Peer Support Specialist – VSSR (JR 5691)

Peer Support Specialist - VSSR at PATH (People Assisting the Homeless) in San Diego County offers a full-time opportunity to create lasting change in people's lives. This role values your personal experience—your recovery journey and insights become essential tools for supporting others facing homelessness and helping them rebuild stable lives.

About the Role

You'll connect with clients on a real, human level, using your lived experience to build trust and guide them through housing transitions. As a peer mentor and coach, you'll help individuals set meaningful goals, overcome obstacles, and access the resources that lead to long-term stability. Your day-to-day work happens in the community—not behind a desk—meeting clients where they are and supporting their unique paths forward.

What You'll Do

• Accompany clients to housing consultations, benefit applications, community offices, and other activities essential to their housing and service plans
• Develop individualized service plans collaboratively with clients and staff, identifying specific goals and addressing barriers to stable housing
• Provide mobile, community-based support services that meet clients at their locations and within their lived reality
• Facilitate connections to community resources, advocate on clients' behalf, and provide the accompaniment that makes services accessible

What We're Looking For

• Strong communication skills—the ability to listen deeply, speak clearly (verbally and in writing), and connect across differences
• Initiative and creative problem-solving: you think solutions through independently and take action without waiting to be asked
• Meticulous attention to detail and the capacity to manage multiple client relationships with consistency and care
• Commitment to ethical boundaries and professional integrity in all situations
• Collaboration and teamwork—you build positive relationships with colleagues and treat every person with respect
• Lived experience with homelessness, mental health, or substance use recovery (your personal journey is a valuable qualification)
• One year of behavioral health support experience or Peer Support Certification preferred

Mandatory Requirements

You must be authorized to work in the United States. CPR and First Aid certification is required (PATH provides support in obtaining this). All candidates must complete a tuberculosis screening, comprehensive background check, and drug screening before starting. Driving is essential to this role—you'll need a valid driver's license, reliable transportation, proof of insurance and vehicle registration, and the ability to qualify for PATH's vehicle coverage.

Compensation & Employment Details

Full-time, non-exempt position in San Diego County. Hourly rate: $21.00–$26.00, based on experience and qualifications. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage; vacation and sick time; paid holidays; and retirement plan participation. PATH values work-life balance and offers flexible scheduling to support your success.

About PATH (People Assisting the Homeless)

Since 1984, PATH has transformed how California addresses homelessness through street outreach, housing placement, employment preparation, case management, and community-based services. PATH connects people to stability and serves an average of 23 individuals per week in their transition to permanent housing. The organization is deeply committed to racial and social justice, building a diverse workforce, and creating systemic change that ends homelessness for all.

How to Apply

To apply, complete your application directly on this page, or you'll be redirected to the employer's application platform to finish submitting there.