Peer support Specialist

ROOF ABOVE

Roof Above is NC’s most comprehensive homeless service provider. Our mission is to unite our community to end homelessness, one life at a time. Focusing on individuals experiencing homelessness, Roof Above offers everything from street outreach to shelter to Rapid Rehousing to Permanent Supportive Housing. Roof Above’s services and programs reach over 1,300 individuals every day across nine campuses in Charlotte. Roof Above was born through the merger of Urban Ministry Center and Men’s Shelter of Charlotte in 2019.

The Peer Support Specialist will be responsible for building relationships, providing advocacy, support, and making referrals to external agencies based on client needs. The Peer Support Specialist will offer comprehensive case management assistance to an assigned caseload of clients seeking program services while collaborating closely with the Out-Reach Housing Navigator.

POSITION SUMMARY

• Mentors or coaches’ individuals one-on-one, assisting them in setting recovery goals, developing action plans, and addressing challenges related to housing, employment, and skill-building. Provides support for collateral issues such as legal matters or co-existing physical or mental health conditions.

• Collaborates with clients and team members to develop comprehensive treatment plans, offering personalized peer support and mentoring to enhance recovery.

• Facilitates individual and group sessions focused on building autonomy, improving independent living skills, budget management, social skills, problem-solving, vocational discovery, and coping strategies.

• Conducts structured skill development groups covering job skills, budgeting, relapse prevention, and conflict resolution to support recovery efforts.

• Assists individuals in expanding their social networks and accessing community resources to promote mental health and substance use disorder recovery.

• Teaches clients advocacy skills and provides individual peer support and wellness counseling as needed, including leading peer-run support groups.

• Monitors and documents client progress, ensuring effective communication with case managers and treatment teams to achieve goals.

• Educates guests about available services, benefits, and community resources, facilitating their engagement and linking them to appropriate support networks.

• Provides ongoing staff education on recovery principles and support strategies, advocating for client needs and continuity of care.

• Accompanies peers to educational, vocational, and community events, offering transportation and support as needed.

• Maintains accurate documentation of client interactions and progress in designated databases, (Bitfocus) adhering to confidentiality protocols and regulatory requirements.

• Performs other duties as assigned by the Program Director, contributing to the overall effectiveness of the program and client support services.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS REQUIRED

• A Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of two years of relatable experience, or a combination of relevant experience and education to effectively perform the position’s expectations is preferred. A high school diploma is required.
• Lived experience with either substance or mental health recovery.
• Prior experience working with homeless populations and experience working in a homeless shelter are preferred.
• Knowledge of issues related to homelessness; effective intervention techniques; and teamwork.

• Two years of human services work experience; or an equivalent combination of training and experience as defined.
• Must be a Certified Peer Support Specialist or successfully completed the training within the first 60 days of hire.

Additional Skills:

• Bi-lingual applicants are preferred.
• Individual with peer support experience and 2 years of stable recovery
• Any combination of training and experience would enable the applicant to acquire the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Ability to demonstrate sound judgement; integrity; resourcefulness; accuracy; thoroughness and the physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.
• Ability to effectively use computer applications such as spreadsheets, word processing, calendar, e-mail, and database software to maintain records, prepare reports, and conduct correspondence related to the work.
• Ability to work with individuals in crisis that may exhibit challenging or hostile behaviors.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective professional relationships with Community partners, guests, outside agencies, community organizations, neighborhood associations, and members of the public.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, and deal with culturally diverse populations.
• Ability to effectively problem solve and handle difficult situations and complex decision-making and react calmly and quickly in emergency situations.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Individual must be able to work with limited supervision, embrace a fast-paced environment, and be comfortable de-escalating negative behaviors with diverse individuals including persons with mental illness and substance use issues.

OUR VALUES:

Heart for the Work

• We choose this work and embrace this place.
• We practice radical compassion.
• We each do our unique part to end homelessness.

Solution-Oriented

• Grounding ourselves in what we know, we imagine what is possible.
• We are intentional about getting the right people involved and we move towards effective action.
• We are exhaustive in our search for solutions.

Bring Our Best

• We practice self-care, self-awareness, and safety.
• We recognize what we need to let go of to move forward.
• We exercise diligence and grit.

Value Others

• We honor the profound worth of each life and our work reflects it.
• We meet people where they are and approach others with genuine curiosity.
• We know we can’t do it alone. We are stronger and smarter together.

Roof Above is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees