Peer Mentor (Withdrawal Management/MAT Services)

Fora Health Inc•Portland, OR

7h•$25 - $27•Hybrid

About The Position

The role of the WM/MAT Peer Mentor is to provide mentoring, guidance and support for patients in two settings: those discharging from our 24-bed inpatient Withdrawal Management unit and those enrolled in our outpatient Medication for Addiction Treatment (MAT) and Ambulatory Withdrawal Management Programs. The Peer Mentor works closely with WM Case Coordinators and MAT Case Coordinators and is part of a larger interdisciplinary team that includes outreach coordinators, techs, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physicians. The peer also benefits from supervision and integration with the Fora Peer Mentor team. Program Operations Guidance is provided by the Medical Operations Director. Tasks are to be completed with little follow up from the Peer Mentor Supervisor or Medical Operations Director. Support takes the form of teamwork, weekly team meetings, and bi-weekly supervision (group or individual) from the Peer Mentor Supervisor with additional program specific meetings with the Medical Operation Director. The primary role of the WM/MAT Peer Mentor is: To serve as a personal guide and mentor for people seeking both to discontinue their substance use and to reduce harms from their substance use. Recognizing the need for human connection and support in all stages of change, the Peer provides emotional support; assisting with setting both recovery & harm reduction goals, restructuring life and daily schedule to accommodate goals; developing healthy support networks; and gaining access to services and community resources as needed. To meet patients as time and schedule allow in Inpatient Withdrawal Management Unit. To help patients connect with Fora outpatient SUD services To connect individuals to self-help community supports and provides encouragement to develop lasting relationships in such settings. To connect individuals to walk-in mental health or medical services as needed. To follow up by phone/text with patients in the community who are missing MAT medication appointments & provide support & coordination with MAT team members. To make home or phone visits to patients enrolled in the Ambulatory (OP) WM program and collaborate with AWM providers on care plans. To accompany patients carrying their methadone take-out doses to Fora WM, who are referred by OTPs for management of withdrawal from alcohol, benzodiazepines, or stimulants. To attend community meetings and promote program awareness and outreach. Working collaboratively with WM & MAT case coordinators, Residential Admissions team, and Outreach workers to facilitate smooth and pleasant transitions among all levels of care at Fora Health. To collaborate with IMPACT and Emergency Department peers at OHSU Hospitals to support smooth transitions for patients between Fora inpatient hospital stays.

Requirements

Certification through a recognized certification board (e.g., MHACBO, State of Oregon CRM, PSS, THW). Internal hires have 6 months to attain certification; external hires need to be certified upon hire. All hires must maintain certification.
Demonstrate genuine concern for people struggling with substance use disorders.
Ability to treat all people and agencies with dignity and respect.
Work effectively within a team environment and be willing to receive and act upon feedback.
Relate to patients, families, and staff in an open-minded and non-judgmental manner.
Stay calm, alert, and emotionally available in a high-risk environment, effectively de-escalating as needed.
Maintain appropriate professional boundaries.
Demonstrate strong verbal communication and active listening skills.
Creatively solve problems and serve as a resource (or know where to find resources) to patients and families.
Demonstrate initiative, self-confidence, and serve as a substance-abstinent role model.
Model and encourage direct professional communication.
For employees with a history of substance use disorder, certification of a minimum of two years of sobriety is required.
Ability to pass a pre-employment or for cause drug test.
Ability to pass DHS criminal background and DMV checks.
Regular connection to work via cell phone to answer questions and respond to internal and external contacts.
Flexibility to work a variety of shifts including early morning, late night, and weekends.

Nice To Haves

Peer Wellness Specialist Certification

Responsibilities

Serve as a personal guide and mentor for people seeking to discontinue substance use and reduce harms from substance use.
Provide emotional support, assist with setting recovery and harm reduction goals, restructure life and daily schedules, develop healthy support networks, and gain access to services and community resources.
Meet patients in the Inpatient Withdrawal Management Unit as time and schedule allow.
Help patients connect with Fora outpatient SUD services.
Connect individuals to self-help community supports and provide encouragement to develop lasting relationships.
Connect individuals to walk-in mental health or medical services as needed.
Follow up by phone/text with patients in the community who are missing MAT medication appointments and provide support and coordination with MAT team members.
Make home or phone visits to patients enrolled in the Ambulatory (OP) WM program and collaborate with AWM providers on care plans.
Accompany patients carrying their methadone take-out doses to Fora WM, who are referred by OTPs for management of withdrawal from alcohol, benzodiazepines, or stimulants.
Attend community meetings and promote program awareness and outreach.
Work collaboratively with WM & MAT case coordinators, Residential Admissions team, and Outreach workers to facilitate smooth transitions among all levels of care at Fora Health.
Collaborate with IMPACT and Emergency Department peers at OHSU Hospitals to support smooth transitions for patients between Fora inpatient hospital stays.
Work under the supervision of the Peer Mentor Supervisor and in conjunction with the Medical Operations Director.
Attend weekly Withdrawal Management & MAT Operations Meetings.
Chart care coordination planning as appropriate in electronic medical record.
Follow agency policies and procedures.
Attend training and meetings as scheduled and required by supervisor.
Drive a company car responsibly if deemed eligible.
Complete special projects and other duties as assigned.