Peer Support Outreach Specialist

About Interfaith Community Services:

At Interfaith, we empower individuals and families in need by providing essential resources and services with compassion and integrity. Together, we foster a community of hope, accountability, and dignity. 

Founded in 1979 in direct response to rising rates of hunger and homelessness in North San Diego County, Interfaith Community Services works to break the cycle of poverty and homelessness by Helping People Help Themselves. Interfaith is the most comprehensive nonprofit social services agency in North County, providing both immediate safety net services and long-term, life-changing programs designed to meet the holistic needs of people in crisis. Together, in partnership with 250+ diverse faith communities, more than 650 recurrent volunteers, and a growing staff of over 200, Interfaith provides a safe haven and pathway towards self-sufficiency for more than 17,000 community members annually. 

If you're passionate about making a difference and thrive in a service-driven environment, we invite you to be part of our mission!

What You'll Do:

In the Peer Support Outreach Specialist role, you’ll provide field-based peer support outreach services to homeless residents living in vehicles in the City of Carlsbad. The Peer Support Outreach Specialist as part of a multi-disciplinary team will provide support while working in conjunction with outreach workers to assist participants with system navigation, accessing basic needs and community-based treatment. This position additionally provides short term crisis intervention and case management to individuals experiencing homelessness who may also be struggling with chronic medical conditions, substance use disorders (SUD) and serious mental illness (SMI). 

• Conducts outreach and engages with individuals experiencing homelessness, mental health challenges or substance use disorders in the field to relate to and understand the needs of the individuals served. 
• Draws on personal experiences and professional skills to build rapport and trust with individuals, fostering a supportive and understanding environment.
• Provides direct services to homeless clients and families, which include: intake, assessment, and linkage to long term services 
• Assess individuals needs including housing, healthcare, mental healthcare and other resources
• Provides client advocacy for the needs of individuals, connecting them with appropriate services and resources, and assisting them with navigating systems with the goal of reaching self-sufficiency 
• Develop and maintain effective relationships with providers of SUD, mental health and medical services
• Work as part of a multi-disciplinary team, collaborating with other professionals including working alongside homeless outreach teams to ensure comprehensive care and facilitate access to available resources. 
• Provide education and support related to harm reduction and access to harm reduction programs or SUD services in the community
• Maintain ongoing engagement and continue building relationships with individuals, particularly those in the pre-contemplation stage of change
• Assist clients in navigating enrollments into available community resources, ensuring they access necessary support and care
• Provide timely linkage to detox and residential treatment services including coordination with healthcare providers for medical clearance and Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) services
• Participates in case conferences for clients receiving services 
• Maintains accurate records and files and prepare reports as required by funders and agency administration 
• Enters data into the regional Homeless Management Information Systems (HMIS) client database, the Coordinated Entry System (CES) and/or other electronic data systems as required by funders and Interfaith
• Ensures accurate and timely data entry to support service provision and compliance with grant requirements.
• Safeguard the confidentiality of client information and health records in accordance with legal and ethical standards.
• Meets regularly with Supervisor and participate in agency meetings and staff trainings
• Must complete County of San Diego Behavioral Health Services (BHS) approved peer specialist training course within 60 days of hire 
• Provides trauma-informed and culturally competent client services
• Performs additional duties as assigned 

 Who You Are:
You're passionate about making a lasting impact, whether supporting individuals directly or enhancing our organizational effectiveness. To thrive in this role, you'll: 

• High School diploma, required
• Bachelor’s Degree in social services or related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience, preferred 
• 1+ years of relevant work experience required 
• Lived experience of mental health, substance use disorder or homelessness, preferred 
• Experience working with severely mentally ill, medically fragile, and homeless populations, preferred 
• Bilingual (English/Spanish, preferred 

Location: Onsite/Carlsbad

Hourly Rate: $24.00-$26.00

Hours: Monday-Friday: 8:00 am- 5:00 pm

EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS·

• Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays – 13 scheduled
• Flexible Work Schedules· 
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• AD&D / Group Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts – Medical and Dependent Care
• Matched 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Early Release Days!
• Work Anniversary Bonuses
• Tuition Reimbursement and Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligibility
• Employee Assistance Plan (EAP)
• Home Ownership Assistance Program
• Casual Work Environment
• Professional Growth and Career Development Opportunities

Interfaith is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to age, race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, pregnancy, marital status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, nationality, sex, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, Interfaith will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.