Peer Support Specialist (Multilingual)

Lutheran Community Services Northwest•Portland, OR

About The Position

Lutheran Community Services NW is a non-profit organization dedicated to serving communities throughout Washington, Oregon, and Idaho with a wide range of services for individuals of all ages and backgrounds. All LCSNW team members will contribute to our mission of partnering with individuals, families and communities for health, justice and hope WHAT WE WILL DO FOR YOU:As an employer of choice, we’re deeply committed to supporting our employees—because when you’re empowered, our mission thrives. We provide resources, tools, and care that allow you to focus on what matters most: delivering Health, Justice, and Hope to the communities we serve. We’re proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and peace of mind A 37.5 per hour work week to ensure work/life balance Medical, dental, vision, and prescription benefits to keep you and your loved ones healthy Employer-paid short- and long-term disability insurance Life insurance coverage at no cost to you Up to 2 weeks of vacation in your first year (based on hours worked) Up to 2 weeks of sick leave (based on hours worked) 12 paid agency recognized holidays 2 floating holidays to use your way 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching (eligibility applies) Access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for you and your family Potential eligibility for Student Loan Forgiveness through our 501(c)(3) nonprofit status HOW YOU WILL MAKE AN IMPACT: The Multicultural Counseling Department is dedicated to serving culturally diverse populations with outpatient mental health support. The Family Peer Support Specialist offers emotional and adjustment support, along with case management services, to both LCSNW clinical participants and community members. Our goal is to enhance self-efficacy, support family functions and dynamics, reduce social isolation, and foster greater integration within families and the community. This role will varying services to provide engagement support, parenting education, connections to mental health services and Substance Use Disorder (SUD) treatment, case management services, and the recruitment and facilitation of emotional support and cultural adjustment groups within the community. Case Management services by coordinating community services, provide referrals, monitor progress, and advocate for clients. Co-lead adjustment, parenting, and youth-focused support groups.Guide clients in accessing educational and job opportunities support. Access to Essential Services – Assist clients in enrolling in Medicaid and other essential services.Encourage adherence to treatment plans and monitor medication compliance.Conduct outreach, build connections, and offer culturally responsive support.Provide mental health education, participate in training, and advocate for client needs.

Requirements

Minimum of 1 year of related experience; working with refugee/immigrant youth and families, coordinating treatment teams, strengths-based planning, or similar
Lived experience that enhances relatability to clients being served
HS diploma or equivalent
Certified Peer Support Specialist (PSS) or Family Peer Support Specialist (FSS) is required upon start
Fluency in English and Karen, Swahili, Burmese or Rohingya
Basic mastery of business applications and productivity suites
Demonstrates resilience, awareness and self-regulation in navigating challenges, conflict and obstacles/barriers.
Thrives in a diverse and multicultural environment; works with cross-functional teams to develop and implement strategies to enhance end-user experiences throughout the service lifecycle
Demonstrates exceptional commitment to serving and advocating for diverse and marginalized populations
Successfully completes tasks in a low / moderately noisy environment
Interacts with others and performs tasks in-person and through the use of technology, with moderate periods of stationary activity and moderate periods of increased physical activity including and not limited to sitting, walking, standing
Moves equipment/materials weighing up to 25 pounds
Travels between worksites regularly; responsible for transporting clients in personal and/or agency vehicle, which requires valid driver’s license, auto insurance, and motor vehicle records clearance
Works in a variety of settings, including and not limited to LCSNW office locations, partner agency and community-based settings, client home/community settings, outdoor settings in varying weather conditions, and faith-based settings such as churches
Meets LCSNW criminal background clearance requirements and other job-relevant clearances as required by the State or program

Responsibilities

Case Management services by coordinating community services, provide referrals, monitor progress, and advocate for clients.
Co-lead adjustment, parenting, and youth-focused support groups.
Guide clients in accessing educational and job opportunities support.
Access to Essential Services – Assist clients in enrolling in Medicaid and other essential services.
Encourage adherence to treatment plans and monitor medication compliance.
Conduct outreach, build connections, and offer culturally responsive support.
Provide mental health education, participate in training, and advocate for client needs.

Benefits

A 37.5 per hour work week to ensure work/life balance
Medical, dental, vision, and prescription benefits to keep you and your loved ones healthy
Employer-paid short- and long-term disability insurance
Life insurance coverage at no cost to you
Up to 2 weeks of vacation in your first year (based on hours worked)
Up to 2 weeks of sick leave (based on hours worked)
12 paid agency recognized holidays
2 floating holidays to use your way
403(b) retirement plan with employer matching (eligibility applies)
Access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for you and your family
Potential eligibility for Student Loan Forgiveness through our 501(c)(3) nonprofit status