Peer Support Specialist - ODR Housing

Heart Forward LA is a community-based organization working at the intersection of mental health, social connection, and systems reform. Inspired by the world-renowned Trieste, Italy model of community-based mental health care, our work centers Radical Hospitality, mutual accompaniment, and thriving across supportive housing, re-entry, and the broader behavioral health system.

Supported by a year-long grant from the Hilton Foundation, Heart Forward is now expanding its work to evaluate residential environments associated with the Office of Diversion and Reentry (ODR). Heart Forward will be engaging residents in two ODR pilot houses with a model that weaves together peer support, community integration, and Radical Hospitality.

WHY THIS ROLE EXISTS

Research is clear: 40% of whether people thrive is directly related to the quality and quantity of social support in their lives. For people with mental health conditions navigating re-entry from incarceration alongside substance use recovery, the gap between surviving and flourishing is often not a clinical one—it is relational.

That is why this Peer Support Specialist role is not a complement to the team—it is a cornerstone of it. Peer support is a distinct, irreplaceable intervention—not clinical services by another name, but a stand-alone practice built on mutuality, lived experience, and the healing power of one person witnessing another's journey toward self-determination.

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Peer Support Specialist will work alongside staff, community volunteers and residents in two ODR houses to build trusting relationships, activate hope, and co-create a culture of Radical Hospitality. The ideal candidate will bring relevant lived experience, peer support skills, and a commitment to person-centered, trauma-informed practice in service of residents' goals and wellbeing.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This position requires the occasional flexibility to work evenings and weekends.

Work is performed in a variety of settings including two ODR homes (one in North Hollywood and a second in mid-city), community locations, and Heart Forward’s Third Place in East Hollywood.

The role may involve working in environments where residents are experiencing crisis, behavioral health challenges, or overdose-related risk, with staff support, training, and supervision provided.

WHAT HEART FORWARD OFFERS

A mission-driven, peer-centered culture where your lived experience is not a liability to manage—it is the heart of the work.

Meaningful connection to a cross-site network of community builders committed to changing the culture of mental health, one relationship at a time.

Investment in your professional growth through peer support training, evidence-based practices, and continued learning opportunities.

PEER SUPPORT & RELATIONSHIP BUILDING

Build authentic, trusting relationships with residents through consistent, dignified presence—meeting people where they are, not where we wish them to be.

Use peer support principles, mutuality, and appropriate self-disclosure to communicate hope, support self-determination, and build authentic relationships with residents.

Use motivational approaches to support residents in identifying their own goals—recovery, family reconnection, education, employment—and co-create meaningful steps toward them.

Identify and lift up residents' strengths, skills, and interests; create leadership opportunities and meaningful roles through which they can experience themselves as contributors, not just recipients.

Model recovery-oriented practice, healthy boundaries, and wellness-supporting strategies consistent with peer support principles and organizational expectations.

COMMUNITY INTEGRATION & RADICAL HOSPITALITY

Actively cultivate a culture of Radical Hospitality in the ODR houses—a posture in which every resident is seen, heard, held safe, and invited to exercise their voice.

Coordinate and participate in on-site community activities (such as cooking classes, garden projects, art, music, social gatherings, etc.) that build genuine belonging.

Plan and accompany residents on community excursions that connect them to the broader fabric of Los Angeles life.

Support residents in navigating community resources—housing services, benefits, employment, peer support groups, and health care—and accompany them when support and guidance are needed.

Facilitate connections to structured self-help support groups (including 12-Step and other peer-led formats), accompanying residents when needed.

Participate in Heart Forward activities across other sites—the Third Place at Willow Brook, the Radical Hospitality Initiative at The Mark Twain, Bel Air Guest Home, and Villas at Gower—building synergies and cross-site learning.

VOLUNTEER COORDINATION SUPPORT

Work with the Associate Director to help identify and recruit community volunteers who reflect Heart Forward's values of dignity, mutuality, and unconditional hospitality.

Support volunteer orientation, training, and scheduling to ensure consistent, meaningful volunteer engagement in the houses.

Maintain a master calendar of activities, volunteer involvement, and community programming.

DOCUMENTATION & ADMINISTRATIVE

Track and report engagement data in accordance with program requirements: Maintain field notes of interactions with participants (subject to applicable permissions) to inform Heart Forward's program learning and funder reporting.

Secure necessary permissions for photos, surveys, and program documentation associated with the project.

Operate within the program budget; maintain receipts and seek reimbursement for approved expenses.

Attend Heart Forward organizational meetings, including Team meetings and Board and Peer Advisory Council gatherings.

QUALIFICATIONS

Demonstrated lived experience relevant to peer support work ( incarceration and recovery from substance use), with the ability to use that experience appropriately and professionally in support of others.

Demonstrated understanding and experience with crisis management, recovery models, and trauma-informed care.

Ability to relate effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds, especially people who have experienced mental health challenges, incarceration, homelessness, poverty, or active substance use.

Models healthy recovery behaviors.

1–3+ years of direct peer support experience.

Excellent communication, de-escalation, and active listening skills.

California Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Certification (required at hire or within 90 days of start date, per California Mental Health Services Authority).

STRONGLY PREFERRED

Training or demonstrated competency in evidence-based peer support practices (e.g., Advanced Peer Specialist Training or equivalent certification).

Experience working alongside people with co-occurring mental health and substance use challenges, justice involvement, or housing instability.

Familiarity with the ODR system, LA County behavioral health resources, or re-entry services.

Ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams and across multiple community settings.

Reliable transportation and the ability to travel between program sites and community locations as needed.