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