Peer Support Specialist

Position: Peer Support Specialist Classification: Non-exempt Supervised by: Central Housing Program Manager Home Start’s vision is for every child to have a safe, stable, and nurturing home. Guided by our mission to assure the safety and resiliency of children by strengthening families and their communities, Home Start, Inc.

, a non-profit child abuse prevention, and treatment agency has strengthened and developed San Diego’s families and communities since 1972.

Job Summary

Provides program and administrative support for Youth and Family Services programs serving youth and young parents experiencing homelessness. Supports participant engagement, resource navigation, and service delivery using trauma-informed approaches while ensuring compliance with all program and reporting requirements.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate and timely documentation, case notes, and data entry in accordance with agency and funder requirements.
• Support data collection, reporting, and audit processes for contract compliance.
• Assist with participant engagement, service coordination, and program activities under supervision.
• Coordinate community resources and referrals in alignment with program eligibility and goals.
• Conduct targeted outreach to engage eligible youth and support program enrollment.
• Apply trauma-informed, de-escalation, and crisis response practices following organizational protocols.
• Provide follow-up, aftercare, and stabilization support services.
• Collaborate with community partners and public agencies to support participant outcomes.
• Participate in case conferencing, trainings, and team meetings.
• Adhere to all organizational, contractual, and grant-funded policies and procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education

• High school diploma or GED required; some college preferred; with 2-3 years’ experience in human services and/or applicable life experience. Knowledge:
• Knowledge of community resources and service systems that support transition-age youth and young mothers experiencing homelessness.
• Familiarity with the life experiences, challenges, and service needs common among transition-age youth and young parents required.
• Experience supporting Independent Living Skills development (e.g., financial aid navigation, college admission, GED preparation, housing stability, childcare coordination, and transportation) preferred.
• Knowledge of community referral processes and housing support systems preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build rapport quickly and effectively with diverse and vulnerable populations. Abilities:
• Demonstrated ability to be culturally sensitive and respect diversity.
• Essential personal attributes include: stability, sensitivity, flexibility, patience, discretion, warm and friendly disposition, and non-judgmental attitude. Skills:
• Must have effective communication skills and be willing to work as a team player. Bilingual in Spanish preferred. Other Requirements:
• Must have a valid California driver’s license, a safe driving record, automobile, a reliable vehicle and be willing to use it on the job. Physical Demands:
• Sitting for long periods of time in the homes of client families, in the office or at required meetings.
• Daily traveling in car to clients or to agency and community meetings.
• Frequent note taking and recording in case files by hand. Work Environment:
• Shared office space with varying noise levels.
• Community travel required to meet participants in homes, shelters, schools, or other locations.
• Combination of office work, field-based support, and group facilitation.
• Occasional evening or flexible hours may be required.
• Ability to sit, stand, walk, use a computer, and transport materials as needed. Home Start, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in the hiring of personnel because of gender, race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, medical condition, genetic information, gender identity or gender expression, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state or local laws.