Peer Advocate

USD $22.29/Hr.*We value candidates with lived experience. Applicants must have experienced homelessness for a minimum of three (3) months, which may include living on the streets, in a vehicle, in places not meant for human habitation, or temporarily staying with others (couch surfing).*You believe that every person deserves a place to call home. You see that homelessness is a systemic issue and want to be a part of the solution. You are ready to utilize your talent, experience, and creativity towards purpose-driven work. You want to work alongside industry leaders to learn, implement, and pioneer best practices.LA Family Housing is a leading non-profit agency in Homeless Services and Real Estate Development. With 40 years of experience and 13,000+ lives changed each year, we know what it takes to end homelessness. We take tremendous pride in the emergence of our staff as national leaders in innovation, best practices, and policy within housing production and homeless services. Join the fight to end homelessness and make a difference in people’s lives at LA Family Housing!The Peer Advocate is responsible for providing outreach service within a Street-based Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) serving single adults experiencing homelessness. Primary duties include engaging people experiencing homelessness in street based supportive services including coordinating referrals and program linkage to other regional programs; collaborating with other homeless outreach entities; providing peer-to-peer support and counseling drawing from lived experience with homelessness; providing encouragement and guidance to program participants to reduce harm and improve their physical, social, emotional, and economic health.Provides mobile, street-based outreach services to people experiencing homelessness living on the streets and/or in encampmentsMotivates homeless individuals to engage in outreach services and associated community referrals that promote well-being by building rapport & providing emotional support to participantsActs as a bridge between program participants and staff when communication appears to be a barrierProvides feedback to staff on how to better serve participants based on Peer Advocate’s lived experience with homelessnessUtilizes a Harm Reduction and Housing First approachWorks within the goals of CES to reduce street homelessness by linking program participants to mental health, health, housing services, and other supportive services for which they are eligible; facilitate a “warm hand-off” in service linkageMaintains thorough and accurate records in both written form and through assigned electronic databaseMaintains and keeps appropriate and ethical boundaries with participants and staffAbility to share life experiences (and successes) with history of homelessness, incarceration, substance abuse, mental health, and/or other risky behaviors when appropriate to promote well-being for the participantAttends various, regular staff, agency and community meetings as designated by supervisorAdditional tasks, projects and responsibilities as assigned by supervisorLived experience with homelessness requiredAble to demonstrate empathy and a non-judgmental attitude when engaging with persons experiencing homelessnessPossess a high level of tolerance and understanding for individuals who present for services with mental health and physical health needsBasic knowledge of issues facing homeless single adults (e.g. chronic health, substance abuse, mental health, domestic abuse, resources for undocumented persons)Peer Partner/Peer Advocate/Peer Mentor Training recommended but not requiredAbility to be flexible and work in an environment subject to ongoing changeGood customer service skillsGood conflict resolution skillsAbility to maintain a professional demeanor and boundaries with peers and staffAbility to communicate clearly, both written and orallyProficient in Microsoft Programs (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint), Zoom, and web-based scheduling softwareAbility to work within a team environment and collaborate with team membersBilingual (English/Spanish) preferredMaintain and execute confidential information according to HIPAA standardsObtain and maintain CPR/First Aid CertificationThis position does not require regular driving as part of daily duties but may be needed occasionally Ability to pass post-offer Tuberculosis (TB) clearancesAbility to pass a Pre-Employment Physical ExamAbility to work a 9/80 work scheduleAt least three (3) months of lived experience with homelessness (living on the streets, a car, a place not meant for human habitation or couch surfing) requiredOne (1) year experience working with people experiencing homelessness desiredHealth, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, 403B Retirement Plan, 529 Education Savings Plan, Long Term Disability, Employee Assistance Program, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), Legal Access Plan, Employee Appreciation Program, Company Sponsored Employee Events, Staff Development, 9/80 Alternative Work Schedule, Paid Sick, Vacation and 13 Observed Holidays, Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program Eligibility and more!The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Potential physical demands include but are not limited to: walking, climbing stairs, handling, finger/grasp/feel objects and equipment, reaching, communicating, being mobile, repetitive motions, visual activity, driving, and entering buildings. Comfortable working in a pet-friendly environment required. If an accommodation is needed, please inform the Human Resources Department.LAFH is committed and proud to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, age, disability or status as a veteran.LA Family Housing will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if LA Family Housing is concerned about conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing’sFair Chance Act webpage.

Created: 2026-04-06