SOS-CTI Peer Support Specialist (Certified)

Position Title:

SOS-CTI Peer Support Specialist (Certified)

Location:

On-site Job Type:

Full-time Salary Range :

$45,000.00 - $48,000.00 Reports to:

SOS-CTI Supervisor/Social Worker About Us:

The Long Island Coalition for the Homeless (LICH) is dedicated to addressing homelessness on Long Island by collaborating with non-profits, government agencies, and community partners. As a leading advocate and service provider, we work to support individuals and families experiencing homelessness through a range of programs and initiatives. Our efforts include direct assistance, outreach, resource distribution, and emergency support. Additionally, we focus on advocacy and systemic change to expand access to vital services and housing solutions, striving to make homelessness rare, brief, and nonrecurring. For more information about us please visit our website at www.addressthehomeless.org.

Program Description:

The Safe Options Support (SOS) Program at the Long Island Coalition for the Homeless (LICH) provides comprehensive, housing-focused support to individuals experiencing chronic homelessness across Long Island. Rooted in the Critical Time Intervention (CTI) model—an evidence-based, time-limited approach—the program helps participants navigate critical life transitions by promoting stability, community integration, and long-term housing retention. Through intensive case management and person-centered engagement, the SOS program supports individuals and families as they transition from homelessness to permanent housing. Services are trauma-informed and recovery-oriented, emphasizing empowerment, harm reduction, and collaboration. The SOS team works in close partnership with community organizations, shelters, hospitals, and government agencies to coordinate resources and ensure continuity of care across Nassau and Suffolk Counties. The SOS-CTI team operates 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM, seven days per week, 365 days per year. Holiday coverage is required as part of team scheduling.

Position Summary:

The SOS-CTI Peer Support Specialist provides person-centered, trauma-informed peer support to single adults experiencing chronic homelessness, including individuals living unsheltered or residing in shelter with a history or risk of long-term street homelessness. This role is grounded in lived experience and recovery principles and plays a critical role in helping participants build confidence, independence, and long-term housing stability through the Critical Time Intervention (CTI) model. As a member of an intensive, multidisciplinary outreach team, the Peer Support Specialist combines evidence-based practices with their own lived experience to foster trust, model recovery, and promote self-advocacy. The Peer Specialist supports participants in navigating housing systems, accessing services, and strengthening community connections to achieve permanent housing within an average timeframe of nine to twelve months.

Key Responsibilities :

Utilize lived experience to build rapport, model recovery, and help program participants develop confidence, self-advocacy skills, and independence Provide direct street outreach and ongoing follow-up to individuals living unsheltered or in shelter using a trauma-informed, recovery-oriented approach Adhere to the New York Peer Specialist Certification Board Code of Ethics, regardless of certification status Respond to referrals and complete intakes within required timeframes Support participants in navigating housing systems by assisting with documentation collection and submission of applications for permanent supportive housing, rapid rehousing, OMH-funded housing, and other appropriate housing programs Connect participants to medical, behavioral health, entitlements, employment, legal, and community-based services that promote long-term housing retention and recovery Provide transportation to housing and service appointments as necessary Participate in coordinated entry processes and collaborate with DSS, hospitals, mental health providers, and other outreach teams § Maintain timely and accurate documentation in HMIS and other required databases § Maintain an active caseload consistent with the CTI model and participate in weekly case conferencing and supervision Complete required in-person and online trainings Perform other related duties as assigned The duties listed in this job description outline the primary responsibilities of the position. Additional tasks may be assigned as needed to support agency goals and contribute to the success of various programs.

Qualifications & Experience:

Candidates should have lived experience of homelessness and/or have been a recipient of services; be in recovery form mental health or substance use disorders; Certified Peer Specialists preferred but we will give consideration to individuals who are in the process of completing their Certification; Bachelor's Degree in Social Work and two years' experience (internships or volunteer work acceptable); or a related human services field or a minimum of three years' related experience in human services arena preferred; strong organizational skills; possesses effective verbal and written communication skills; working knowledge of computer database applications (Foothold AWARDS - preferred, Access, Client or Customer databases of accounting database software) or ability to learn quickly. Must have a commitment to organization's mission and goals. Must be self-motivated; must be able to work effectively with diverse people and personalities and as a member of a team. Bilingual (Spanish and English) preferred. Experience/knowledge in trauma-informed care and motivational interviewing a plus.

Work Location & Travel:

This position is field-based and requires travel throughout Nassau and Suffolk Counties. Staff are expected to be highly mobile and may spend the majority of the workday in the community conducting outreach, transporting participants, or attending appointments.

Agency vehicles are available for program use. A valid driver's license and ability to drive are required.

Physical Demands:

This position requires frequent walking, standing, and extensive community-based field work throughout Nassau and Suffolk Counties. Staff must be able to navigate outdoor environments in varying weather conditions and terrain. The role also requires the ability to sit for extended periods while completing documentation and data entry. Employees must be able to lift and carry up to 25 pounds, including outreach supplies or participant belongings, and safely operate a motor vehicle as part of regular job duties.

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

$45,000.00 - $48,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) matching Dental insurance Employee assistance program Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Vision insurance

Schedule:

8 hour shift Day shift Evening shift Weekends as needed Ability to

Commute:

Amityville, NY 11701 (Preferred)

Work Location:

In person