Lead Housing Support Associate

Job Summary:

The Lead Housing Peer Counselor provides direct peer support services while serving as a lead worker for Housing Peer Counselors. This role supports day-to-day building operations by assisting with staff scheduling , on-call coverage, coaching, and workflow coordination , while continuing to promote tenant safety, stability, and engagement.

In addition to maintaining regular peer support and building safety duties, the Lead Housing Peer Counselor acts as a resource and mentor to peers, supports consistent implementation of policies and procedures, and assists management with communication, coverage planning, and issue escalation.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

- Provide peer support services to tenants using trauma-informed, recovery-oriented practices.

- Engage tenants using motivational support, empathy, and shared lived experience where appropriate.

- Assist tenants in accessing community resources, services, and supports.

- De-escalate conflicts and crisis situations in a calm and supportive manner.

- Facilitate or co-facilitate tenant activities, community engagement opportunities, and recovery-supportive events.

- Support tenants in understanding and complying with building rules and program expectations.

- Maintain a safe, sanitary living and work environment through routine floor checks, perimeter checks, and safety monitoring.

- Monitor common areas and building systems, including security cameras, to ensure tenant and building safety.

- Ensure only authorized individuals enter the building and that guests follow building policies.

- Respond to emergencies according to MDC policies and building safety procedures.

- Contact emergency services (911, police, fire, etc.) when necessary.

- Complete incident reports and required documentation in a timely manner.

- Complete maintenance requests and communicate building concerns to appropriate staff.

- Maintain building activity logs and documentation.

- Serve as a resource and mentor for Peer Counselors and Resident Peer Support staff.

- Assist the Housing Program Manager with communication of operational updates and procedures.

- Provide real-time guidance to staff during challenging tenant situations or building incidents.

- Support onboarding and orientation of new peer support staff.

- Assist in reinforcing MDC policies, safety procedures, and program expectations.

- Assist with shift coverage planning to support program continuity.

- Participate in a scheduled rotation for managing call-outs and assisting with coverage coordination.

- Help identify staffing gaps and notify management of operational needs.

- Provide flexible coverage across shifts or housing sites when needed.

- Support coordination of daily workflow and communication between shifts.

- Assist with maintaining common areas including light janitorial duties when necessary.

- Support inventory tracking for office and janitorial supplies.

- Facilitate access for vendors, contractors, and service providers.

- Participate in staff meetings and contribute to program improvement efforts.

- Communicate effectively with Care Coordinators, Property Management, and leadership.

- Support MDCs mission, values, and commitment to trauma-informed services.

- Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

- High School Diploma or GED

- At least 3 years of experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness, behavioral health challenges, or substance use recovery.

- Previous experience in peer support, supportive housing, or residential behavioral health programs.

- Current or anticipated Certified Peer Support Specialist Credential.

- Demonstrated leadership or mentoring experience.

- Knowledge of Pierce County behavioral health and housing resources.

- Demonstrated ability to use trauma-informed engagement and de-escalation techniques.

- First Aid, CPR and Food Handler Card

- Strong communication skills and ability to maintain professional boundaries.

- Must have valid/current Washington State driver’s license, reliable personal transportation and insurance.

- The incumbent must successfully pass a criminal background check which may include fingerprinting.

- Physically able to climb flights of stairs and carry up to 40 lbs.

- Experience with diverse, low-income or special needs population

- Ability to maintain confidentiality.

- Able to complete concise reporting.

- Working knowledge of computers and computer data entry processes