Employment

Guest Advocate​ - Peer Specialist

​

Organizational Relationship:  The Peer Specialist reports to the House Manager. The Clinical Program Therapist and Program Director will provide weekly check-in for additional supervision and guidance. 

​

Position Overview: 

The Peer Specialist is responsible for working with the House Manager in providing strength-based support, intervention, information and access for resources. 

​

Pay Range:  $15.00-$18.50

​​

At this time, we are actively looking to hire candidates who have the following availability:

 

Guest Advocate - Peer Specialist Women's Program:

• 10 AM to 4 PM every other weekend

• 9 PM to 5 AM (overnight) every other Friday

• 3 PM to 7 PM every other weekend

Guest Advocate - Peer Specialist Men's Program:

• 10 AM to 4 PM every other weekend

• 8 PM to 4 AM (overnight) one to two nights a week

​

Primary Responsibilities: 

​

I. Peer Specialist 

• Use lived experience with homelessness, mental health, or substance use recovery to build rapport with shelter guests and provide authentic, empathetic support. 

• Get to know guests as individuals. Works with staff and volunteers to assist the guests in reaching goals. 

• Support clients in setting and achieving personal goals related to wellness, housing, employment, and community reintegration. 

• Assist and/or facilitate peer-led support groups, recovery meetings, or life skills workshops with guests. 

• Provide peer mentoring and encouragement through the stages of recovery and housing stabilization. 

• When suspicion of substance abuse warrants, call direct supervisor and may need to supervise a UA. 

• Ensures guest confidentiality and respect. 

• Holds self and others accountable to high standards of service. 

• Models and maintains healthy, professional boundaries with guests. 

• Advocate for client needs in team meetings and with partner agencies. 

• Maintain appropriate documentation in Soxbox, and adhere to all confidentiality and ethical standards. 

 

II. Guest Advocacy 

• Assist in the collaboration and coordination of necessary resources and programming intended to assist guests in the home. 

• Support the emotional, spiritual, and physical wellbeing of the guests. 

• Is aware of the housing stabilization plan for each guest in the home and assists in coordination of programming. 

• Tracks and reports housing outcomes and other reporting requirements upon request. 

• When suspicion of substance abuse warrants, perform a UA. Support will be provided as needed and requested by the on-call person.  

• Ensures guest confidentiality and respect. 

• Holds self and others accountable to high standards of service. 

• Facilitates access to housing and employment, education, physical and mental health resources as directed by supervisor. 

• Models and maintains healthy, professional boundaries with guests. 

 

III. House Responsibilities 

• Ensures a safe, clean environment for guests, volunteers, and staff. 

• Oversee guests’ house responsibilities and chores.  Report to the Housing Manager any concerns. 

• May assist in ensuring all residents' rooms are clean and sanitized upon resident departure. 

• Provide emotional support and de-escalation in a nonjudgmental, peer-based relationship. 

• Performs regular safety checks of all common areas and resident rooms. 

 

IV. Organizational Accountability 

• Holds accountable staff, volunteers and self to high standards while providing services. 

• Participates in regular program evaluations. 

• Provides support and constructive feedback to staff and volunteers.  

• Ensures guests and staff comply with program guidelines and procedures. 

• Performs other reporting requirements upon request. 

• Completes ongoing professional training as set forth by the supervisor

• Participate in a weekly check-in with LHSMN Clinical Therapist for supervision and guidance. 

 

Educations and Experience 

• High school diploma or equivalent. 

• Completion of Peer Specialist or Recovery Coach certification preferred, not required 

• Personal lived experience with homelessness, mental illness, substance use recovery, or other relevant life challenges, and at least one year in recovery/stable housing. 

• Knowledge of trauma-informed care, compassion, empathy and ability to respond to individuals in crisis. 

• Ability to work with people of all ages from diverse racial, cultural, religious, social and economic backgrounds and lifestyles. 

• Excellent communication and organizational skills. 

• Ability to solve problems and make decisions individually and within a team. 

• Experience with Microsoft Office. 

• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation. 

• Ability to work weekdays, some holidays, and weekends. 

• Must be able to pass both a criminal background check and drug test. 

• Promote and adhere to the vision and mission of the Lighthouse of Southern MN. 

​

Physical Demands 

• During your work hours you may be required to write, talk, cook, clean, lift 40 pounds, move items, operate a computer, sit, walk, and kneel. 

• Can at times be fast paced and require crisis intervention protocol. 

• Safety and security are a priority.  

​

Attributes 

• Strong commitment to the mission, diversity, equality, and inclusion. 

• An energetic team player. 

• High level of personal and professional integrity, ethics, and customer service. 

• Work with a spirit of optimism and fun. 

• Desire and ability to work with diverse people and organizations. 

• Initiative and a commitment to ongoing improvements. 

• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of the staff team. 

​

This job description is not meant to be all-inclusive. It defines the critical job responsibilities and requirements only, which may change at any time, with or without notice due to agency needs, regulatory requirements or other factors.