Peer Support Specialist

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 through outcome-based strategies which support personal and community transformation.

SUMMARY: The Peer Support Specialist provides a variety of recovery-oriented services to individuals who self-identify as desiring peer support in order to promote greater independence, community integration and recovery from mental illness and/or addiction. Services provided by peers (people in addiction recovery or with co-occurring mental health disorders) include group activity planning, one-on-one meetings, and advocacy that contributes to a client's ability to engage in ongoing treatment and maintain their housing.

Hours: Wednesday - Saturday 3pm - 11pm, Sunday 12pm - 8pm

Where: Meridian Gardens

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Requires high school diploma, GED, or demonstrated ability to read and write at a sufficient level.
• Must be registered, prior to start, as a Certified Recovery Mentor (CRM) with MHACBO; OR be a certified Peer Support Specialist (PSS) AND registered as a Traditional Health Worker (THW) on the THW Registry.
• Experience with issues involving mental health preferred.
• Must 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. Must pass an initial drivers training, within 60 days of being an approved driver and continued recertification training.
• 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 Work Place Act 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.
• Will 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.

PREFERRED Qualifications

• Bi-lingual, Spanish-speaking preferred.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Participate in efforts to engage clients, which includes attending resident appointments, unit visits, and working in the building and in the community.
• Connect participants with local services and support programs.
• Advocate and provide referral services to ensure residents get access to a variety of services and benefits, including mental health and physical health services.
• Collaborate with treatment teams, agencies, client's support networks, and community providers to address the needs of residents.
• Assist with intakes, resident plans, discharges, and service referral follow-ups.
• Escort residents to their primary care provider and to other appointments when appropriate.
• Ensure timely completion of all required paperwork.
• Introduce clients to appropriate self-help support and other supportive services/activities.
• Conduct urinary analysis on clients as needed.
• Work to increase level of cultural sensitivity, awareness and competency regarding Person Centered and Peer Delivered Services.
• Document all peer contact at time of service.
• Work with program leadership team to develop and support new programming.
• Participate in group supervision as required.
• 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.
• Ability to learn how to appropriately respond to mental health crises
• Adhere to all state and federal privacy and security regulations applicable to the program, and to CCC policies and agreements regarding confidentiality, privacy, and security.
• Attend all mandatory CCC trainings in a timely manner.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

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 residents.
• Skills in de-escalation and peer delivered service provision.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and necessary paperwork.
• 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 paid 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!
• Excellent relocation package for those roles that qualify.
• Sabbatical Program offering extended time off at years 7, 14, and 21.

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.