JOB TITLE: Peer Support/Retention Specialist AGENCY: St. Patrick Center REPORTS TO: Manager of Employment Services, Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program (HVRP) REQUIRED EDUCATION: Must have a BA or BS in order to be considered for this position. VETERAN PREFERRED SUMMARY OF POSITION: This Peer Support/Retention Specialist will act as role model to veterans while engaging and encouraging job retention and all duties that are involved. In doing so, the PS/RS will meet with the clients to help them meet their goals in all aspects of the program and make appropriate referrals, to provide a successful outcome for the veteran. The PS/RS will engage, develop, and maintain relationships with employers. The PS/RS will provide case management to track the success of their Individual Service Strategy/Treatment Plan of Care and coordinate individualized services. RESPONSIBILITES:  Using a peer to peer approach, build rapport with clients  Outreach to and engage employers  Lead one or more peer support groups  Contribute to the ideas and processes of the HVRP team  Engage all clients who are in the retention process and help clients remove barriers to job retention  Must be able to accurately maintain a list of client retention bonuses and when they are due  Help individuals to indentify and work toward their goals  Collaborate with ES to address long-term financial stability needs  Provide emotional and informational support for clients continually assessing the client’s strengths, desires, and immediate/long term needs  Develop or contacting family and natural supports which exist in the community  Receive input from ES and SSVF team members regarding employment, housing, mentoring, substance abuse, and other immediate/long term needs.  Encourage individual veterans within the peer group to develop their own skills  Help veterans learn self-advocacy  Support veterans in recovery from mental illness, addiction or homelessness.  Help to identify person-centered strength and abilities and job interests  Be an advocate for the client  Be able to take clients to and from doctor appointments if needed, job interviews, help them shop for interview or work required clothing, i.e., uniforms, work boots, tools  Transport clients to appointments as needed  Coach clients to make solid, well-informed decisions which maintain job retention and housing  Share relevant information with staff about health or psychiatric risks Perform Outreach by -  Refer client to additional resources to address other service needs i.e. legal assistance, VA benefits, community substance abuse counseling etc.  Research additional benefits available to enhance service being provided  Engage the client, the family, and natural supports within the community setting (when feasible and desired by client)  Search for available jobs close the area of veteran client housing placement Any other duties–  As assigned by the Manager. Participation in at least one Agency Sponsored Fundraising event per year. DIRECT REPORTS:  None KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE: Preference will be given to a veteran who has been a consumer of mental health services. The veteran must be willing to facilitate and mentor fellow veterans who are at risk of homelessness.  Available to work a minimum of 37.5 hours a week  Reliable transportation is required SKILLS AND ATTITUDES REQUIRED:  Ability to act genuinely and honestly as a role model to other veterans  Ability to model good self-care  Ability to provide support and education to veterans and employers  Must be able to organize self in order to maintain case notes and all other paperwork as required  Openness to learning new approaches  Willingness to take on new tasks  Ability to work in a team setting  Ability to set up and keep healthy boundaries  Capability to respect ethnic and cultural diversity  Ability to handle confidential information  Ability to remain calm in stressful situations RELATIONSHIPS REQUIRED:  Works with employers as liaison for employment provisions  Works with other program staff for the benefit of the client outcomes  Works with other Employment and Housing Departmental staff  Networks with federal, state and local agencies  Embracing of St. Patrick’s mission and the dignity and worth of all persons