Bilingual Peer Support Specialist

HIV Alliance•Eugene, OR

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Peer Support Specialist (PSS) will work directly with people who use drugs (PWUD) identified at syringe exchange, street outreach and through referrals from community partners. The PSS will play a critical role in utilizing harm reduction strategies and motivational interviewing to empower clients to take steps to reduce their risk for overdose, improve their health, and access treatment. PSSs will work in collaboration with a network of community providers to mitigate the negative impact of substance abuse on PWUD via evidence-based services and resources that reduce risks for HIV/HCV and opioid overdose, promote recovery, and improve general health outcomes.

Requirements

Lived experience and knowledge of addiction and harm reduction principles
Current Peer Support Specialist or Certified Recovery Mentor certification from a State-approved training program, OR be able and willing to become certified immediately
Meets the definition of a Peer as defined by the State of Oregon Administrative Rule: self-identified person currently or formerly receiving mental health services; OR a self-identified person in recovery from a substance abuse disorder, who meet the abstinence requirements for recovering staff in alcohol and other drug treatment programs
Minimum 1 year of experience working with clients who have substance use difficulties using harm reduction strategies in all interactions and interventions
Minimum 1 year of experience working in a social service or behavioral health setting that includes documentation and record keeping
Willingness to engage in conversations about HIV/HCV risk including sex and injection drug use
Ability to work independently and meet deadlines, good time management skills
Basic computer and keyboard proficiency using Microsoft Office software
Complete and pass a criminal history background check
Applicants in recovery from substance abuse must have a minimum of 2 years in recovery
Must not be listed on the Medicaid provider exclusion list
TB test (provided at agency)
Valid Oregon driver’s license, or valid out of state driver’s license with the ability to get an Oregon driver’s license within 30 days of establishing residency in Oregon, and a driving record sufficient to be covered by agency auto insurance policy.
Ability to pass agency criminal background check

Nice To Haves

Bilingual candidates are eligible for an additional $1.50 Bilingual Differential.

Responsibilities

Coordinate with and accept client referrals internal and external sources
Provide street outreach and outreach to clients at syringe exchanges, including providing harm reduction education/supplies and offering basic needs assistance, to engage clients in peer support services
Engage with clients in office and community based locations, in person. Apply person-centered principles to build relationships, trust, and rapport
Assess client needs and develop goal/action plans accordingly
Refer clients to substance use treatment/MAT and complete a warm hand-off
Utilize cultural competency, active listening, and motivational interviewing skills to provide ongoing assistance to clients in reaching their stability or treatment goals
Establish relationships and coordinate with agencies to provide intensive care coordination
Provide transportation and accompany clients to appointments to facilitate access to treatment and other services and resources
Promote/educate on harm reduction methods, including naloxone and fentanyl test strips, that reduce risks for opioid overdose
Connect all clients who test positive for HIV or HCV with a confirmation screening and medical care
Navigate clients to additional services and resources, including health insurance, basic needs services, and housing assistance
Maintain up-to-date HIV knowledge
Enroll clients in Oregon Health Plan or other insurance programs
Complete chart notes for client encounters and submit all program paperwork in a professional, timely manner
Work closely with other Peer Support Specialists to maximize the quality of service
Attend regular clinical supervision meetings
Ability to use personal cell phone to run agency phone system software, MFA, etc.
Other tasks as assigned, including training/cross-training other staff as needed