Peer Support Specialist – Addictions Outreach

Options for Southern Oregon • Medford, OR

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

A Peer Support Specialist (PSS) in Addictions Outreach is a self-identified person in recovery from an addiction that works as part of the mobile outreach team. The Outreach PSS provides outreach and engagement activities to individuals with behavioral health needs that are hesitant to engage in treatment. This position works to develop a positive rapport with individuals in need, demonstrating a caring and empathic manner, which assists in building trust and facilitating entry into needed treatment. This position is primarily works in the community with Options personnel and community partners to outreach and engage clients in need of behavioral health services. This position will collaborate with community partners to help the individual in need access resources available to them.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent and a general understanding of the population served.
• Self-identify as an individual in recovery, for at least one year, from a substance use disorder who meets the abstinence requirements for recovering staff in substance use disorders treatment and recovery programs.
• Knowledge and skills sufficient for establishing effective relationships with clients who have addictions in order to support them in their own recovery.
• Must be eligible to become certified as an Addictions Peer Support Specialist on the State registry.
• Must be eligible to become a Certified Recovery Mentor (CRM) on the MHACBO registry.
• Attend required trainings for certification when available.
• Candidates must be able to use e-mail, compose documents, save and locate documents electronically, and learn to use our Electronic Health Record (EHR) system.
• Must pass state-required background and DMV checks; possess a valid OR driver's license and a satisfactory driving record to be approved for driving rights.
• Possess mature attitude and sensitivity to the needs of people who have a chronic mental illness; understanding of HIPAA laws regarding confidentiality of privileged information; ability to follow verbal and written instructions; ability to work independently and with staff as agency needs dictate.

Nice To Haves

• Some post-secondary coursework preferred.
• Certification prior to hire preferred.
• Proficiency in Word and other MS Office applications preferred.
• Bilingual skills a plus; Options pays a premium for employees who can conduct business in Spanish and provide certification of a language proficiency test approved by the Oregon Health Authority that meets a proficiency level of “Intermediate High” or “Low Intermediate+” depending on the testing site.

Responsibilities

• Utilizes excellent communication and interpersonal skills to make the process of learning about services and accessing services a positive experience for each individual.
• Outreaches to clients and uses motivational interviewing to engage clients in needed services.
• Assists individuals in problem solving around personal issues impacting their ability to access services (i.e. transportation, remembering appointments).
• Assists individuals seeking services to complete required paperwork.
• Performs outreach activities that may include program participation screening, provides education on services and gathers relevant information from individuals.
• Serves as liaison to community resources, and assists clients in using these resources to enhance their independent living skills.
• Informs lead staff persons, clinicians, program managers and other pertinent parties of clients' needs or concerns.
• Monitors safety and security of the environment.
• Assists in management of behavioral emergencies.
• Keeps up-to-date documentation, answers phones, enters information into computer, may assist with scheduling appointments.
• Performs outreach both via phone and in person in the community to promote engagement in services.
• Transports clients to facilitate client-directed services, travels between sites and is required to drive.

Benefits

• Family medical, dental, long-term disability, 403(b) plan with 6% match, and more.
• Generous paid time off policy. (Annual accrual up to 208 hours - based on FTE status and available to use upon accrual). Plus, 11 paid holidays annually.
• Position may be eligible for loan repayment program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED