Open to opportunities

Joel Richards

@joelrichards

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Peer recovery specialist and youth-focused data analyst driving improved homeless services outcomes.

United States

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What I'm looking for

I seek a youth-focused role combining HMIS administration, peer recovery work, and training to improve program outcomes and support career pathways.

I am a peer recovery specialist and community health worker with hands-on experience designing youth-centered HMIS data standards and delivering technical support across multiple agencies. I bring lived-experience informed practice to program implementation, training, and system navigation.

At the Rhode Island Coalition to End Homelessness I managed HMIS administration for eight YHDP agencies, led recurring trainings, conducted data quality assessments, and executed a regional Point-in-Time Count that increased surveyed clients by 25%. I combine data stewardship with direct engagement of youth experiencing homelessness to improve service delivery and funding compliance.

I also facilitate workforce readiness programs for foster youth, provide one-on-one career coaching, and have supported statewide technical assistance and national professional development initiatives. I prioritize culturally responsive, peer-informed approaches to advance equitable outcomes for young people.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Youth Leader

Current

Foster Forward

Jan 2024 - Present (2 years)

Facilitates the Works Wonders career-readiness class and provides individualized 12-week career coaching and coordinates paid work-based learning experiences to increase employment readiness for current and former foster youth.

Career Coaching Workshop Facilitation Workforce Development Youth Engagement Case Management

HMIS Liaison

Rhode Island Coalition to End Homelessness

Jun 2024 - Aug 2025 (1 year 2 months)

Designed youth-specific HMIS data standards and managed system administration across 8 YHDP agencies, improving reporting, user adoption, and compliance; led PIT Count coordination that increased surveyed clients by 25% in the Pawtucket region.

HMIS Administration Program Evaluation PIT Count Coordination User Support Stakeholder Engagement

Front Desk Associate

Homewood Suites by Hilton

Mar 2023 - Nov 2023 (8 months)

Performed front desk operations and conducted financial audits to ensure accurate financial reporting and maintain hotel financial integrity.

Customer Service Front Desk Operations Financial Auditing Cash Handling Attention To Detail

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

House of Hope

Certificate, Peer Recovery/Community Health

Completed a RICB-reviewed 112-hour Peer Recovery Specialist & Community Health Worker course focused on peer mentoring, advocacy, care coordination, and culturally responsive service delivery.