Peer Navigator
About The Position
Ideal Option is seeking a Peer Navigator for Lane County, Oregon. The role supports the organization’s work providing low-barrier, evidence-based treatment for opioid use disorder. The Peer Navigator uses lived recovery experience and strong engagement skills to build trust with individuals facing homelessness, substance use disorders, justice system involvement, and other barriers to care. The position provides outreach, advocacy, peer support, care coordination, and documentation of services. The Peer Navigator responds with EMS and community partners to address non-medical social and behavioral health needs, connects people with local resources, and helps them navigate complex systems. The role collaborates with healthcare, behavioral health, public safety, housing, and community organizations while maintaining confidentiality and professional boundaries.
Requirements
- High school diploma or GED.
- At least two years clean and sober, with lived recovery experience.
- Experience working with vulnerable populations, including people experiencing homelessness, substance use disorders, mental illness, and justice system involvement.
- Strong communication, interpersonal, and de-escalation skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
- Basic computer and documentation skills.
- Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
- Must live in Lane County, Oregon, and be familiar with local resources and service systems.
Nice To Haves
- Experience serving populations impacted by extreme poverty, behavioral health conditions, and mental illness using a harm reduction model of care.
- Certified Recovery Mentor (CRM).
- Qualified Mental Health Associate (QMHA).
- Previous Forensic Peer Endorsement experience.
- Ability to respectfully engage and develop a working alliance with the people being served.
- Compassionate, trauma-informed approach to supporting individuals with diverse needs and experiences.
- Ability to maintain strong professional boundaries while fostering trust and rapport.
- Cultural humility and respect when working with individuals from diverse backgrounds and communities.
- Skill in engaging and building relationships with individuals who may be hesitant or resistant to services.
- Dependable, adaptable, and proactive in identifying solutions and responding to changing situations.
Responsibilities
- Respond alongside EMS and community partners to assist individuals with non-medical social and behavioral health needs.
- Conduct outreach and engagement with individuals experiencing homelessness, substance use disorders, mental health challenges, and food insecurity.
- Connect individuals to emergency and transitional housing, substance use treatment, Medication Assisted Treatment services, mental health services, food and clothing resources, transportation, and benefits assistance.
- Provide peer support, encouragement, and recovery-oriented coaching.
- Assist individuals in navigating complex systems and overcoming barriers to services.
- Advocate for clients with community providers and partner agencies.
- Maintain accurate and timely documentation of client interactions, referrals, and follow-up activities.
- Collaborate with EMS personnel, hospitals, behavioral health providers, shelters, law enforcement, and community organizations.
- Participate in team meetings, case coordination, and ongoing training opportunities.
- Maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries in accordance with agency policies and HIPAA requirements.
Benefits
- Medical insurance
- Vision insurance
- Dental insurance
- Short-term and long-term disability options
- Life insurance
- Employee Assistance and Life Assistance programs
- 401(k) retirement program
- Pet insurance
- Paid time off
- Paid holidays
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Education Level
High school or GED
