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 MDC’s mission, values, and commitment to trauma-informed services.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

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