AVIVO
Location
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Salary
$20 - $25 / HOUR
The Peer Support Specialist will engage with individuals experiencing homelessness to build trusting relationships and provide support in shelters and community settings. They will collaborate with case managers to assist participants in accessing mental health, chemical health, and housing resources.
Candidates must have a high school diploma or GED and at least one year of experience supporting adults with homelessness, mental illness, or substance use disorders. A valid driver's license and reliable transportation are required for this community-based role.
This position works a 32-hour reduced work week while being paid for 40 hours.
Avivo’s Ending Homelessness division is grounded in the belief that safe housing is a human right. The PATH program provides outreach and engagement to individuals experiencing homelessness who are living with serious mental illness and/or co-occurring substance use disorders. As a Peer Support Specialist, you bring lived experience, connection, and compassion to individuals navigating homelessness, recovery, mental health, and housing. You will work alongside the PATH Navigation Case Manager to engage participants in outreach settings, build trusting relationships, and support participants as they pursue stability and long-term recovery. What You'll Do Build positive, trusting relationships with individuals experiencing homelessness. Engage participants in shelters, encampments, and community spaces using a trauma-informed, harm-reduction approach. Provide peer support, encouragement, and a judgment-free presence. Assist participants with identifying strengths, setting goals, and building recovery pathways. Support access to mental health, chemical health, benefits, identification, and essential resources. Collaborate with the Case Manager to assist participants through Coordinated Entry and housing navigation. Support participants transitioning from unsheltered or shelter settings into permanent housing. Maintain accurate and timely documentation in HMIS, Credible, and other required systems. Participate in team meetings, supervision, and cross-program collaboration. Promote equitable, culturally responsive service delivery. Assist with crisis planning and crisis intervention when needed. QualificationsWhat You'll Bring: High school diploma or GED. One year of experience supporting adults with homelessness, serious mental illness, or substance use disorder. Lived experience is strongly valued and may count toward experience requirements. Minimum one year freedom from alcohol or chemical use. Commitment to trauma-informed, culturally responsive, person-centered care. Ability to work independently in community settings.
College coursework in a human services field. Certified Peer Specialist credential. Experience using Credible or another electronic health record. Experience in behavioral health or culturally diverse environments. Skills and Strengths Understanding of mental health, chemical health, housing resources, and community supports. Strong communication, collaboration, and boundary-setting skills. Ability to de-escalate and respond with empathy during difficult situations. Ability to adapt to dynamic and shifting participant needs. Professionalism, reliability, and strong follow-through. Work Environment and Requirements Community-based role requiring frequent travel to shelters, encampments, and community locations. Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and proof of insurance required. Mileage reimbursement provided. Ability to lift up to 25 lbs for community and outreach activities. Occasional evening or weekend hours based on participant needs.
Medical health plan Health Savings Account (HSA) Nice Healthcare (chat, video visits, in-home primary care) Dental plan Dependent Care FSA Basic Life/AD&D and Voluntary Life/AD&D Long-term disability Optional critical illness, accident, and short-term disability coverage 401(k) Plan 10 paid holidays and generous PTO How to Apply Submit your application and cover letter online through Avivo’s Careers page at Avivomn.org. Qualified candidates will be contacted for next steps. Early applications encouraged as interviews are conducted on a rolling basis. Make a Difference with Avivo. Avivo will begin participating in E-Verify effective July 1, 2025. Avivo will recruit, hire, promote, and transfer qualified persons into all job classifications regardless of race, gender, religion, skin color, national origin or ancestry, physical disability (including pregnancy) or mental disability, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, legally protected medical condition, family care status, marital status, veteran status, or genetic characteristics.
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