PEER SUPPORT & HOUSING SPEACIALIST (FULL-TIME POSITION)

Strategic Focus is an employment agency, but the position is for Bonton Farms. Apply for the position through Bonton Farms.

Benefits:
401(k)
Dental insurance
Health insurance
Paid time off
Vision insurance
PEER SUPPORT & HOUSING SPEACIALIST (FULL-TIME POSITION)

Overview of Role:

Reporting directly to the Chief Wellness Officer, the Peer Support & Housing Specialist has a pivotal role that merges the responsibilities of offering peer support services to Apprentices in the Bonton Farms Seedtime and Harvest Apprenticeship Program, while also managing the procurement process for housing resources to Apprentices and individuals residing in Bonton housing units. This position requires a unique blend of compassion, advocacy, and organizational skills to effectively support individuals in their journey towards safe, affordable, and stable housing, which aligns with the Seven (7) Human Essentials. The Seven (7) Human Essentials are Transportation, Economic Stability, Access to Financial Tools, Community Engagement, Health & Wellness, Education, and Safe and Affordable Housing (T.E.A.C.H.E.S.).

The Peer Support & Housing Specialist will work closely with Bonton Farms People Development Program team to manage all peer support program related activities, and the residential & housing duties.

Responsibilities: The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment.

Peer Support:

·       Provide one-on-one support to Apprentices, utilizing lived experiences to empathize and connect with individuals facing life challenges.
·       Conduct group support sessions, facilitating discussions and activities focused on coping strategies, recovery techniques, and self-care practices.
·       Advocate for Apprentice’s needs and, and help them navigate barriers and access necessary community resources and services to help them thrive.
·       Assist with the facilitation of the T.E.A.C.H.E.S. curriculum and weekly classes offered to Apprentice’s.
·       Develop and implement a Peer Support curriculum and certification training for Apprentices interested in becoming Certified Peer Support Specialist.
·       Assist Apprentice’s in setting and achieving personal and professional goals related to mental health and substance abuse recovery, offering encouragement and accountability.
·       Contribute to the Apprenticeship Program planning and evaluation efforts, providing feedback and insights to improve the effectiveness and relevance of Peer Support services.
·       Participate in weekly team meetings to discuss Apprentice’s progress.
·       Provide random drug and alcohol screening to Apprentices.
·       Collaborate with People Development Program staff and to develop holistic support plans tailored to each Apprentice’s needs.
·       Provide intervention and crisis management for Apprentices as needed.
·       Work with Workforce Development and staff managers to resolve work related conflict for Apprentices.
·       Participate in performance-related goal setting and achievement to meet personal and organizational objectives and goals.
·       Maintain accurate and confidential documentation of Apprentice interactions, progress, and outcomes according to established protocols and regulations.
·       Uphold ethical standards and boundaries in all interactions with Apprentices, colleagues, and community stakeholders, prioritizing the well-being and dignity of individuals served.
·       Participate in ongoing training and professional development opportunities to enhance knowledge and skills in Peer Support, mental health, and substance abuse recovery.
·       Stay informed about current trends, research, and best practices in Peer Support services and behavioral health care, incorporating new knowledge into practice as appropriate.

Housing Specialist:

·       Welcome individual, and provide new residents with orientation to the Bonton Farms housing policies and procedures.
·        Assist prospective tenants with completing the housing application, gather all necessary documentation required for housing, and navigate the housing application process.
·       Educate residents on their rights and responsibilities as tenants, and answer questions and address concerns regarding housing rules and regulations.
·       Assist individuals with coordinating move-in logistics and other support services as needed.
·       Implement and enforce all lodging and rental agreements, create housing plan/programs, assist residents in executing their plan, and help residents find their next dignified step in housing.
·       Manage and collect rent payments from tenants on the 1st of the month, and submit payments immediately to the appropriate Bonton Farms Accounting Department personnel.
·       Work with tenants and Bonton Farms staff to set up payment plans when and if necessary.
·       Enforce late and eviction notices to tenants as necessary, and enforce the stipulations outlined in the Bonton Housing        Agreement.
·       Collaborate with outside agencies that are working towards affordable housing and/or ending homelessness.
·       Conduct regular and random inspections of housing units to ensure they meet safety and quality standards.
·       Assist tenants in addressing housing-related maintenance requests, and document and report any maintenance or repair issues to the maintenance team for prompt resolution.
·       Mediate conflicts between tenants promoting a harmonious living environment, and document and report any significant disputes or incidents to executive leadership and management team.
·       Prepare regular reports on housing occupancy, issues, and trends for management review.
·       Maintain a resource database and provide information on available resources.
·       Collaborate with external agencies and organizations to expand support options for tenants.
·       Other duties as assigned by the Chief Wellness Officer.

Requirements:

·       Bachelor’s or Associate degree in Social Work, Social Sciences, Human Services, Housing Management, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
·       Certification as a Peer Support Specialist.
·       Minimum of 2 years of experience providing peer support services to individuals experiencing homelessness or housing instability.
·       Excellent communication skills, particularly listening, speaking, mediation, and writing skills.
·       Demonstrated knowledge of housing resources, landlord-tenant laws, and housing subsidies.
·       Sensitivity to cultural and socioeconomic characteristics of population served, and ability to work with diverse populations.
·       The capacity to maintain a role to empower Apprentices and to intervene appropriately to meet service goals.
·       Experience in property management or social services
·       Possess strong organizational skills with the ability to meet a demanding workload.
·       Creative thinker/adaptive personality.
·       A demonstrated commitment to empowering others to solve their own problems.
·       A strong conviction about the capacity for people to grow and change.
·       The ability to establish and set appropriate professional limits and boundaries with apprentices served to help them gain skills and confidence.
·       Fluency in the English language is required. Spanish speaking ability is an added asset, but not required. Experience with computer knowledge of Microsoft Office preferred.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Strategic Focus Educational Services was founded in 2017 with one vision in mind; to provide High Quality Educational Support Services that will support partners build capacity to deploy teams of Quality Educators.
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The quality of education can differ from one youth the the next. Often times quality of education and resources can differ based on the zip code in which a family lives. This has manifested a systemic inequality that can be a foundation of life-long of inequities. We strive to be purpose driven in our approach with youth. Every moment we are entrusted to serve can be a moment of impact, which can cause a trajectory shift in a youths life.