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Job SummaryHours: Tuesday ? Friday, 9:00AM ? 6:30PM; Saturday, 7:00AM ? 11:00AMThis Peer Support Specialist will be primarily based in the JYP/BMC clinic as part of a city-wide initiative to coordinate housing efforts for women experiencing homelessness. This position will include flexibility to see patients in an outreach setting and at additional clinic sites, including Woods Mullen shelter and St. Anthony?s Shrine. Peer Support Specialists function as role models to peers, exhibiting competency in personal recovery and use of coping skills to promote empowerment and serve as a consumer advocate. The Peer Support Specialist will assist homeless women in navigating the complex housing system and will gain familiarity with the city of Boston?s housing pathways, primarily the Chronic and Rapid Rehousing programs. This is an 8-month grant-funded position with the possibility of renewal and is an excellent growth opportunity for an individual interested in gaining experience in the fields of women?s health and homeless services.Essential Duties
Develop rapport and build an ongoing relationship with approximately 20 female BHCHP primary care patients via regular and consistent contact, engaging them in housing services.
Perform a wide range of tasks to help clients regain independence within the community, regain mastery over their own recovery process, and move out of shelter into permanent housing.
Work with clients to complete housing applications and obtain housing-related services, including vital documents, benefits (SSI, EAEDC), access to medical services and substance use treatment.
Identify patient preferences and barriers to housing and mitigate barriers such as credit, housing history, and criminal history; Identify gaps in shelter bed stays and obtain supporting medical documentation for the city of Boston?s housing pathways.
Accompany patients to housing-related appointments, including apartment viewings, lease signings, RMV, etc.
Provide psychological/emotional preparation and support for patients around obtaining housing.
Participate in city-wide networks of housing navigation for homeless individuals and develop cooperative working relationships with service providers for homeless persons.
Qualifications and Skills
High school diploma or equivalent
Previous participation in Mental Health or Substance Use service systems as recipient of service and a willingness to convey this experience is strongly preferred
Must be certified or be eligible for the Massachusetts Peer Specialist training or equivalent and be certified within 6 months of being hired. https://transformation-center.org/home/training/certified-peer-specialists/
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build trust and rapport with individuals from different backgrounds; An understanding of women?s health issues, substance use, mental health, and the complex social determinants of health that impact women experiencing homelessness
Bilingual Spanish is preferred; Experience in related field is preferred but not required
Computer skills: proficient with Microsoft Office, entering narrative and other data into electronic medical records and other internet-based products
Does this amazing opportunity interest you? Then we'd love to hear from you. An Equal Opportunity Employer.
