Peer Advocate, LifeSpring (Transitional Youth Housing) Program

**Position Summary** Lifeline Services is hiring a Peer Advocate to support our growing team. The Peer Advocate provides supportive services to youth and youth adults (YYA) who are experiencing homelessness or who are at risk of homelessness. Assures that the Drop in Center is functioning from a housing first model. The Peer Advocate makes sure that the YYA's needs and wants are being heard and addressed, that YYA's are getting assistance in obtaining safe, stable, inclusive housing that supports independence and permanent connection. This is a lived experience role that will help our team to create a warm and welcoming environment for the young people that we serve. We're looking for a candidate with strong skills in engagement, crisis intervention, case management, interviewing, rapport building, assessment, goal setting, and youth participation and development. **Required Qualifications** · Applicant must have lived experience and have knowledge on how to navigate systems. · BA preferred or enrolled in college courses. · Possess a good understanding of the homeless issue here in San Diego, human development, mental health, and substance use and how that impacts daily functioning. · Must have reliable transportation and be willing to work evenings as necessary to meet YYA's needs. Successful completion of multi-state criminal background check. **Responsibilities** · Create a safe, welcoming and supportive environment to engage participants. · Provide basic needs assistance (food, water, new clothing, hygiene products, access to shower and do laundry, etc.) · Create, organize and facilitate the various groups and outings. · Connect participants to resources based on their needs. · Initiate and organize outreach efforts · Maintain the drop-in center (cleanliness, ensure rules are being followed, food orders and basic needs inventory) · Completes other duties as assigned. **Schedule/Compensation** · FT/nonexempt position · Monday-Friday from 8:30am-5pm (with flexibility) · $22.00 - $25.39 per hour. Salary will commensurate with experience and education. Differential pay offered for bilingual skills. EEO. **Additional Requirement** · Must have a valid driver's license and reliable transportation with a good driving record. · Willing to use own, properly insured, reliable vehicle for the job (mileage reimbursed). · Employment subject to clearances, including background finger printing checks, driving record, tuberculosis testing, and drug testing. **About the Company** North County Lifeline, Inc. is a non-profit human services organization that offers a wide range of services to the people of San Diego County. Our mission is to build self-reliance among youth, individuals and families through problem solving, skill-building and accessible community-based services. Come be part of a team who CAR2Es! At North County Lifeline, you will find people who are Connected to the communities we serve, Authentic, and Resourceful. We are Responsive to the needs of our clients and Engaged in our mission to build self-reliance among youth, adults, and families. Equal Opportunity Employer. We offer flexible work hours and excellent benefits to our employees. · Generous paid vacation · Paid sick time (6 days) · Paid holidays (14 days) · 100% employer paid medical, dental, vision, chiropractic and acupuncture coverage · 100% employer paid life insurance · Health and wellness programs · Employee Assistance program · Professional development assistance · Great employee incentive awards program · Training and education assistance · Matched 403b retirement plan · Flexible Spending Account · Paid supervision hours (clinical positions)