Youth Experiencing Homelessness Program Peer Support Specialist

Youth Era is an Oregon-based non-profit that improves the lives of young people and the systems that serve them. By bringing together young adults, organizations, and system partners, we reach thousands of youth each year through direct support, program development, and systems-level change.

Our Benefits

• We offer 100% employer-paid comprehensive medical, dental, and vision group health insurance.
• Enjoy 12 paid holidays, including your birthday!
• Take advantage of our 403b retirement plan.
• Access our employee assistance program.
• Generous paid time off plan.
• Professional development assistance.

Do you have firsthand experience with mental health, addiction/recovery, incarceration/juvenile justice, Oregon Youth Authority, foster care, education, or LGBTQ+ communities? We're looking for people with that lived experience to join our team.

Applicants are requested to submit a cover letter, which allows them to demonstrate how their lived experience and qualifications align with the position.

Research shows that women and BIPOC individuals are often hesitant to apply for positions unless they feel confident they can fulfill every task outlined in the job description. At our organization, our priority is to find the most qualified candidate for the job. We recognize the value of diverse experiences and perspectives, and we're committed to considering any equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience.

Youth Experiencing Homelessness Program (YEHP) Peer Support Specialist

Program: Youth Experiencing Homelessness Program (YEHP)

Reports To: Program Manager

Status: Full-Time or Part-Time, Grant-Funded

Locations: Lane County

Position Overview

The YEHP Peer Support Specialist provides community-based peer support to youth and young adults ages 14 to 24 experiencing homelessness. This role operates in alignment with the Oregon Department of Human Services Youth Experiencing Homelessness Program.

The YEHP Peer builds authentic relationships with youth in community settings, drop-in environments, and through street outreach. The role focuses on reducing barriers to stability, increasing access to basic needs and housing resources, and supporting youth in identifying self-determined goals related to education, employment, recovery, and connection.

This position blends outreach, engagement, peer support, documentation, and systems navigation.

Core Responsibilities

• Community-Based Outreach and Engagement
• • Identify and engage unsheltered and unstably housed youth in the community
  • Conduct street outreach in areas where youth gather
  • Build trust through lived experience and authentic connection
  • Conduct initial assessments of youth basic needs
  • Provide youth-determined support
• Peer Support Services
• • Offer strengths-based, non-clinical peer support
  • Support youth in navigating housing systems and emergency shelter options
  • Assist youth in accessing food, clothing, showers, hygiene supplies, and urgent physical needs
  • Connect youth to health care, recovery services, and culturally specific resources
  • Support youth in repairing or strengthening relationships with chosen family when appropriate
  • Support education, employment, and long-term stability planning
• Drop-In Support (Where Applicable)
• • Provide engagement and support within Youth Era drop-in spaces
  • Ensure inclusive and affirming practices for LGBTQIA2S+ youth
  • Support safe, welcoming, and youth-driven environments
  • Assist with meal distribution and resource coordination
• Data, Documentation, and Reporting
• • Enter complete, accurate, and timely HMIS data
  • Document services in Youth Era’s data systems
  • Ensure demographic and service data is captured at intake
  • Support quarterly reporting requirements
  • Participate in monitoring and site visits as required
• Collaboration and Systems Navigation
• • Coordinate with shelters, housing providers, CCOs, and community partners
  • Participate in case coordination meetings when appropriate
  • Advocate for youth within systems
  • Maintain professional communication with ODHS partners as directed

Required Qualifications

• Ability to build authentic relationships with youth from diverse backgrounds
• Strong boundaries and ethical peer practice
• Ability to work independently in community settings
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation preferred

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with youth experiencing homelessness
• Experience with street outreach
• Familiarity with HMIS or other data systems
• Knowledge of Oregon housing and shelter systems
• Experience supporting LGBTQIA2S+ youth
• Lived experience related to homelessness, housing instability, foster care, behavioral health systems, or related systems
• Certified Traditional Health Worker (THW) Peer Support Specialist or ability to obtain certification within required timeframe

Key Competencies

• Youth-centered engagement
• Cultural humility and responsiveness
• Trauma-aware support practices
• Strong documentation and accountability
• Self-direction and time management
• Collaborative communication

Compliance Expectations

This role is subject to:

• Fingerprint-based background check requirements
• Compliance with insurance and safety standards
• Mandatory reporting laws
• ODHS monitoring and site visits
• Accurate reporting under YEHP requirements

Desired Outcomes

The YEHP Peer supports outcomes aligned with the grant agreement:

• Decreased risk factors associated with homelessness
• Increased access to basic needs and health care
• Increased emotional support and connection
• Improved youth stability and navigation of systems
• Stronger youth voice and self-determination

Application Process
Our hiring process typically includes three stages: an initial phone interview, a Zoom interview with hiring supervisors, and a final interview (usually in-person). An onsite meet-and-greet may also be required. This process may vary at management's discretion.Learn more about us at www.youthera.org.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement
Youth ERA provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination or harassment based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, genetics, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other protected characteristic. This applies to all aspects of employment, including hiring, promotion, compensation, and training.