Mental Health Peer Support Specialist (PSS) SUD Program Sites - MH066

Native American Rehabilitation Assoc. of the NW•Gresham, OR

1d•$22 - $29•Onsite

About The Position

The Mental Health Peer Support Specialist provides peer support, case management, and community support services (assistance with maintaining income, housing, basic needs, independent living skills, crisis intervention, and care coordination) for NARA NW clients. Works as a part of the Mental Health team and in close collaboration with the Addictions and Outreach teams, Medical services, and other NARA NW programs. Assists clients and providers in developing and implementing strengths-based service plans for case management and community-based services.

Requirements

Associates or Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, counseling, or other related field.
Must hold a Peer Wellness Specialist or Peer Support Specialist certification and be registered with the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) Traditional Healthcare Worker Registry.
At least one year of professional experience working with individuals experiencing mental health and/or substance use disorders.
Knowledge of community resources and entitlement programs.
Knowledge and understanding of mental illness, medications, symptoms, and treatments.
Ability to engage and interact positively with consumers to promote strengths and improve health and well-being.
Initiative to communicate effectively in coordinating care.
Excellent communication skills.
Knowledge and skill in working in a multi-cultural environment.
Ability to pass a pre-employment or for cause drug tests.
Ability to pass criminal background and DMV checks.
Reliable transportation, current driver’s license with a clean driving record, and proof of auto insurance.

Nice To Haves

Experience working within the Native American/Alaska Native community is considered a plus.

Responsibilities

Provide peer support, case management, and community-based services to clients living with mental health concerns that significantly affect their functioning.
Assist with obtaining benefits such as insurance and Social Security benefits, SNAP, job training, housing, health care, socialization, and other community resources as identified in a strengths-based plan.
Provide skills training, such as finance management, medication management, disease/illness management, self-advocacy, applying for housing, applying for jobs, use of public transportation, nutrition, hygiene, etc.
Targeted crisis intervention in collaboration with clients’ primary behavioral health and medical providers.
Monitor well-being of clients in the community setting on a routine basis as determined by service plan (outreach).
Provide a warm handoff for clients who are being referred to internal and external resources, (e.g. attending first appointments with client at health clinic, addictions intake, housing, cultural activities, etc.).
Coordination of care – actively initiate and maintain communication and collaboration with all members of client’s support system and service team as permitted by the client.
Assist clients with SUD in finding AA/NA meetings and other recovery supports, in close collaboration with Recovery Support Services and Outreach Team.

Benefits

14 Paid Holidays: New Years Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Battle of Little Big Horn, Independence Day, Labor Day, Native American Day, Indigenous Peoples’ Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, day after Thanksgiving, and December 25th!
Employees working 20 hours, or more are eligible for benefits. Benefits are effective from the 1st of the month following the date of hire.
Affordable Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance through Kaiser Permanente
14 Paid Holidays (Listed Above)
13 Paid Days of Sick Time
13 Paid Days of PTO (Vacation accruals increase with years of service to a maximum of 26 days)
$50,000 Life Insurance & AD&D
Short Term and Long-Term Disability
Flexible Spending Account
Health Spending Account
401(k) with 4% Match
Employee Assistance Program
Inclement Weather Days (Snow Days)
Public Student Loan Forgiveness -NARA NW is a local 501(c)3 nonprofit, FQHC