Peer Support Specialist (Lighthouse)

About the role

At The Lighthouse Navigation Center our mission is to create safe, healing environments where all individuals feel valued, respected, and empowered to pursue personal growth and stability. We strive to feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, and walk alongside those facing life‑controlling challenges such as trauma, addiction, and homelessness. Through emergency shelter, case management, and supportive services, we seek not only to address immediate needs but to foster lasting, positive change. Our vision is to help individuals break cycles of hardship and achieve meaningful transformation, ensuring that everyone in Central Oregon has the opportunity to find hope, stability, and healing. We are seeking a passionate and mission‑driven Peer Support Specialist to help expand the impact of Shepherd’s House Ministries across all sites and advance this life‑changing work.

Responsibilities

• Create a welcoming and safe environment where guests are encouraged to benefit from day‑use activities and navigation services.
• Support the Associate Director and Program Manager in developing and facilitating daily experiential learning activities.
• Engage with participants to understand their stories, build trust, and establish meaningful connections.
• Guide participants in achieving health, stability, and recovery by helping them connect with case managers, service providers, treatment teams, and community partners.
• Advocate for and provide referrals to ensure participants access a variety of services, including mental and physical health services.
• Escort participants to provider appointments as needed.
• Introduce participants to supportive services and activities.
• Guide and assist volunteers in establishing and navigating their relationships with the Navigation Center, participants, and staff.
• Collaborate with the team, service providers, and volunteers to identify innovative ways to address chronic homelessness.
• Respond to call‑outs and participant emergencies as required.
• Discuss and process case plans, coping methods, life choices, and rehabilitation strategies with participants.
• Contribute to the safe, secure, and sanitary operation of the Navigation Center, cooperating with the facilities manager and supervising appropriate SHM staff as needed.
• Fulfill other relevant duties as communicated by the Director of Navigation Center, Associate Director of Navigation Center, and other SHM supervisors.

Qualifications

Education & Experience: High school diploma or equivalent; additional education or training in social services, peer support, or a related field is a plus. Previous experience in a peer support or social services role preferred. Strong interpersonal and communication skills. Ability to engage with individuals from diverse backgrounds and with varying needs. Experience with or knowledge of homelessness, addiction recovery, mental health, and trauma‑informed care. Ability to work effectively in a dynamic and fast‑paced environment. Proficiency in basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite and email communication. Familiarity with community resources and services available to individuals experiencing homelessness is desirable. Ability to maintain confidentiality and adhere to professional ethical standards. Requires the ability to safely operate a personal and/or organization vehicle as part of regular job duties, including maintaining a valid driver’s license, acceptable to the organization’s insurance and meeting organizational driving requirements.

Additional Requirements: CPR and First Aid Certification (or willingness to obtain). Peer Support Training (or willingness to obtain).

Physical Working Conditions: Office setting within The Lighthouse Navigation Center. Occasional travel to other locations and community events. Ability to stand and walk for extended periods. May require lifting up to 25 pounds for event setup and operational needs. Potential exposure to situations requiring de‑escalation techniques and trauma‑informed care. Requires working with a diverse population, many of whom struggle with or are currently experiencing homelessness, addiction, and/or mental illness. Requires a sustained level of high energy, stamina, and the ability to move about the facilities regularly.

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), reasonable accommodations will be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.