Peer Specialist Behavioral Health Bridge Housing (BHBH)

Company Description

Background

Since 1976, St. Joseph Center has been meeting the needs of low-income and homeless individuals and families in Venice, Santa Monica, Mar Vista, and surrounding communities.  The Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community organization that assists people without regard for religious affiliation or lack thereof through comprehensive case management and integrated social service programs.  The Center enjoys broad-based community support as well as a sponsored relationship with its founders, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet.  St. Joseph Center serves approximately 6,000 individuals annually.

Brief Description of Principal Activities

Multifaceted intervention, prevention, and education services are carried out at four sites on the Westside of Los Angeles.  St. Joseph Center’s integrated programs provide clients with concentrated and coordinated access to services according to the nature of their needs.

Job Description

Job Summary

In partnership with the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health through the Behavioral Health Bridge Housing (BHBH) Program, St. Joseph Center will provide interim housing opportunities designed to meet the immediate needs of individuals experiencing homelessness who are living with behavioral health conditions and/or substance use disorders. The BHBH Program offers a safe, private, and secure environment where participants are empowered to stabilize, build self-sufficiency, and transition from homelessness to permanent housing.

Under the supervision of the Program Manager, the Peer Specialist serves as a vital member of a multidisciplinary team, working alongside social service professionals and paraprofessional staff to deliver high-quality, client-centered care. This role supports individuals experiencing homelessness and behavioral health challenges by drawing on lived experience to foster trust, engagement, and empowerment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Peer Support and Client Empowerment

• Share personal recovery experiences to inspire hope and motivate clients on their recovery journeys.
• Provide one-on-one and group peer support sessions focused on empowerment, wellness, and resilience.
• Facilitate or co-facilitate recovery and wellness groups using evidence-based peer support practices.
• Help clients develop self-advocacy skills and connect with support networks.
• Assist clients in navigating behavioral health, substance use treatment, housing, and community resources.
• Advocate for clients’ needs and preferences within the multidisciplinary team and community systems.
• Provide extra support and assistance to homeless clients, accessing community resources and services.

Client Engagement and Relationship Management

• Establish and maintain professional, positive relationships with clients, staff, and community providers.
• Conduct interactions with clients and other professionals in a respectful, courteous, and professional manner.
• Listen attentively to client complaints and suggestions; address concerns fairly and professionally, coordinating with the immediate supervisor as needed.
• Perform wellness checks on new referrals and existing clients to monitor wellbeing and service needs.
• Assist clients in maintaining cooperative and effective relationships with case managers, landlords, and other service providers.
• Assist in outreach efforts to engage clients who are disengaged or hesitant to participate in services.

Collaboration and Team Participation

• Collaborate closely with social workers, counselors, case managers, and other staff to coordinate holistic, client-centered care.
• Participate in care planning meetings, contributing client perspectives to ensure individualized approaches.
• Participate actively in staff meetings, trainings, conferences, program evaluation, and program development.

Program Coordination and Activities

• Coordinate social, educational, and recreational activities to promote community engagement and wellness.
• Initiate and facilitate peer-led groups and events to foster peer support and recovery.

Compliance and Professional Standards

• Adhere to Housing First principles, trauma-informed care, and harm reduction models in all advocacy and client interactions.
• Maintain accurate documentation of peer support activities, client interactions, and wellness checks in compliance with agency policies and Department of Health Services regulations.
• Uphold confidentiality, professional boundaries, and ethical st