Ozone House
Overview
Ozone House aspires to end youth and young adult homelessness in Washtenaw County and surrounding communities through our mission of providing holistic support and housing services that enhance the wellbeing and safety of young people through empowerment, advocacy, and connection. We are committed to fostering a workplace that reflects our core values of empathy, equity, integrity, collaboration, resilience, and safety. We believe that every employee plays a vital role in creating an inclusive, affirming, and compassionate environment where all individuals are respected and valued. The Peer Support Specialist uses lived experience with homelessness or housing instability to connect with and support youth currently experiencing similar challenges. This position is community-based, with a strong presence at public transportation hubs, drop-in centers, schools, and other youth-centered locations. The Peer Support Specialist helps young people access basic needs, feel heard and supported, and connect to services, while modeling resilience and building trusting relationships. Education
HS Diploma or GED (Preferred). High school students with an eligible work permit will also be considered. Experience and Qualification Requirements
Personal lived experience with youth homelessness, housing instability, or related systems (required). Young person aged 16-22 to apply (required). Passion for working with young people and creating safe, supportive spaces. Comfortable with young people and personable skills. Reliable, respectful, and able to maintain boundaries. Comfortable working in public spaces (transit centers, streets, drop-in centers). Good communication and teamwork skills. Willing to receive training on peer support, trauma-informed care, and harm reduction. Preferred requirements (but not required): Experience in peer support, outreach, or youth work. Familiarity with community resources in Washtenaw County. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Show up for every shift as scheduled (or communicate appropriately with direct supervisor). Attend and participate in supervision. Complete timely documentation. Complete annual 360 review including peers providing support to. Reports To
Outreach Coordinator or Welcome Coordinator. Essential Job Functions
Engage with youth in a manner that builds trust. Meet young people where they are—on the bus, at the drop-in center, or in the community. Use lived experience to build rapport, reduce stigma, and create a welcoming environment for youth. Provide Peer-Based Support: Listen actively and offer emotional support without judgment. Help youth identify their own strengths, goals, and next steps. Share personal experiences when appropriate to support and encourage others. Support Access to Basic Needs and Services: Assist youth in accessing transportation, shelter, food, hygiene supplies, and other essential resources. Offer information and referrals to Ozone House programs or other community services. Learn about other youth resources, connecting with staff and other young people at these agencies to assist with warm handoffs to services. Participate in Outreach Activities: Join staff for community outreach efforts, including transit-based outreach, malls, schools, places where youth frequent, and community events. Help distribute flyers, supplies, and information to youth in need. Assist with Group Activities: Help plan and co-facilitate group sessions focused on building life skills, self-esteem, identity, and community; encourage participation and create a safe, inclusive space. Document Interactions: Record brief, accurate notes about peer contacts and services provided, following agency guidelines. Contribute to a Supportive Team: Attend team meetings and check-ins to share updates and receive support; communicate regularly with program staff about youth needs and safety concerns. Help execute the daily operations at the Drop-in Center or Welcome Center as directed by direct supervisor. Work Environment, Physical Demands and Travel
This job operates in a variety of spaces including residential, drop-in center and in the community as well as in a professional office environment. The physical demands include vision, effective speech and hearing for extensive telephone contact; repetitive motion; driving or riding in a motor vehicle; standing, sitting, walking, bending, reaching, and stretching; and lifting up to 25 pounds unassisted. The role routinely uses standard office equipment with prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions, so long as it creates no undue hardship to the agency. Must have reliable transportation to and from work.
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Ozone House aspires to end youth and young adult homelessness in Washtenaw County and surrounding communities through our mission of providing holistic support and housing services that enhance the wellbeing and safety of young people through empowerment, advocacy, and connection. We are committed to fostering a workplace that reflects our core values of empathy, equity, integrity, collaboration, resilience, and safety. We believe that every employee plays a vital role in creating an inclusive, affirming, and compassionate environment where all individuals are respected and valued. The Peer Support Specialist uses lived experience with homelessness or housing instability to connect with and support youth currently experiencing similar challenges. This position is community-based, with a strong presence at public transportation hubs, drop-in centers, schools, and other youth-centered locations. The Peer Support Specialist helps young people access basic needs, feel heard and supported, and connect to services, while modeling resilience and building trusting relationships. Education
HS Diploma or GED (Preferred). High school students with an eligible work permit will also be considered. Experience and Qualification Requirements
Personal lived experience with youth homelessness, housing instability, or related systems (required). Young person aged 16-22 to apply (required). Passion for working with young people and creating safe, supportive spaces. Comfortable with young people and personable skills. Reliable, respectful, and able to maintain boundaries. Comfortable working in public spaces (transit centers, streets, drop-in centers). Good communication and teamwork skills. Willing to receive training on peer support, trauma-informed care, and harm reduction. Preferred requirements (but not required): Experience in peer support, outreach, or youth work. Familiarity with community resources in Washtenaw County. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Show up for every shift as scheduled (or communicate appropriately with direct supervisor). Attend and participate in supervision. Complete timely documentation. Complete annual 360 review including peers providing support to. Reports To
Outreach Coordinator or Welcome Coordinator. Essential Job Functions
Engage with youth in a manner that builds trust. Meet young people where they are—on the bus, at the drop-in center, or in the community. Use lived experience to build rapport, reduce stigma, and create a welcoming environment for youth. Provide Peer-Based Support: Listen actively and offer emotional support without judgment. Help youth identify their own strengths, goals, and next steps. Share personal experiences when appropriate to support and encourage others. Support Access to Basic Needs and Services: Assist youth in accessing transportation, shelter, food, hygiene supplies, and other essential resources. Offer information and referrals to Ozone House programs or other community services. Learn about other youth resources, connecting with staff and other young people at these agencies to assist with warm handoffs to services. Participate in Outreach Activities: Join staff for community outreach efforts, including transit-based outreach, malls, schools, places where youth frequent, and community events. Help distribute flyers, supplies, and information to youth in need. Assist with Group Activities: Help plan and co-facilitate group sessions focused on building life skills, self-esteem, identity, and community; encourage participation and create a safe, inclusive space. Document Interactions: Record brief, accurate notes about peer contacts and services provided, following agency guidelines. Contribute to a Supportive Team: Attend team meetings and check-ins to share updates and receive support; communicate regularly with program staff about youth needs and safety concerns. Help execute the daily operations at the Drop-in Center or Welcome Center as directed by direct supervisor. Work Environment, Physical Demands and Travel
This job operates in a variety of spaces including residential, drop-in center and in the community as well as in a professional office environment. The physical demands include vision, effective speech and hearing for extensive telephone contact; repetitive motion; driving or riding in a motor vehicle; standing, sitting, walking, bending, reaching, and stretching; and lifting up to 25 pounds unassisted. The role routinely uses standard office equipment with prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions, so long as it creates no undue hardship to the agency. Must have reliable transportation to and from work.
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