Peer Specialist

Job Title: Peer Specialist 

Reports To:  Drop-In Program Manager

Employment Type: Full-Time; Non-Exempt

Job Location: 1060 Howard St, SF Ca 94103

Schedule: Monday- Friday: 8:00am-4:00pm

About Swords to Plowshares

Founded in 1974, Swords to Plowshares is a community-based not-for-profit organization that provides counseling and case management, rapid re-housing and eviction prevention services, employment and training, supportive housing, and legal benefits assistance for low-income, homeless, and at-risk veterans in the San Francisco Bay Area. Swords to Plowshares promotes and protects the rights of veterans through advocacy, public education, and partnerships with local, state and national entities. Learn more about the work of Swords to Plowshares, and ways in which you can help, by visiting our website at: https://www.swords-to-plowshares.org/.

Summary

This position is responsible for providing supportive services to veterans at the San Francisco Service Center located at 1060 Howard Street, located in the SOMA district. The key aspects of this position include supporting the achievement of veteran goals, peer support and advocacy, both on site and in the community.  The responsibilities include monitoring the activities of veterans during regular hours, responding to emergencies, completing required documentation, facilitating groups, providing backup support for veterans in crisis, and working with staff to support veterans’ needs and identifying challenges.

Essential Responsibilities include but not limited to:

 ~Must be able to communicate effectively with a variety of personalities and be comfortable embracing the agency’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiative and the principles of Cultural Humility.

• Provide peer support, referrals, and advocacy to
• Facilitate weekly peer process groups
• Facilitate/monitor group recreational activities, some after regular program hours
• Assist in creating Veteran Advisory Board
• Accompany veterans during recreational activities and outings
• Transport veterans to and from appointments as needed using a company van
• Assist with monitoring and engaging veterans
• Timely Data entry and record management
• Develop and maintain an effective interface with community resources for advocacy and linkage to services assisting veterans in achieving their goals
• Respond to emergencies utilizing crisis intervention, de-escalation skills, trauma-informed and harm reduction approaches
• Attend mandatory training and meetings
• Perform other related duties assigned from Program Manager and Clinical Director of Non-Residential Services.

Education Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED

Required Skills

• Valid California Driver’s license and clean DMV driving record
• Computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office- Outlook, OneDrive, Word, Excel, SharePoint, etc.
• Strong verbal, written, and communication skills
• Experience facilitating or participating in process groups in areas of mental health, life skills and substance abuse issues with a harm reduction focus
• Experience in crisis intervention
• Ability to work with a diverse population- individuals under the influence of substances and/or experiencing co-occurring disorders, psychosis, and other severe mental health presentations from a harm reduction and trauma informed approach.
• High frustration tolerance, attention to detail, and de-escalation skills
• A working understanding of the needs of veterans with an emphasis on homelessness, mental health, socio-economic, vocational and substance use challenges.
• Ability to follow through with tasks in a timely manner
• Must be able to communicate effectively with a variety of personalities and be comfortable working with an at-risk client population, including embracing the agency’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiative
• Must be able to perform all essential job requirements and responsibilities within what would be considered reasonable accommodation

Salary & Benefits
Compensation is based on a competitive public interest salary scale. Swords to Plowshares offers a generous benefits package including the following benefits:

• Supportive Supervision model implemented agency wide
• Company Paid Medical and Dental for employees, there is a cost for Dependents.  Agency paid Annual Medical Deductible via Navia Card.
• Company Paid Acupuncture and Chiropractic program 
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution
• 17 vacation days in the first year
• 13 holidays every year
• Annual Education/Training allowance
• Paid lunch period

How to Apply

(No calls please)

Please use the enclosed link to apply: https://secure6.saashr.com/ta/6154276.careers?TrackId=[MyTrackingId]&ApplyToJob=470164418

Swords to Plowshares is an inclusive employer and we are proud of the rich diversity among our staff. Please join us!