Shelter Peer Specialist
Employment Status: Full-Time (FT)
Department: One Hopeful Place (OHP)
Reports To: Director of Homeless Services and Housing (DHSH)
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
About the Role
Bridgeway Center, Inc. (BCI) is seeking a compassionate, reliable individual who wants to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals experiencing homelessness in Okaloosa County. The One Hopeful Place (OHP) Shelter Peer Specialist provides direct support, oversight, and recovery-based interventions for participants at OHP. This is an excellent entry-level opportunity for candidates interested in beginning or growing a career in Human Services.
The Shelter Peer Specialist serves as a consistent, supportive presence for participants throughout their shelter stay completing regular rounds, monitoring the facility through video camera observation, inspecting bunk and common areas, and helping participants navigate day-to-day life at the shelter while working toward stability and housing.
The ideal candidate is outgoing, dependable, and comfortable working independently while remaining part of a collaborative professional and para-professional team. They communicate easily with BCI departments and external stakeholders, multi-task effectively, and maintain a calm, professional demeanor even in challenging situations to ensure every participant has a positive and supportive experience.
Responsibilities
- Provide direct support, oversight, and recovery-based interventions for participants at OHP
- Serve as a consistent, supportive presence for participants throughout their shelter stay
- Complete regular rounds and monitor the facility through video camera observation
- Inspect bunk and common areas
- Help participants navigate day-to-day life at the shelter while working toward stability and housing
- Communicate effectively with BCI departments and external stakeholders
- Maintain a calm, professional demeanor in challenging situations
Why Join BCI?
At BCI, you'll be part of a dynamic and innovative team dedicated to improving the quality of life for the individuals we serve. As a Shelter Peer Specialist, your work will be both rewarding and impactful, as you help participants work toward stability and make a difference every day in their lives. We provide comprehensive training, mentoring, and coaching throughout your onboarding process to ensure your success and professional growth, along with real opportunities to grow your career within BCI.
What You'll Love About This Role
- The opportunity to provide steady, compassionate support to individuals working toward stability and housing
- A collaborative team environment with consistent support from OHP and BCI staff
- Interactive training, mentoring, and coaching from day one
- Room to grow your career within a stable, mission-driven organization
Benefits
- Eleven (11) Paid Holidays
- Seventeen (17) days per year of PTO
- 403(b) Retirement Plan with Employer Match
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Health Care / Dependent Care Reimbursement Program
- Employer Paid $15,000.00 Life Insurance
- Teladoc
- Health Insurance
- Vision / Dental Insurance