Peer Support Specialist - Represented

Central City Concern is an innovative nonprofit agency providing comprehensive services to single adults and families in the Portland metro area who are impacted by homelessness, poverty and addictions. We hire people that are skilled and passionate to meet our mission to end homelessness through outcome-based strategies which support personal and community transformation.

The Stabilization for Treatment Program Peer Support Specialist works independently and as a member of a team to provide community and home/facility-based health, recovery, and housing support services to individuals who are chronically homeless. The Peer Support Specialist will escort and provide transportation for clients to initial post detox treatment episodes, primary care providers, parole or probation appointments, twelve-step meetings, and other outside support meetings. The Peer Support Specialist will work with STP/DCJ/MHASD case management staff and supervisor.

Location: 508 NW 5th Avenue, Portland, OR 97209

Schedule: Friday 11:00am-3:00pm, Saturday 11:00pm-7:30am, Sunday 11:00pm-7:30am

Seniority Bid Window Closes: 2/3/2025

Compensation: starting at $23.36/hour

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Must be registered, prior to start, as a Certified Recovery Mentor (CRM); OR be a Peer Support Specialist (PSS) or Peer Wellness Specialist (PWS) AND registered as a Traditional Health Worker (THW) on the THW registry.
• Possess a current driver's license, pass a DMV background check and be designated an "acceptable" driver as outlined in Central City Concern's Fleet Safety Policy and pass an initial driver training within 60 days of being an approved driver with continued recertification training.
• Experience with issues involving addiction required.
• Ability to adhere to Central City Concern's drug-free workplace which encourages a safe, healthy and productive work environment and strictly complies with the Drug-Free Workplace Ace of 1988. An employee shall not, in the workplace, unlawfully manufacture, distribute, dispense, possess or use a controlled substance or alcohol.
• Flexible work schedule required, including some evening and weekend work.
• May be required to carry an agency cell phone for work use. Cell phone will be provided by Central City Concern.
• Must pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check.
• Physical ability to bend, stoop, kneel, squat, twist, reach, pull and lift heavy objects.
• Must be able to climb stairs several times a day.
• Sufficient manual dexterity and physical ability to perform assigned tasks.
• Must adhere to agency's non-discrimination policies.
• Ability to effectively interact with co-workers and clients who have diverse ethnic or cultural backgrounds, religious views, political affiliations, lifestyles and sexual orientation and treat each person with respect and dignity.
• Must not actively be on parole or probation.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Participate in outreach efforts to engage clients, including appointments, resource referrals, and work in the community.
• Interact with clients over course of shift as appropriate.
• Develop relationships with organizations, providers, community leaders, and advocacy groups.
• Connect participants with services and supports.
• Collaborate with case management team, agencies, client's support networks, and community providers to address the needs of clients.
• Assist with screenings, intakes, treatment plans, discharges, and follow-up calls
• Escort clients to initial treatment episodes, to primary care provider, and to other providers when appropriate.
• Follow up with STP/DCJ/ MHASD case management staff about referral resources to determine outcome of intervention.
• Maintain records on client progress.
• Introduce clients to appropriate self-help support and other supportive services/activities.
• Conduct urinary analysis on clients as needed.
• Advocate to assure that clients get access to a variety of services and benefits, including mental health and physical health services.
• Work within scope of training and experience and seek consultation when appropriate.
• Relationship/trust building with treatment staff.
• Participate in training opportunities to advance skills and knowledge in mental health and addiction.
• Adhere to all state and federal privacy regulations, including HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2, and to CCC policies and agreements regarding confidentiality, privacy, and security. Support compliance with all privacy and security requirements pursuant to community partners' and outside providers' patient confidentiality agreements, including privacy
• and security requirements for EMR access. This includes immediately reporting any breach of protected health information or personal identification information of any person receiving CCC services by CCC or an outside provider to the CCC Compliance Department, as well as to your supervisor or their designee.
• Gather, edit, and refine program boilerplates and impact data. Help to keep files organized and updated.
• Adhere to all CCC policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Attend all required meetings and trainings.
• Perform related duties as assigned, within the scope of the role.

SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Ability to consider the impacts and outcomes for underserved communities during decision-making process.
• Ability to consider impacts of oppression, structural racism, and individual bias on client outcomes.
• Ability to provide appropriate services for clients.
• Ability to learn how to respond to mental health crises in a clinically and culturally appropriate way.
• Skills in program planning, including the development of goals, objectives, timelines, scheduling and evaluation.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and necessary paperwork.
• Ability to work in an environment where people may exhibit behaviors that could be considered aggressive and/or hostile.
• Ability to manage time and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work courteously and communicate effectively with the general public, clients, other community service providers, medical personnel, corrections personnel and co-workers.
• Ability to learn and apply training instruction.
• Knowledge of de-escalation methods or ability to be trained in de-escalation methods.
• Conflict resolution skills.
• Knowledge and skills in chemical dependency and crisis intervention.
• Proficient with computers.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.

Benefits: Central City Concern offers an incredible benefits package to our Regular/FT employees:

• Generous paid time off plan which provides up to 4 weeks of PTO accrual in the first year. Accrual increases with longevity.
• Amazing 403(b) Retirement Savings plan with competitive employer match with 4.25% in the first year, 6% in the second year, and 8% in the 3rd year.
• 11 recognized Holidays PLUS 2 Personal Holidays to be used at the employee's discretion.
• Comprehensive Medical, Vision, and Dental insurance coverage.
• Employer Paid Life, Short Term Disability, AND Long Term Disability Insurance!

This description is intended to provide a snapshot of the work performed and is not designed to contain a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of the position.

As an agency deeply rooted in recovery, part of our policy and commitment to a drug and alcohol-free workplace includes post-offer, pre-employment drug screens. Please note we follow Federal Guidelines regarding prohibited substances, even for those legal at the state level.

Central City Concern is a second chance employer and complies with applicable laws regarding consideration of criminal background for employment purposes. Government regulations, contractual requirements, or the duties of this job may require CCC to conduct a background check and take appropriate action to address prior criminal convictions.