Peer Support Specialist

Are you passionate about using your lived experience to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others? The Salvation Army is seeking a compassionate and motivated Peer Support Specialist to join our team. This full-time, non-exempt position provides critical support to individuals experiencing homelessness, mental health challenges, addiction, poverty, or domestic violence. If you have a heart for advocacy and empowering others, we want to hear from you!

Hours: Core Schedule: Monday - Friday 7:30am - 4:00pm*

*Must have a flexible availability, including weekends, holidays, and weekday evenings, to assist with occasional scheduling gaps.

Salary: Starting salary $17.00/hour - $18.50/hour.

Key Responsibilities:

• Build relationships and provide one-on-one emotional support to clients seeking shelter or general assistance.
• Assist clients with education, recovery, and navigating available resources within The Salvation Army and the Continuum of Care service area.
• Advocate for clients' needs during crisis intervention, service delivery, and preparation of service plans.
• Facilitate individual and group education on recovery, self-advocacy, coping skills, and recognizing warning signs.
• Collaborate with shelter staff, case manager, and social workers to ensure clients receive appropriate services.
• Support clients at appointments and housing-related activities, offering guidance and transportation when needed.
• Engage with clients at the reception desk and support volunteers and interns through interaction and training.
• Provide educational activities for program staff and volunteers to foster teamwork and connection.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of client interactions, referrals, and progress.
• Participate in ongoing training to stay informed on best practices in peer support.
• Enforce policies, maintain confidentiality, and comply with Safe from Harm guidelines.
• Represent The Salvation Army professionally in the community and at social services events.

This job description is not all inclusive. It is intended to identify the essential duties of the position. Other duties, responsibilities and tasks may be assigned at the discretion of management.

What are We Looking For?

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent (some college coursework in social work or psychology preferred).
• Certification: Certification as a Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) or willingness to obtain certification within one year of hire.
• Experience: One (1) year of experience in the social services field is preferred.
• Lived Experience: Personal experience related to poverty, homelessness, or domestic violence is highly valued.
• Licensing/Transportation: Valid driver's license, reliable/insured vehicle, and a clear driving record.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with a passion for helping others.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and adhere to professional standards of practice.
• Service-oriented mindset with a commitment to providing compassionate and respectful support to shelter residents.
• Proficiency in using client management systems and standard office software.

Why Join The Salvation Army?

This is your chance to join a mission-minded organization where your work truly makes a difference. Every day, our employees dedicate themselves to caring for our community, and we are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package as a token of our appreciation for your hard work and commitment.

Here's what we offer:

• Paid Holidays - We have 14 of them! Yes, 14 holidays, including a floating holiday that you can use however you like
• Paid Time Off - Generous vacation, sick, and discretionary banks because we believe in maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
• Comprehensive Insurance - Medical, dental, vision, and even hearing coverage to support your health and well-being.
• 100% Employer Paid Pension Plan- Planning for your future is important to us.
• FREE Kroc Center Membership - Enjoy an individual or family membership with only the taxes as your responsibility.

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About the Salvation Army:

The Salvation Army believes in faith put into action and making life better for others. Our services meet physical, emotional and spiritual needs to rebuild lives and create lasting change. Help is given freely and without discrimination, while preserving the individual's dignity. We're here to change lives, one at a time.

The Quincy Area Command serves Adams, Pike and Brown counties in Illinois and Marion, Ralls, Lewis, Shelby and Monroe counties in Missouri as well as transients who have come to our community and find themselves in a homeless situation. It is the goal of our program to equip our residents with the knowledge and life skills development needed to find employment and suitable, affordable housing that they might become self-sufficient individuals.

The shelter can accommodate up to 20 people with rooms dedicated to single men, women, as well as families. The building also includes our Family Services programs and Food Pantry/Breadline.