Peer Support Outreach Specialist

Job Title(s): Peer Support Outreach Specialist 

Department: Programs

Reports To: Support Services Clinical Manager  

Direct Reports: NA

Classification: Exempt

Date: 3/3/26

Company Overview

Founded in 2017, Covenant House Illinois (CHIL) provides critical protection and resources for youth ages 18-24 experiencing homelessness throughout Chicagoland and across Illinois. To date, CHIL has served nearly 2,000 young people, administering tailored, wraparound services, including interim and transitional shelter, workforce and education programming, clinical case management, life-skills training, and more to help youth permanently escape the cycle of homelessness. CHIL's programs and services are youth affirming, supportive, and rooted in harm reduction and trauma-sensitive care. With a newly renovated campus on Chicago’s west side and a recently enacted three-year strategic plan outlining a comprehensive vision of program expansion and service innovation, CHIL is uniquely positioned to meet the emerging needs of young people experiencing housing instability and provide the resources and care they need to achieve sustainable independence. 

Primary Responsibilities:

The Peer Support Outreach Specialist utilizes lived experience and professional knowledge to engage youth experiencing homelessness in a trauma-informed, strengths-based manner, building trust and rapport while identifying barriers to housing and long-term stability. The role provides direct outreach and support across a variety of settings, including streets, shelters, hospitals, and other community locations, and requires travel throughout the city to ensure consistent, face-to-face engagement. Working collaboratively with an interdisciplinary team, community partners, and local stakeholders, the Peer Support Outreach Specialist delivers coordinated, client-centered services aligned with organizational values and best practices to support positive, sustainable outcomes.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities: (Covenant House Illinois reserves the right to unilaterally modify, remove, or add to any of the following)

1. Mission and Standards of Procedure
   • Services must be rendered to youth in a culturally competent manner consistent with CHIL Mission, Principles, and Core Values, and Program Model.
   • Provide street-based outreach, housing navigation, and supportive services to young adults experiencing homelessness.
   • Provide support and assistance to youth in accessing resources in the community.
   • Establish and maintain professional and positive relationships with staff, youth, and community providers.
   • Adhere to housing first and harm reduction models of advocacy with youth.
   • Conduct interactions with youth and other professionals in a respectful and courteous manner.
   • Ensure all outreach activities are conducted in a trauma-informed manner, prioritizing safety, dignity, and respect for youth.
   • Participate in staff meetings, trainings, program evaluation, and program development.
   • Participate in holiday and weekend rotations to ensure clinical support is available 24/7.
   • Other duties as assigned.
2. Outreach & Community Engagement
   • Perform outreach activities including engaging and developing rapport with youth experiencing homelessness by modeling personal responsibility, self-advocacy and hopefulness
   • Develop and maintain strong ties to the community, law enforcement, and other youth and homeless service providers.
   • Respond to social media and email inquiries for youth seeking shelter and services.
   • Connect clients with resources related to housing, employment, and additional treatment options.
   • Assist clients in managing appointments with mental health professionals.
   • Report concerns regarding client health, safety, or well-being to the care team.
3. Documentation and Record Keeping
   • Keep highly organized files for each youth.
   • Enter appropriate data into applicable data systems (e.g., HMIS, ETO).
   • Participate in case conferencing meetings and other community meetings.
   • Perform follow-ups and wellness checks on outreach and aftercare youth and on all new referrals.
4. Client Support
   • Engage youth in different states of un-housed, from unsheltered housing to temporary housing arrangements, to support housing permanence.
   • Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of client interactions.
   • Prepare recovery reviews to document client progress and update client files.
   • Uphold strict client confidentiality and adhere to all privacy regulations.
   • Support with job applications or resume compilation
   • Advocate on behalf of youth and support them to advocate on their behalf
   • Attend appointments as requested and needed for the outreach and aftercare youth.
5. Trauma-Informed Care
   • Meet with mental health professionals to assist in establishing and implementing individualized treatment plans.
   • Provide coaching, emotional support, and guidance to clients individually and in group support sessions.
   • Ensure all outreach activities are conducted in a trauma-informed manner, prioritizing safety, dignity, and respect for youth.
   • Foster a supportive, non-judgmental environment that promotes trust and encourages youth to seek assistance.
   • Support youth during crisis moments using trauma-informed crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques.
   • Assist and support youth in maintaining cooperative and effective relationships with case managers and other service providers.
   • Listen attentively to youth needs and suggestions and address their issues fairly and professionally, coordinating with immediate supervisor for supervision.
6. Self-Care and Professional Development
   • Participate in staff meetings, trainings, conferences, program evaluation, and program development.
   • Engage in regular supervision and performance check-ins to support growth and professional development.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Minimum of a High School or GED diploma and 3-5 years of relevant experience such as working with at-risk youth, in community or social services settings.
• Must have prior lived experience as an unhoused youth
• Ability to accurately enter and manage data in ETO, HMIS, or other databases.
• Experience providing street-based services to highly vulnerable populations.
• Knowledge of local systems of care and available resources to support youth transitions.
• National Certified Peer Specialist (NCPS) certified preferred

Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to provide empathetic support and maintain professional boundaries.
• Knowledge of local community resources and mental health services.
• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and ethical standards.
• Strong interpersonal skills to interact positively with clients and members of the treatment team
• Observational skills to interpret demeanor and spot signs of distress or crisis
• Active listening skills to engage in productive conversations and lead effective group sessions
• Organizational skills to maintain complete, accurate records for multiple clients
• Problem-solving skills to help clients overcome obstacles to their continued recovery
• Writing skills to produce clear, concise recovery reports
• Computer skills to utilize email, word processing and records-management software
• Basic understanding of best practices for substance use and mental health counseling

Working Conditions:

• Ability to work a flexible schedule as required including non-traditional hours, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to work standing, walking, and/or sitting a minimum of eight hours per day/shift. 
• Ability to drive agency or personal vehicles to transport items and/or persons.
• Valid Illinois Driver’s License with acceptable driving record.
• Must be able to successfully complete and pass a background check in accordance with organizational policy and applicable laws.
• Ability to travel as needed for training or to fulfill job requirements.
• Light lifting.
• Performs all duties as assigned.
• Annual tuberculin test is required.

At Covenant House Illinois, diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the heart of our mission. We know that a team with varied backgrounds and perspectives is stronger and better equipped to serve our youth. That’s why we foster a culture where every team member feels valued, heard, and supported. 

We are committed to continuous learning, honest reflection, and creating opportunities for growth. 

Covenant House Illinois is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We base all employment decisions on qualifications and business needs—without regard to race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or any other protected status. Discrimination and harassment have no place here, and we welcome all qualified applicants to join our team.