Peer Support Specialist, PATH Navigation

About the role

Avivo’s Ending Homelessness division is grounded in the belief that safe housing is a human right. The PATH program provides outreach and engagement to individuals experiencing homelessness who are living with serious mental illness and/or co-occurring substance use disorders. As a Peer Support Specialist, you bring lived experience, connection, and compassion to individuals navigating homelessness, recovery, mental health, and housing.

Responsibilities

• Build positive, trusting relationships with individuals experiencing homelessness.
• Engage participants in shelters, encampments, and community spaces using a trauma-informed, harm-reduction approach.
• Provide peer support, encouragement, and a judgment-free presence.
• Aid participants in identifying strengths, setting goals, and building recovery pathways.
• Support access to mental health, chemical health, benefits, identification, and essential resources.
• Collaborate with the Case Manager to assist participants through Coordinated Entry and housing navigation.
• Support participants transitioning from unsheltered or shelter settings into permanent housing.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation in HMIS, Credible, and other required systems.
• Participate in team meetings, supervision, and cross-program collaboration.
• Promote equitable, culturally responsive service delivery.
• Absorb and respond to crisis planning and crisis intervention when needed.

Qualifications

• A high school diploma or GED.
• One year of experience supporting adults with homelessness, serious mental illness, or substance use disorder.
• Lived experience is strongly valued and may count toward experience requirements.
• Minimum one year freedom from alcohol or chemical use.
• Commitment to trauma-informed, culturally responsive, person-centered care.
• Ability to work independently in community settings.

Preferred Qualifications

• College coursework in a human services field.
• Certified Peer Specialist credential.
• Experience using Credible or another electronic health record.
• Experience in behavioral health or culturally diverse environments.

Skills and Strengths

• Understanding of mental health, chemical health, housing resources, and community supports.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and boundary-setting skills.
• Ability to de-escalate and respond with empathy during difficult situations.
• Ability to adapt to dynamic and shifting participant needs.
• Professionalism, reliability, and strong follow-through.

Work Environment and Requirements

• Community-based role requiring frequent travel to shelters, encampments, and community locations.
• Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and proof of insurance required.
• Mileage reimbursement provided.
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs for community and outreach activities.
• Occasional evening or weekend hours based on participant needs.