LAYING THE ROOTS PEER SUPPORT SPECIALIST

LAYING THE ROOTS PEER SUPPORT SPECIALIST Location: Red Warehouse --- 2615 South State Street, Provo, Utah Season: November 2026 -- March 2027 Schedule: Part-time, primarily evening hours; some flexibility may be required Status: Seasonal, Part-Time --- up to 10 hours per week Compensation: $20.00 per hour Benefits: Seasonal, non-benefit-eligible position Position Summary Laying the Roots Peer Support Specialist plays an important role in helping individuals experiencing homelessness identify goals, build stability, strengthen life skills, and take meaningful steps toward greater self-sufficiency. Working under the guidance of the Laying the Roots and Warming Center Coordinators, the Peer Support Specialist will provide mentorship, encouragement, accountability, and practical support to participants enrolled in the Laying the Roots program. The Peer Support Specialist will draw upon their own lived experience with homelessness, recovery, housing instability, or other significant life challenges to build authentic relationships and help participants recognize that change and stability are possible. This position works as part of a team and supports participants through a trauma-informed, strengths-based approach while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries. This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other reasonably related duties as assigned by supervisory personnel. Essential Responsibilities Participant Support and Peer Mentorship - Build positive, trusting relationships with Laying the Roots participants while maintaining healthy professional boundaries. - Use lived experience appropriately to provide encouragement, hope, mentorship, and practical support. - Help participants identify personal goals and recognize progress toward those goals. - Encourage participants to remain engaged and accountable throughout the program. - Provide individual peer check-ins and follow-up as assigned. - Model positive communication, problem-solving, self-advocacy, and healthy decision-making. - Support participants during challenges, setbacks, and difficult conversations using a trauma-informed approach. Laying the Roots Program Support - Attend and support Laying the Roots classes, activities, meetings, and other program components as assigned. - Assist the Coordinator with participant engagement, attendance, follow-up, and accountability. - Help create a welcoming, respectful, and supportive environment where participants feel comfortable participating. - Reinforce concepts and goals introduced through Laying the Roots classes and activities. - Encourage participants to complete program expectations and actively participate in their individual progress plans. - Provide feedback to the coordinator regarding participant needs, barriers, successes, and opportunities for additional support. - Assist with program activities, special events, graduations, and participant recognition. Resources and Connections - Help participants identify and connect with appropriate community resources. - Share information about housing, employment, health, recovery, education, benefits, and other supportive services when appropriate. - Encourage participants to advocate for themselves and develop the skills needed to independently access community resources. - Work collaboratively with Community Action staff and community partners to help participants address barriers to stability. Collaboration and Communication - Work closely with the Laying the Roots and Warming Center Coordinator and other Community Action staff. - Communicate participant concerns, safety issues, significant changes, or potential crises promptly to supervisory staff. - Participate in staff meetings, program planning, and training as requested. - Maintain professional and respectfu communication with participants, staff, volunteers, and community partners. Documentation and Compliance - Always maintain participant confidentiality. - Complete required participant notes, attendance records, data entry, incident reports, and other documentation in a timely manner. - Follow Community Action Services and Food Bank policies, procedures, confidentiality requirements, and safety protocols. - Maintain appropriate ethical and professional boundaries in all interactions with participants. - Perform other duties related to Laying the Roots and peer support services as assigned. Qualifications - Lived experience with homelessness, recovery, housing instability, or related significant life challenges required. - Certified Peer Support Specialist training and certification required. - At least six months of experience in peer support, human services, homeless services, recovery services, or a related role preferred. - Ability to use lived experience constructively and appropriately when supporting others. - Strong interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills. - Ability to encourage accountability while remaining compassionate and respectful. - Strong conflict-resolution and de-escalation skills. - Ability to remain calm and professional during challenging situations. - Knowledge of Utah County community resources and social service agencies preferred. - Ability to work effectively with individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds and life experiences. - Dependable and able to work independently as well as part of a team. - Flexibility to adjust work hours based on program needs. - Reliable transportation, valid driver's license, and good driving record preferred. - Must successfully pass a BCI Background Check. - Bilingual Spanish/English skills are a plus. To Apply To apply for this position, please visit Community Action Services and Food Bank's employment portal at: https://communityaction.classic.splashtrack.com/ Click Apply next to the Laying the Roots Peer Support Specialist job posting.