JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
Peer Advocate
Policing Alternatives and Diversion Initiative
Position: SWEET Team Peer Advocate
Position type: Full-time, non-exempt
Compensation: $40,000 annual salary and comprehensive benefits
Supervisor: Director of Social Services
Position Description: The Policing Alternatives and Diversion (PAD) Initiative seeks a
Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) to serve as a Peer Advocate on the Street Wellness
Enhancement & Engagement Team. The Peer Advocate is responsible for providing street level peer support to unhoused individuals who are experiencing serious mental health
concerns. The Peer Advocate will report to the Director of Social Services and will work on a
two-person team alongside a Clinical Advocate to provide proactive outreach, engagement
and case management to individuals with frequent law enforcement or hospital contact through
a strengths-based, trauma informed approach. The goal of our services is to reduce the harm of
behaviors that are often criminalized, and address the root causes of substance use, mental
health concerns, and extreme poverty to promote long-term wellness and safety.
Responsibilities:
– Provide peer support to individuals experiencing homelessness and serious mental
health concerns and/or substance use issues
Collaborate with Clinical Advocate to provide proactive outreach, case management,
and support accessing clinical care as needed
– Assist individuals in developing and working towards achievement of specific
recovery goals
– Use lived experience to help individuals navigate their treatment plan
– Accompany and/or transport participants to medical, behavioral health, or other
appointments.
– Implement strength-based support and help individuals with coping strategies during
relapses and other recovery stages
– Reduce harm and address barriers to wellness through non-judgmental approaches
to care
– Connect individuals to familial/support networks where appropriate
– Link individuals to housing, treatment, medical, and other supportive services
Qualifications:
– Certification in Peer Support training through Georgia Mental Health Consumer
Network, Georgia Council on Substance Abuse or equivalent;
– 2 years of experience in providing non-judgmental and harm reduction-based peer
support to individuals experiencing homelessness, substance use disorders, unmet
mental health needs, and/or engaging in survival activities;
– High school diploma or equivalent; and/or any combination of related experience in
addition to a CPS credential;
– Valid Driver’s License;
– Ability to apply sound judgment, maintaining an open line of communication with
management, staff, and peer participants;
– Demonstrated presentation skills and knowledge of harm reduction;
– Strong organization, communication & interpersonal skills;
– Ability to meet deadlines and be detail oriented;
– Proficiency in Microsoft Office and basic computer skills;
– Knowledge of community, state, and national resources and supports accessible to
the citizens of the City of Atlanta and Fulton County;
– Strong crisis response, advocacy, and time-management skills;
– Experience with utilizing person-centered practices and language;
– Ability to show discretion, initiative, and independent judgment within established
guidelines;
– Weekly COVID-19 testing, or proof of vaccination is required;
– Exemplary interpersonal skills and excellent customer service;
– People with lived experience of incarceration, recovery, homelessness, and those
who identify as Trans or LGBQ+ are strongly encouraged to apply
PAD provides a salary of $40,000, comprehensive benefits, and a strong vacation policy in a
people-centered environment.
APPLICATION:
1) A cover letter which:
a) describes your approach to outreach and case management
b) gives an example of harm reduction from your own experience
2) A resume
DEADLINE: Rolling until filled.
SUBMISSION: Send in PDF format to jobs@atlantapad.org
The Policing Alternatives and Diversion Initiative is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All
qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color,
religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, military status, age, qualified
handicap, or disabled status. We are committed to providing a workplace free of any
discrimination or harassment