Support Peer

JOB APPLICATION: SUPPORT PEER– PEER LIVED EXPERIENCE OF HOMELESSNESS Position: Support Peer Programme: Safe Sleeping Zone Location: Cape Town CBD Contract: Fixed-term / Part-time / Shift-based Closing Date: 17 September 2026 Reports to Social Development Manager / Programme Coordinator 1. PURPOSE OF THE POSITION The Support Peer will provide compassionate, respectful and practical support to people experiencing homelessness who access the Safe Sleeping Zone. The successful candidate will ideally have personal lived experience of homelessness, allowing them to connect with clients through empathy, understanding and shared experience. The role will use this experience positively to encourage clients to access support, improve their wellbeing and consider pathways towards shelter, family reunification, employment, skills development and longer-term reintegration. The Peer Support will contribute to maintaining a safe, respectful, sober and supportive environment for all clients accessing the programme. 2.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Client Care and Support
- Welcome clients in a respectful, non-judgemental and compassionate manner.
- Assist clients with settling into the Safe Sleeping Zone and understanding the rules and expectations.
- Provide basic emotional and practical support to clients.
- Monitor clients during the overnight period and identify concerns requiring intervention.
- Assist vulnerable clients, including older persons and clients experiencing distress.
- Encourage clients to engage with Social Development staff and appropriate support services.
- Support clients to access available services, including shelters, healthcare, social services, documentation assistance and employment opportunities.
- Use personal lived experience appropriately to encourage hope, resilience and positive change.
- Build positive relationships with clients based on trust, dignity and mutual respect.
- Act as a positive role model for clients who may be considering moving away from street homelessness.
- Share personal experiences selectively and appropriately where this may benefit a client.
- Encourage clients to make informed decisions about their own circumstances.
- Support harm-reduction and health-promoting approaches where appropriate.
- Recognise when a client requires professional assistance and refer concerns to the relevant staff member. Safety and Overnight Care
- Maintain a safe and orderly sleeping environment.
- Conduct regular observations of the sleeping area.
- Respond appropriately to emergencies and incidents in accordance with programme procedures.
- Report injuries, medical concerns, conflict, substance use, safeguarding concerns or other incidents immediately.
- Assist with emergency procedures and contacting the appropriate emergency services when required.
- Ensure that clients adhere to the Safe Sleeping Zone's rules regarding violence, weapons, alcohol and other substances.
- Assist with maintaining a clean and hygienic environment. Administration and Reporting
- Record client attendance/admissions and exits accurately.
- Complete basic incident and handover reports.
- Maintain confidentiality of client information.
- Participate in shift handovers and team meetings.
- Report concerns regarding clients, facilities, equipment or safety to the supervisor.
- Assist with basic stock control and care of programme resources. 3. REQUIRED EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS Essential
- Lived experience of homelessness or significant experience of navigating homelessness services.
- Ability to care for the elderly.
- A genuine commitment to supporting people experiencing homelessness.
- Good communication and interpersonal skills.
- Caring Course / Qualification.
- Ability to work respectfully with people from diverse backgrounds.
- Ability to remain calm and professional in challenging situations.
- Reliability and willingness to work shifts, including evenings, nights, weekends and public holidays.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.
- Basic literacy and numeracy.
- Ability to work as part of a team.
- A reliable cell phone Advantageous
- Previous experience working in a shelter, Safe Spaces, outreach programme, NGO or community-based service.
- Peer support experience.
- Experience in caregiving, community work or outreach.
- First Aid training.
- Basic mental health or substance-use training.
- Knowledge of local homelessness, health and social services. Formal qualifications are not necessarily required where the applicant can demonstrate strong relevant lived experience, reliability, interpersonal skills and the ability to perform the duties of the position. 4. PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES The successful candidate should be:
- Compassionate and empathetic
- Patient and respectful
- Non-judgemental
- Reliable and responsible
- Trustworthy
- Calm under pressure
- Able to maintain appropriate boundaries
- Resilient and emotionally mature
- A good listener
- Able to work with people who may be intoxicated, distressed, angry or vulnerable
- Committed to dignity, inclusion and human rights
- Able to use lived experience constructively without imposing their own experiences on clients 5. PEER LIVED EXPERIENCE Lived experience is considered a valuable asset to this position. The organisation recognises that people who have experienced homelessness can bring unique insight into the barriers, stigma and challenges faced by people living on the streets. However, the successful applicant will be expected to use their experience professionally and constructively. The role is not to act as a counsellor or social worker, but to provide peer support, practical assistance, encouragement and appropriate referral. The organisation will support the successful candidate to develop their professional skills and understand the responsibilities and boundaries associated with working in a care environment. 6.

WORKING HOURS
The position will require shift work, including:
- Night shifts
- Weekends
- Public holidays
- Additional shifts when required by the programme The candidate must be willing and able to work within the agreed shift schedule. 7. APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS Applicants should submit:
- A brief CV, if available.
- A short written application explaining:
- Why they are interested in the position;
- Their experience of homelessness and/or supporting people experiencing homelessness;
- What they believe they can contribute to the Safe Sleeping Zone; and
- Their availability to work shifts.
- Two references, where available. Applicants with lived experience are encouraged to apply even if they do not have formal qualifications or an extensive employment history. 8. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY We are committed to providing opportunities to people with lived experience and believe that peer workers can make an important contribution to effective homelessness services. All applications will be considered on the basis of suitability for the role, demonstrated capability, reliability, conduct and commitment to supporting vulnerable people. Please send two pages CV and motivational letter to recruitment@haven.org.za quoting "Application for Peer support role" in the subject line. Please note if all the relevant documentation (CV or motivational letter) is not attached to your application will not be considered. Work

Location:
In person