JOB ANNOUCEMENT
PEER SERVICE ADVOCATE
The Mission Neighborhood Resource Center, an innovative service of Mission Neighborhood Health Center in collaboration with North Mission service providers, community advocates, residents and merchants to address the needs of homeless and marginally housed communities in the 16th Street Corridor, is looking for a dynamic Peer Service Advocate.
The Resource Center’s integrated services provides health and dental care, acupuncture, substance abuse, mental health counseling, and peer led support as well as access to basic amenities such as bathrooms, showers, lockers, and laundry facilities. The Resource Center provides participant-centered, harm reduction services to improve the health and well being of clients by assisting them to engage in programs, reduce harms, and ultimately achieve self-determination, financial stability and independence.
GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Under the supervision of the Drop-In Services Manager and in conjunction with the integrated services team, the Peer Service Advocate will guide and monitor participants’ use of the Resource Center’s facilities while providing peer counseling and support to motivate clients to engage in services, reduce harm, and improve their physical, social, emotional and economic health.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Provide support for daily Resource Center’s activities.
- Provide peer counseling and support. Motivate and assist clients to link up with case management and to enter and maintain access to health and social services.
- Create a hospitable environment and provide services to clients with the utmost dignity and respect.
- Support case managers and other clinical staff in implementing service plans.
- Maintain a safe and clean environment at the Resource Center.
- Maintain communication and documentation around client progress and areas of concern.
- Other duties as assigned by the Drop-In Services Manager
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
- Prior peer counseling experience preferred, in particular experience working with homeless individuals, SRO hotel tenants, sex workers, active drug users, and/or very low-income immigrants/day laborers.
- Ability to work with de-escalation techniques, conflict resolution and emergency response.
- Working knowledge of harm reduction techniques preferred.
- Bilingual English/Spanish required.
- Working knowledge of computer skills required.
- Ability to maintain flexibility in addressing individual needs.
- Ability to work professionally and ethically in a multi-cultural team setting, including ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality.
- Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and Saturday.
MNHC offers an excellent benefits package which includes fully paid premiums for medical, dental, vision and life insurance; 13 paid holidays, paid floating holiday and birthday; paid vacation, sick and educational leave; 401(k), 403(b) retirement plans. We are conveniently located 2 blocks away from BART and near MUNI (lines 14, 22 & 49) bus stops.
If you are interested in applying for this position, please email your resume and cover letter to jobs@mnhc.org.
