Samaritan Peer (Non-clinical Community Support Role)
About the Role
Samaritan is seeking individuals with lived experience with homelessness or poverty to serve as community support to Samaritan Members, supporting them in their journey towards stability in health, housing, and income. Samaritan Peers are assigned to regularly check-in and chat with Members via samaritan’s platform, providing consistent, relational support. Through thoughtful, trauma-informed messaging, Samaritan Peers help Members feel seen, encouraged, and supported over time.
This is a relationship-centered role. Samaritan Peers are trusted partners who show up reliably, communicate with care, and understand the responsibility of supporting vulnerable individuals.
Location: fully remote; City-based (Southern CA, Oakland, Sacramento, Louisville)
Commitment: Part-time 1099 contract role; the role is paid based on output, but we estimate Peers will spend 10-15 hours a week depending on availability & speed of writing; 1 year commitment with a strong chance of renewal
Compensation: $2.67 per Member per month; all Peers starting by supporting with 150 Members a month, which means average compensation is ~$400/month
What You’ll Do
Build trust-based relationships with assigned Members through consistent messaging
Initiate 1 conversation each week to Members via thoughtful and intentional messages
Personalize messages when possible: take note of, and refer to any personal details Members share
Upon receiving a response from a Member, respond at least within 48 hours, but ideally sooner when possible
Provide encouragement, reflection, and motivation using trauma-informed communication
Maintain appropriate boundaries and confidentiality
Participate in required training, coaching, and quality reviews
Training & Support
Two videos on trauma-informed communication
Monthly Care Circle Meeting: Peer support, coaching, and shared reflection
Ongoing feedback and coaching over email to support sustainable, high-quality work
Quality & Accountability
Messages are reviewed using a standardized rubric
A minimum message quality score is required each pay period to receive compensation for each individual supported
Samaritan is hiring Peers of any background & education. What qualifies an individual for this role is being reliable, emotionally grounded, and a strong written communicator.
Why this role Matters
Samaritan was built on one simple observation: unhoused neighbors were doing their best, but were repeatedly blocked by small, practical barriers. People on or near the streets told our founders they felt isolated and judged, and that even when services were technically available, progress fell apart over things like bus fare or phone minutes, or confusing paperwork, while their case managers carried heavy caseloads without flexible tools or funds.
Alongside flexible financial support and software that helps bridge those gaps in care, Samaritan Members receive steady encouragement from community members like you. For people experiencing homelessness or severe instability, isolation is often as limiting as poverty. Consistent human connection helps sustain engagement when progress feels slow. Your support reminds them that they’re not alone.
Pay: $400.00 - $500.00 per month
Work Location: Remote