Job Description
Job DescriptionSalary: $20/hr
Organization
Dream Live Hope Foundation (DLH) is a minority 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization that helps fill the housing void for people who are in need of assistance. As people move from one stage of their lives to the next it is essential for them to get support in every area of their lives. For more information, please visit
https://www.dreamlivehope.org
Position
The Peer Navigator at Dream Live Hope Housing Facility will serve as a crucial link between participants and the resources they need to achieve stable housing and improved well-being. This role involves providing peer support, guidance, and advocacy to our individuals experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness, helping them navigate housing services, community resources, and support systems. The Peer Navigator will utilize their own lived experience to build trust and rapport with participants, offering compassionate, nonjudgmental assistance.
Responsibilities:
- Peer Support: Provide one-on-one peer support to participants, offering empathy, encouragement, and guidance based on personal experience with homelessness or housing insecurity.
- Crisis Intervention: Provide immediate support during a crisis, connecting participants with emergency services, mental health care, or other urgent resources outside of business hours as needed.
- Collaboration: Work closely with case managers, housing specialists, and other staff members to coordinate comprehensive care plans for participants, ensuring an approach to their needs.
- Documentation: Maintain accurate and confidential records of interactions with participants, documenting progress, challenges, and outcomes in compliance with Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) standards. Maintain and submit time sheets, mileage logs, participant expenses accurately and in a timely fashion.
- Education and Outreach: Participate in community outreach efforts to raise awareness of available services, and educate participants on housing rights, tenant responsibilities, and self-advocacy.
- Personal Development: Engage in ongoing training and professional development to enhance skills and knowledge relevant to the role. Attend scheduled team meetings and trainings.
- Other: Perform other duties as required. Staff who have a valid drivers license and meet company insurance requirements may be requested to complete a provided driver training course and drive company vehicles for work-related activities to include participant transportation.
Qualifications
- Lived Experience: Personal experience with homelessness, housing instability, or related challenges is required.
- Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse populations.
- Empathy and Compassion: Demonstrate the ability to approach others with empathy, respect, and understanding.
- Knowledge and Resources: Familiarity with local housing services, social services, and community resources.
- Problem solving: Ability to think critically and creatively to help participants overcome barriers and achieve their goals.
- Organizational Skills: Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities effectively.
- Teamwork: Ability to work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team and contribute to a positive team environment.
- Confidentiality: Commitment to maintain the confidentiality and privacy of participants information.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in Social Services: Previous experience in a social service, peer support, or advocacy role is a plus.
- Cultural Competency: Understanding of and sensitivity to the cultural and social contacts in which participants live.
- Crisis Management: Experience in crisis intervention and conflict resolution.