Gateway CSB PEO LLC
Project for Assistance Transition Homelessness ParaProfessional
Gateway CSB PEO LLC, Savannah, Georgia, United States, 31406
Job Description
Job Description
Position Summary The PATH Peer Specialist provides outreach, engagement, and support to individuals experiencing homelessness who are living with serious mental illness, co-occurring substance use disorders, or other disabling conditions. Drawing on lived experience, the Peer Specialist builds trust, reduces barriers to services, and connects individuals to housing, mental health care, substance use treatment, benefits, and other supports. This role supports accurate and timely data collection in HMIS in alignment with SAMHSA PATH Program requirements. Key Responsibilities Conduct street outreach, shelter visits, and community-based engagement in collaboration with PATH team members. Use lived experience to establish rapport, provide encouragement, and help clients navigate the service system. Educate clients on available services and assist in accessing mental health, substance use, housing, and benefits resources. Support PATH-funded services and referrals by actively participating in service delivery and follow-up. Assist in documenting contacts, engagements, enrollments, and services in HMIS accurately and promptly. Promote client self-advocacy and support participation in care planning. Collaborate with the PATH team to identify and address barriers to housing stability. Participate in team meetings, trainings, and supervision to strengthen skills and maintain program compliance. When appropriate, assist in connecting clients to SOAR services for SSI/SSDI application support. Qualifications Education High school diploma or GED required. Completion of recognized peer specialist training or certification preferred (or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire). Experience Personal experience with homelessness, recovery from mental health or substance use challenges, and navigating human services systems required. Prior work or volunteer experience in outreach, peer support, or behavioral health settings preferred. Familiarity with PATH program services and target populations preferred. Skills & Competencies Ability to establish trust and work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds. Strong communication, active listening, and empathy skills. Basic computer skills, including data entry; willingness to learn HMIS. Understanding of trauma-informed care, harm reduction, and Housing First principles. Ability to maintain professional boundaries while using lived experience as a tool for engagement. Licenses & Certifications Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation Peer Specialist or Recovery Coach certification preferred. Physical & Environmental Requirements Frequent travel within the community for outreach activities. Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions. Ability to walk for extended periods and carry outreach supplies (up to 20 lbs.). Performance Measures Accurate and timely HMIS data entry for all outreach and service activities. Demonstrated engagement and trust-building with clients. Successful linkage of clients to services and supports. Active participation in team meetings, trainings, and supervision.
Job Description
Position Summary The PATH Peer Specialist provides outreach, engagement, and support to individuals experiencing homelessness who are living with serious mental illness, co-occurring substance use disorders, or other disabling conditions. Drawing on lived experience, the Peer Specialist builds trust, reduces barriers to services, and connects individuals to housing, mental health care, substance use treatment, benefits, and other supports. This role supports accurate and timely data collection in HMIS in alignment with SAMHSA PATH Program requirements. Key Responsibilities Conduct street outreach, shelter visits, and community-based engagement in collaboration with PATH team members. Use lived experience to establish rapport, provide encouragement, and help clients navigate the service system. Educate clients on available services and assist in accessing mental health, substance use, housing, and benefits resources. Support PATH-funded services and referrals by actively participating in service delivery and follow-up. Assist in documenting contacts, engagements, enrollments, and services in HMIS accurately and promptly. Promote client self-advocacy and support participation in care planning. Collaborate with the PATH team to identify and address barriers to housing stability. Participate in team meetings, trainings, and supervision to strengthen skills and maintain program compliance. When appropriate, assist in connecting clients to SOAR services for SSI/SSDI application support. Qualifications Education High school diploma or GED required. Completion of recognized peer specialist training or certification preferred (or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire). Experience Personal experience with homelessness, recovery from mental health or substance use challenges, and navigating human services systems required. Prior work or volunteer experience in outreach, peer support, or behavioral health settings preferred. Familiarity with PATH program services and target populations preferred. Skills & Competencies Ability to establish trust and work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds. Strong communication, active listening, and empathy skills. Basic computer skills, including data entry; willingness to learn HMIS. Understanding of trauma-informed care, harm reduction, and Housing First principles. Ability to maintain professional boundaries while using lived experience as a tool for engagement. Licenses & Certifications Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation Peer Specialist or Recovery Coach certification preferred. Physical & Environmental Requirements Frequent travel within the community for outreach activities. Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions. Ability to walk for extended periods and carry outreach supplies (up to 20 lbs.). Performance Measures Accurate and timely HMIS data entry for all outreach and service activities. Demonstrated engagement and trust-building with clients. Successful linkage of clients to services and supports. Active participation in team meetings, trainings, and supervision.