Peer Support Specialist/Community Outreach

Position Summary The Peer Support Specialist plays a vital role in the “Pathway to Home” Street Outreach program by building trust and engaging with literally homeless individuals, as defined under 24 CFR 578\.3, who are unsheltered and often disconnected from services. Drawing on lived experience of homelessness, recovery, or related challenges, the Peer Support Specialist provides compassionate support, advocacy, and guidance to individuals in crisis, helping them access shelter, housing, healthcare, and supportive services. This position emphasizes the Housing First model, harm reduction, and a trauma\-informed approach. This position covers all of District 5 in Riverside County. Key Responsibilities Using provided outreach van, Conduct street outreach in collaboration with the Emergency Shelter and Rapid Rehousing Teams, targeting individuals living in places not meant for human habitation. Build trusting relationships with clients, particularly those who are hesitant or unable to seek services on their own. Engage new individuals not yet connected to other agencies, prioritizing those with the highest vulnerability. Provide diversion services where appropriate, including conflict mediation, family reunification, creative problem\-solving, and transportation assistance. Conduct Coordinated Entry System (CES) assessments and document client eligibility for services. Assist clients in obtaining necessary documents to be “document ready” (e.g., ID, Social Security card, birth certificate). Support clients in developing individualized “Wellness Plans” addressing housing, healthcare, benefits, and personal goals. Provide ongoing peer support, counseling, and warm hand\-offs to service providers for long\-term case management. Connect clients to federal, state, and local benefits and services, including medical, behavioral health, and substance use treatment. Participate in county\-wide street outreach collaborative meetings, supporting street medicine teams and case conferencing efforts. Respond to referrals from the Continuum of Care (CoC) within 48 hours and provide follow\-up outcomes. Coordinate outreach schedules with partners to ensure regional coverage across Riverside County. Foster partnerships with other providers to ensure wraparound support for clients. Enter all required data into the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) in compliance with security policies and timeliness standards. Maintain accurate case files including eligibility verification, wellness plans, case notes, referrals, and discharge documentation. Track and report client progress, services provided, and outcomes for internal and external reporting. Qualifications Required: Lived experience of homelessness, recovery, or significant challenges with housing, mental health, or substance use, with demonstrated stability in recovery. Strong ability to build rapport and trust with vulnerable populations. Understanding of trauma\-informed care, harm reduction, and Housing First principles. Effective communication, problem\-solving, and conflict resolution skills. Ability to work independently, outdoors, and in varied community settings. Basic computer literacy, including ability to enter data into HMIS or willingness to learn. Reliable transportation and ability to travel throughout Riverside County. Valid Class C driver’s license Ability to drive provided outreach van for engagement and transportation of participants. Preferred: Previous experience in outreach, peer support, or case management. Knowledge of local resources, benefits programs, and homeless services in Riverside County. Bilingual (Spanish/English) strongly preferred. Training or certification in Peer Support, Mental Health First Aid, or related areas. Work Environment Work is primarily conducted in the field, including streets, encampments, vehicles, parks, and shelters. Frequent travel required across Riverside County. May involve occasional exposure to individuals in crisis, including behavioral health or substance use emergencies. Ability to walk, stand, and carry supplies for extended periods. Ability to work in varied weather conditions. Must be able to lift up to 25 lbs occasionally. Job Type: Full\-time Pay: Up to $28\.00 per hour Benefits: Dental insurance Paid time off Vision insurance People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply Work Location: Hybrid remote in Banning, CA 92220