Peer Specialist (Mon-Thu)

The Sanctuary on Potomac is a new 43-unit Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) development dedicated to providing safe, stable, and affordable housing for individuals experiencing homelessness and those with complex service needs. As we prepare to open our doors, we are building a compassionate, mission-driven team committed to fostering housing stability, promoting resident well-being, and creating a supportive community where individuals can thrive.

The mission of the Housing Authority of the City of Aurora (AHA) is to develop and promote quality housing while supporting and encouraging economic opportunities leading to self-sufficiency and independence. AHA fosters a professional, productive, and friendly work environment in which the open exchange of ideas and information is encouraged.

About the role

The Peer Specialist provides engagement, mentorship, and supportive services to residents at Sanctuary on Potomac, utilizing their lived experience of homelessness and/or recovery to build trust, foster connection, and promote long-term housing stability. This position operates as part of a collaborative team alongside an Aurora Mental Health Case Manager, Peer Specialist, and a Manager of Supportive Services, combining lived experience and professional case management to enhance engagement and improve housing retention outcomes.

The ultimate goal of this position is to increase participant engagement, strengthen community integration, and support long-term housing stability for Sanctuary on Potomac residents. The Peer Support Specialist focuses on engagement, recovery support, community integration, and skill development, complementing but not duplicating housing case management or clinical behavioral health services.

Responsibilities

• Engage residents in collaborative, trusting relationships by utilizing lived experience to provide mentorship, encouragement, and support.
• Apply a strengths-based, trauma-informed, and housing-focused approach to promote housing stability and participant self-determination.
• Assist participants in identifying and building upon their strengths, resiliencies, and personal goals.
• Support participants in developing practical skills needed to maintain housing, increase independence, and improve overall well-being.
• Ensure a minimum of 25 billable hours per week through delivery of Medicaid-reimbursable Supportive Housing Services, including provision of housing supports, skills training, recovery support, outreach, and care coordination.
• Work collaboratively with the Aurora Mental Health and Recovery Case Manager and the Manager of Supportive Services to support participants in goal-setting, service planning, and follow-through.
• Meet regularly with participants in their units and on-site at the PSH property, focusing on engagement, skill-building, problem-solving, recovery support, and community integration.
• Provide peer-based support and coaching to assist participants in navigating the transition to housing, adjusting to independent living, and building routines that support housing retention.
• Support participants in accessing community resources and services, including behavioral health care, medical services, employment supports, and social services.
• Assist participants in applying for and maintaining mainstream benefits such as SNAP, SSI, and other income supports.
• Promote community integration and social connection by encouraging participation in resident activities, peer groups, and community resources.
• Conduct outreach and engagement with participants who may be hesitant or disconnected from services, using relationship-based and motivational approaches.
• Collaborate closely with the Manager of Supportive Services, Aurora Mental Health and Recovery case manager, and other service providers through joint visits, case conferencing, and coordinated interventions.
• Assist in identifying and addressing barriers to housing stability, and support early intervention efforts to prevent lease violations, disengagement, or crisis situations.
• Provide appropriate advocacy and support when interacting with service providers, community partners, and systems to help participants access needed services and resources.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of participant interactions and services in required systems, ensuring compliance with Medicaid requirements and agency standards.
• Ensure resident records, health information, and service documentation are maintained in accordance with HIPAA, Medicaid requirements, agency policies, and applicable confidentiality laws.
• Support resident meetings, life-skills programming, and community-building activities that promote community integration, recovery, social connection, and housing stability.
• Attend and participate in weekly staff meetings, supervision, and all required agency and community meetings.
• Maintain a consistent on-site presence at Potomac and respond appropriately to participant needs, including engagement in non-clinical crisis support and de-escalation, following all safety protocols.
• Utilize core peer support competencies including active listening, engagement, boundary-setting, collaboration, and ethical use of lived experience.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Must hold a valid Colorado Peer and Family Specialist (CPFS) certification OR a National Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist (NCPRSS) credential. Candidates who are explicitly "in the process" of obtaining their CPFS will be considered, provided they have completed all 60 hours of state-approved core training and are actively logging field experience hours toward final certification.
• Direct lived experience with homelessness, behavioral health recovery, and/or substance use recovery required, with demonstrated ability to appropriately and professionally use lived experience to engage, mentor, and support participants.
• Experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness, particularly those with moderate to high-acuity needs, strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of Medicaid-reimbursable peer services preferred.
• Working knowledge of and commitment to trauma-informed care and peer support principles, including a strengths-based and person-centered approach.
• Demonstrated ability to build trusting relationships and effectively engage individuals, including those who may be resistant to services or have experienced long-term homelessness.
• Strong skills in active listening, effective communication, relationship-building, problem-solving, conflict resolution, boundary-setting, and ethical use of lived experience.
• Experience assisting participants in accessing community resources and mainstream benefits (e.g., SNAP, SSI, TANF), and navigating human services and healthcare systems preferred.
• Ability to collaborate effectively within a team-based model alongside Peer Specialists and case managers.
• Basic understanding of service documentation requirements, with the ability to complete accurate and timely documentation in agency systems.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple participant interactions and responsibilities throughout the workday.
• Experience working in supportive housing, peer support, or community-based social service settings preferred.

Benefits

• Outstanding benefits including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 401k with 4.5% employer match.
• Robust holiday, vacation, and sick leave policies.
• Paid volunteer time in the community.
• Tuition reimbursement program for continuing education.

Pay

$52,500-$53,750 based on education and experience.

Schedule

Monday - Thursday | Four, 10-hour shifts.

Anticipated start date: Fall 2026, around November. The exact start date is still being finalized and may be adjusted based on scheduling and other deadlines.