Peer Support Specialist – SSVF

The Peer Support Specialist – Support Services for Veteran and Families (SSVF) works directly with Veterans and their families in applying to receive services through ACCESS with short-term and long-term solutions. This position works collaboratively with a multi-disciplinary team that assists participants in navigating through complex resources and processes to obtain/sustain housing. A Peer Support Specialist -SSVF works to engage the participant in the spheres of being independent by working through barriers that may keep them from achieving their own definition of self-sufficiency. This position requires regularly conducting outreach activities out in Jackson County, working collaboratively with community partners and ACCESS outreach team. As well as helping assist current ACCESS SSVF Case managers and their Participants currently in the program with accessing services and peer to peer support.

ACCESS is an energetic, diverse, and compassionate team that creates positive change in the community every day. If you are dedicated, hardworking and have a passion for helping others, ACCESS is the place for you!

• Identify unsheltered homeless persons through direct outreach activities and through reports/referrals from shelters, police, churches, social service providers and others.
• Conduct regular sessions with participants to encourage positive adjustment out of homelessness and into housing.
• Provide support through positive social interactions with participants in one-on-one settings, in order to build mutual trust and positive relationships.
• Coach participants and families about self-care, in addition to prevention techniques to avoid falling back into homelessness.
• Serve as an advocate for Veterans and their families to help meet their housing goals.
• Serve as a team member for the program working in tandem with Community Support Specialist – SSVF members. This includes assisting participants with community resources as well as developing and providing regular feedback as well as necessary case notes for participant files.
• Monitor participants’ progress and keep track of his or her status. Assist in preventing relapse back into homelessness by providing a reliable support system.
• Make referrals to appropriate community resources based on the needs/goals of the participant.
• Participate in appropriate workshops, trainings, outreach activities, and meetings as directed.
• Maintain complete participant records, daily activity logs, mileage logs, and other reports as directed.
• Take appropriate action to deal with any homeless emergency situation, following ACCESS guidelines and procedures.
• Maintain confidentiality of all program participants.
• Attend regular training and certifications for the Medford severe weather shelter.
• Assist in a leadership role during severe weather shelter activations as a main point of contact and leadership during operations.
• Work flexible hours during Severe weather activations such as nights and weekends.
• Regularly engage with the outreach team in community outreach events. Create relationships with community partners learning their programs to better serve in a wraparound approach for participants.
• Create relationships with community partners learning their programs to better serve in a wraparound approach for participants.

• Belief in ACCESS’ mission to help provide food, warmth, and shelter.
• Must have a minimum of 1 year’s direct client contact and/or customer service experience.
• Must be certified in Peer Mentorship and complete crisis intervention training, within one year of employment.
• Must have good interpersonal, written communication, and oral communication skills.
• Must be proficient with computers and use basic programs such as Microsoft Office.
• Must be willing to work the occasional night or weekend shift.
• Must be willing to work in a leadership role at the Server weather shelter during activations.
• Project a positive image of ACCESS, recognizing opportunities to enhance community relations.
• Ability to interact effectively with a variety of individuals and groups from varying educational, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds to include listening, sensitivity to the other's feelings, needs, point of view, tact, and courtesy in expressing opinions or ideas.
• Ability to work flexible hours, and at times in poor weather. Willingness and ability to adjust to changing conditions or priorities.
• A valid Oregon driver’s license with a record that is acceptable under ACCESS’ insurance policies.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous military experience with honorable discharge.

ACCESS provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, ACCESS complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.