Peer Outreach Specialist

Harbor is seeking a Peer Outreach Specialist to join our Toledo team! The Peer Outreach Specialist functions as a peer outreach worker and assists Harbor LGBTQ+ Wellness and Connection staff in carrying out program activities. This person utilizes lived experience, active listening, and affirming peer support practices to foster belonging, resilience, and wellness in the community. *Position is contingent, working 20-29 hours per week, and will require some evenings and weekends.* **Education/Experience/Other Requirements**: - High School Diploma or GED required. - Lived experience as an LGBTQ+ individual and/or with navigating mental health, recovery, or substance use concerns. - Must possess the skills necessary to help participants achieve and maintain wellness, community connection, and successful navigation of affirming resources. - Must have the ability to offer a unique peer perspective informed by lived experience and ongoing commitment to personal well-being. - Must be proficient in computer use, including Microsoft Word and electronic documentation. - Must be at least 18 years of age. - Must have a valid driver’s license, acceptable driving record, and proof of personal auto insurance to be deemed insurable with Harbor’s vehicle insurance carrier. - CPR/First Aid and NCI/CPI certification required within 90 days of employment. **Essential Job Competencies/Primary Duties:** *CLIENT SUPPORT & WELLNESS* 1. Provide peer-based emotional support, active listening, and guidance for LGBTQ+ individuals navigating wellness, recovery, and substance use. 2. Use lived experience to help clients build resilience, coping strategies, and affirming social networks. 3. Facilitate or co-facilitate groups, sober social events, and wellness activities. 4. Model healthy boundaries, communication, and self-care. 5. Support participants in developing individualized wellness, harm reduction, or recovery plans, including education and consultation for clients and their chosen family. *CULTURAL NAVIGATION & RESOURCE CONNECTION* 1. Assist clients in identifying and accessing affirming resources (healthcare, housing, employment, etc.). 2. Help individuals navigate systems that may feel unsafe or unfamiliar, providing advocacy and support. 3. Maintain resource lists of LGBTQ+ affirming providers, assist with referrals, and complete related documentation as needed. *COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT* 1. Conduct outreach across community spaces, campuses, and events to connect individuals with Harbor programs. 2. Represent Harbor at Pride, tabling events, and health fairs, helping build welcoming and affirming spaces. 3. Support event promotion through social media, flyers, and in-person engagement. *PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT* 1. Engage in ongoing training in peer support, harm reduction, trauma-informed practice, and LGBTQ+ wellness needs. 2. Stay informed on best practices and demonstrate ongoing skill development within the role. SPECIAL WORK CONDITIONS 1. Maintains client confidentiality and adheres to HIPAA requirements. 2. Works cooperatively with a variety of service providers, community partners, and Harbor staff. 3. Provides culturally competent, LGBTQ+-affirming services. 4. Seeks supervision when client needs exceed knowledge, experience, or scope of peer practice. 5. This is a community-based position and may require travel between multiple sites and outreach locations. 6. Types and completes documentation according to Harbor standards. 7. May provide billable services and may be required to meet agency productivity expectations. 8. Peer Outreach Specialist is required to work closely and cooperatively with a variety of service providers in the community as well as within Harbor 9. Peer Outreach Specialist is a highly visible position within the community and in the agency. The person in this position must have solid knowledge of agency services and must know how to secure services if not available in the agency. This person must subscribe to Harbor…