Select a position from the left to see full details and apply.

Peer Advocate- LifeSpring

Lifeline Services is hiring a Peer Advocate to support our growing team. The Peer Advocate provides supportive services to youth and youth adults (YYA) who are experiencing homelessness or who are at risk of homelessness. Assures that the Drop in Center is functioning from a housing first model. The Peer Advocate makes sure that the YYA’s needs and wants are being heard and addressed, that YYA’s are getting assistance in obtaining safe, stable, inclusive housing that supports independence and permanent connection.  This is a lived experience role that will help our team to create a warm and welcoming environment for the young people that we serve.
 
We’re looking for a candidate with strong skills in engagement, crisis intervention, case management, interviewing, rapport building, assessment, goal setting, and youth participation and development.
 

Apply Now!
Specific Activities
  • Assist Program Manager in developing and implementing the Drop in Center’s policy and Procedures.
  • Create a safe, welcoming and supportive environment to engage YYA’s.
  • Provide basic needs assistance (food, water, new clothing, hygiene products, access to shower and do laundry, etc.)
  • Engage and promote YYA’s social & emotional well-being.
  • Connect YYA’s to non-housing resources based on their needs.
  • Connect YYA to the Housing Navigator and Clinical Case Manager that will provide more intensive case management.
  • Empower YYA’s to make their own personal decisions by providing all their options and allowing them to explore what they feel is best for them.  
  • Create, organize and facilitate the various groups and outings.
  • Participate in the collaborative meetings with other community partners and connect with the Youth Action Board (YAB) to ensure the program is staying youth focused.
  • Participate in HOY Case Conferencing with partners
  • Develop and maintain positive and professional relationships with community partners.
  • Initiate and organize outreach efforts
  • Participate in weekly supervision with Program Manager.
  • Maintain confidentiality except in mandated reporting situations and where valid, legal releases have been obtained or the release is otherwise permitted by law.
  • Remains culturally sensitive and respectful in all YYA and staff interactions. 
  • Maintains documentation utilizing agency forms and formats.
  • Participate in trainings to promote development and growth.
  • Participates in staff meetings, supervision, training programs, and other meetings in accordance with Lifeline.
  • Other duties as assigned. 
 
 
Qualifications/Requirements
  • Applicant must have lived experience and have knowledge on how to navigate systems.
  • BA preferred or enrolled in college courses.
  • Possess a good understanding of the homeless issue here in San Diego, human development, mental health, and substance use and how that impacts daily functioning.
  • Must have reliable transportation and be willing to work evenings as necessary to meet YYA’s needs.  Successful completion of multi-state criminal background check.

 
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required:  
Possesses advanced knowledge that is primarily intellectual in character and includes exercising discretion and independent judgment
Establish and maintains effective working relationships while showing open mindedness and a collaborative spirit. Compatibility with agency purpose, goals, philosophy, and approach. Demonstrates enthusiasm and passion for their work. Utilizes a creative approach to problem solving. Interactions with others reflect a spirit of honesty, humbleness, and self-awareness. Accepts constructive criticism with a positive attitude and willingness to implement change. Ability to work well independently and demonstrate appropriate initiative. Must demonstrate knowledge of trauma Informed, client driven, and culturally competent care. 
 
Other Requirements
Reliable transportation. Must have a California driver license and good driving record. Willing to use own, properly insured, reliable vehicle for the job (mileage reimbursed). Employment subject to clearances, including background finger printing checks, driving record, tuberculosis testing, and drug testing.
 
Compensation and Benefits
  • We offer flexible work hours and excellent benefits to our employees.
     
  • Generous paid vacation
  • Paid sick time (6 days)
  • Paid holidays (14 days)
  • 100% employer paid medical, dental, vision, chiropractic and acupuncture coverage
  • 100% employer paid life insurance
  • Health and wellness programs
  • Employee Assistance program
  • Professional development assistance
  • Great employee incentive awards program
  • Training and education assistance
  • Matched 403b retirement plan
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • Paid supervision hours (clinical positions)
 [ 18.00 – 19.80] Salary will commensurate with experience and education. Differential pay offered for bilingual skills. EEO.
Physical Demands/Work Environment
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be exposed in an extremely stressful environment where there are considerable mental and emotional demands. Travel is required to attend meetings throughout San Diego County. Employee may be exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time.
 
 
Work Schedule
  • FT/nonexempt position
  • Monday-Friday from 8:30am-5pm (with flexibility)
more