Peer Support Specialist

Position Title: Jabali Peer Support Specialist

Agency: Homeless Children’s Network

SCHEDULE: Full Time - Starts Immediately

SALARY: $75,000-$80,000

Benefit: Health, Dental, and Vision insurance; Chiropractor and Acupuncture services, Gym Membership

HOMELESS CHILDREN’S NETWORK MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of Homeless Children’s Network is to decrease the trauma of homelessness and domestic violence for children, youth, and families; to empower families; and to increase the effectiveness of collaborative efforts among service providers to end homelessness and poverty.

Homeless Children's Network is a community-based organization providing mental health and family support services to children and families who are homeless and formerly homeless.

JABALI YOUTH ADVOCACY PROGRAM OVERVIEW:

Jabali Youth Advocacy Program Is a youth-led initiative designed to amplify young voices on issues of substance abuse and prevention. This program empowers youth leaders, ages 14-17, including those who are African American, low-income, LGBTQQ, under-housed, academically underperforming, or disconnected from school. Additionally, it supports youth exposed to violence, abuse, trauma, or those facing mild to severe mental and behavioral health challenges. Through skill-building activities, the program helps participants refine their personal stories, develop effective messaging platforms, and advocate for youth perspectives in the substance use conversation. By fostering leadership and action, the Healing SF Youth Advocacy Committee aims to address substance use challenges in San Francisco and promote the well-being of at-risk and system-involved youth.

POSITION SUMMARY

Homeless Children’s Network (HCN) is seeking compassionate and committed Peer Support Specialists to join our Community Holistic Overdose Prevention Program (CHOPP). This peer-based role is central to reducing overdose risk and increasing access to culturally responsive health and dignity services for individuals who use drugs (PWUD), with a specific focus on supporting Black/African American communities in San Francisco.

Peer Support Specialists must have lived or living experience that aligns with the priority population served. This includes individuals who are Black/African American, experiencing homelessness, justice-system involved, LGBTQIA, or Transitional Age Youth (TAY).

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Outreach & Engagement
• Provide weekly outreach (minimum 8 hours) to at least 5 individuals to promote overdose prevention and connect community members to services.
• Distribute naloxone kits and invite individuals to community training events and resource fairs.
• Engage in culturally relevant outreach to build trust and reduce stigma in underserved communities.

• Participant Support
• Accompany participants to medical and non-medical appointments.
• Build trusting relationships by spending time with participants and engaging in activities they enjoy.
• Support participants in navigating community services including substance use, mental health, and basic needs.

• Training & Education
• Participate in training on active listening, motivational interviewing, and anti-stigma practices.
• Educate community members on overdose prevention, naloxone administration, and risk reduction strategies.

• Referral & Warm Handoff
• Facilitate warm handoffs by helping participants schedule appointments, providing transportation assistance, and attending appointments when appropriate.
• Connect participants to substance use services, primary care, mental health care, and other supportive services.

• Data Collection & Reporting
• Accurately document participant interactions, warm handoffs, and kit distributions.
• Participate in regular team meetings and contribute to reporting requirements.

Required Qualifications

• Lived or living experience as a member of the priority population (e.g., experience with substance use, housing instability, or criminal justice involvement).
• Passion for supporting marginalized communities and improving access to culturally responsive care.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to maintain appropriate boundaries and confidentiality.
• Willingness to complete required training modules (e.g., overdose prevention, anti-stigma, harm reduction).

Preferred:

• Prior experience in peer support, outreach, or community health settings.
• Familiarity with San Francisco’s continuum of care for substance use and health services.
• Bilingual or multilingual is a plus.

Working Conditions

• This position requires community-based work and may include occasional evenings or weekends.
• Staff will be expected to complete city-mandated trainings and participate in continuous quality improvement activities.
• Transportation to participant appointments may be required (mileage reimbursement provided if applicable).