Bilingual Peer Support Specialist

Established as a community non-profit in 1972, The Center provides targeted programs and services to the full diversity of the San Diego LGBTQ community. The mission of The Center is to enhance and sustain the health and well-being of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, transgender, nonbinary, immigrant, and HIV communities for the betterment of our entire San Diego region. Our vision is to create a Center and Center culture where every person feels and knows that they are welcomed, valued, and supported. As the beacon for our regional LGBTQ community, we actively recommit to being a more vibrant, bold, innovative, safe, and modern center each day than the day before. The Center is sex-positive and provides advocacy and critical health and social support services to support our community members through all stages of life, focusing on our deeply held values of equity, social justice, and client-centered, trauma-informed care. The Center currently has over 75 staff working at five facilities across San Diego County.

Reporting to the Manager of Adult Housing Services, the Peer Support Specialist is responsible for providing program assistance, guidance, monitoring of participant progress, and crisis support for participants of The Center's expanding LGBTQ affirming wrap around and support services. The Peer Support Specialist works collaboratively with a team in a trauma-informed and goal-oriented way to help resolve the housing stability of program participants.

• Utilize shared life experience expertise to advance client engagement and retention in services.
• Conduct assessments with clients experiencing housing instability, including Vulnerability Index-Service Prioritization Decision Assistance Tool (VI-SPDAT).
• Serve as a mentor to program participants and promote empowerment and hope.
• Provide ongoing support to clients and accompany them to appointments as needed.
• Guide clients in accessing external services that support their health and wellbeing.

• Complete eligibility screening and intake forms.
• Maintain accurate documentation of client's goals and needs, case management plans, and service entries into internal data systems.
• Enter program data and outcomes into the region's Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) to adhere to grant and contract compliance.
• Document thorough case notes that accurately reflect client progress toward individualized case management goals.
• Assist in the completion of monthly narrative reports for funder reports.

• Duties needed to help drive our vision, fulfill our mission, and abide by our organization's values.

• Experience: Must have familiarity with life experiences common to people who have experienced housing instability.
• Language Skills: Fluency in English and Spanish is required.
• Computer/Office Equipment Skills: Must be comfortable working in PC/Windows-based environments.
• Other Qualifications:
  • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks with shifting priorities.
  • Must demonstrate competence in using strength-based and trauma-informed care.
  • Reliable transportation, a valid driver's license, and auto insurance.

• Experience: 1 year of experience working with people experiencing homelessness.
• Other Qualifications: Knowledgeable about current issues related to the LGBTQIA+ community and people experiencing homelessness.

• On-site, in the office, and with program participants in the field.
• Office in the Hillcrest Community in the City of San Diego.

The San Diego LGBTQ Community Center is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.