Peer Engagement Specialist

About the role

At Eliot Community Human Services, the Peer Engagement Specialist role exists to deliver a direct, person-centered approach to homeless outreach and support. The position is embedded within the PATH (Project for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness) Team, which delivers a wide range of services including outreach, case management, mental health treatment, housing assistance, and referrals for adults with serious mental illness, including those with co-occurring substance use disorders. The role is grounded in lived experience; the ideal candidate will bring personal knowledge of homelessness, mental health, or substance use, paired with an established recovery process, to provide compassionate and effective engagement. You will serve on the front lines, reducing harm, increasing access to care, and helping individuals move toward stability and resilience within an inclusive, mission-driven workplace that values belonging and professional growth.

What you'll do

The core responsibilities center on street and shelter outreach, relationship building, and coordinated service delivery. You will perform outreach and engagement activities to identify homeless individuals in public spaces, drop-in centers, meal sites, and shelters. To reduce immediate risk, you will provide supplies such as warm clothing, blankets, and food. You will actively encourage the use of shelters, meal sites, and other related services for unsheltered individuals. A critical component is maintaining a current, thorough understanding of local public and private resources, including housing options, residential programs, and community organizations, while sustaining positive working relationships with partner representatives. You will coordinate with other service providers to ensure integrated service delivery for consumers. Additional key duties include documenting all contacts, services provided, and referrals accurately and timely; supporting case management by gathering information and updating consumer progress; assisting in the implementation of individualized service plans based on consumer needs and preferences; promoting awareness of mental health and substance use resources; transporting consumers to appointments when necessary using a reliable vehicle; and participating in team meetings, trainings, and debriefs. You will conduct street outreach in varied weather conditions and challenging environments, uphold Eliot's mission and ethical standards at all times, and promote consumer preferences and recovery goals.

Requirements

The position requires a high school diploma or GED equivalent. Mandatory qualification includes lived experience of homelessness, mental health, or substance use in the past, combined with an established recovery process. You must demonstrate a strong commitment to mental health recovery and possess the skills to establish supportive relationships with persons with severe and persistent mental illnesses while respecting their treatment preferences. The role calls for the ability to provide flexible, community-based services focused on teamwork. A valid driver's license and reliable transportation are required for both commuting and consumer transport as needed. Completion of Peer Specialist Certification is preferred, as is bilingual capability in Spanish. The compensation range is $20.04 to $25.33 per hour, with the position structured as full-time, Monday through Friday, 9am to 5pm, involving local travel within Springfield and surrounding areas.

Benefits at Eliot

We prioritize your well-being, work-life balance, and career growth. Benefit eligible positions include:

• Generous Paid Time Off - Vacation, sick time, and paid holidays
• Comprehensive Benefits - Medical, dental, and vision plans
• Retirement Savings - 401(k) with employer match
• Wellness & Family Support - Discounted fitness services and access to trusted childcare resources
• Financial Security - 100% company-paid life and accidental death insurance
• Professional Growth - Ongoing training, career advancement programs, tuition reimbursement, and leadership development

Compensation and application

The compensation range for this role is $20.04 to $25.33 per hour. Eliot is committed to supporting you at every stage of your career, providing opportunities for growth, purpose, and community. We foster belonging in the workplace by identifying and removing barriers that may prevent individuals of all backgrounds from reaching their full potential, advancing into leadership roles, and fully engaging at all levels of the organization. Apply today and join a community where your experience and dedication can make a lasting difference.