resident participation in community meetings and inclusion of residents in decision-making around groups, activities, and events.
• Coordinates and supports the inclusion of residents in the interviewing and hiring of all staff positions.
• Shares personal experiences of recovery; provides support, education and advocacy to Safe Haven residents. Engages PS in non-directive and supportive relationships that promote empowerment and self-learning. Facilitates residents’ completion of…