Peer Support Specialist

The Pathfinder Network•Portland, OR

2d•$23 - $24•Hybrid

About The Position

The Pathfinder Network (TPN) has been providing justice-system impacted individuals and their families the tools and support they need to be safe and thrive in our communities since 1993. We serve individuals experiencing incarceration, those reentering the community, those on forms of community supervision, their families, and their children, within 9 of Oregon’s 11 corrections facilities and in the community in Multnomah, Jackson, Marion, and Clackamas Counties. We develop and deliver a comprehensive scope of evidence-based, trauma-, gender- and culturally-responsive cognitive behavioral-based programs, including our proprietary, evidence-based curriculum Parenting Inside Out. Our community programs feature holistic wraparound individual and group support and services. We serve an average of 3,000 people a year agency-wide. We are intentional about building a healthy and thriving organizational culture and envision a community of staff, partners, volunteers, and donors who are deeply committed to equitable, just and anti-racist practices in every facet of our organization. We engage in continual learning and seek ways to operationalize equitable and inclusive practices. We believe every member on our team enriches our diversity by exposing us to a broad range of ways to understand and engage with the world, identify challenges, and to discover, design and deliver solutions. At TPN, we envision communities that welcome all people, provide second chances, and create pathways to change. We believe all people have the capacity to change. We honor the dignity and worth of every individual, engage our clients and employees with compassion, and bring excellence to all we do.

Requirements

Lived experience with addiction and recovery and criminal justice involvement
Certification or eligibility to be certified as a Certified Recovery Mentor, Peer Support Specialist or Traditional Health Worker
Released from prison/jail and completed all forms of community supervision no less than two years ago
Must be in recovery from substance use dependence and have a minimum of 2 years recovery
As a requirement of TPN's contract with the Department of Community Justice, all TPN employees who work in this role are required to meet criteria for facility access
A high school diploma or equivalent is required
Experience delivering peer support services
Awareness of Trauma-Informed practices and approaches
Experience working with mental health and substance abuse treatment agencies
Experience facilitating groups
Basic level computer capabilities in use of web-based environments, word processing, email, and spreadsheet data entry
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, and ability to present and work with diverse audiences, specifically racial, ethnic, gender expression, socioeconomic, education, spiritual and other cultural backgrounds
Must possess a valid driver’s license and have access to a motor vehicle during work hours that is covered by adequate car insurance
Must be at least 21 years of age to gain access to Correctional Facilities
Must pass a criminal history background check (a criminal record is not automatically disqualifying), employment verification, and drug screen (which does not include testing for marijuana).
Communicate effectively, value one another, show respect, demonstrate accountability, display a high level of self-awareness, participate in shared leadership and continuous growth and learning, live values of diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, and belonging and engage in personal work to further DEIJB values and impact.
Interact effectively across racially diverse teams, partners, and experiences, apply a racial equity lens in their work and commit to the ongoing work required to move TPN toward a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive and just organization.

Responsibilities

Provide one-on-one and group peer support services to justice system-involved individuals who are in need of support and services.
Provide wrap-around support to peers with services, referrals, resources and assist them in removing barriers to their recovery and resilience.
Provide drop-in-services to peers and facilitate cognitive-behavioral classes, adhering to the curriculum in its intended format while maintaining fidelity through a standardized evidence-based delivery model.
Work to support the mission, vision and values of the Pathfinder Network and engage with clients in a holistic, strengths-based, trauma-responsive, person- and healing-centered way.
Provide wraparound and drop-in support to peers at the Transition and Resource Centers and other locations.
Work with parole and probation officers, DHS workers and/or other community providers to ensure participant compliance and success.
Provide information and referral for employment, housing, food, clothing, and transportation.
Coordinate services with other providers, including child welfare, mental health, substance use treatment providers, and other social services. Maintain communication with other providers, as necessary.
Support participants in engaging in positive recovery activities and events. Build relationships within the recovery community.
Assist in planning for and hosting of quarterly peer support positive recovery community events.
Transport clients, as necessary, in the community to appointments and/or services.
Complete all required documentation and track participant attendance and participation. Complete thorough and timely case notes.
Facilitate classes and support groups using standardized curriculum and delivery model. Substitute in classes and/or facilitate support groups. Plan, review, and prepare materials for facilitation of classes.
Facilitate program informational and orientation sessions.
Teach, coach and model positive recovery, cognitive and social skills individually and in groups. Reinforce positive behaviors and progress. Utilize incentives to motivate behavior.
Be a champion in the shaping and sustaining of a diverse, equitable, inclusive and just workplace, with a focus towards creating racial equity.
Participate on cross-departmental teams or committees regarding organizational policies, processes and work environment.
Participate in Temporary Teams, Equity Team, Employee Resource Groups, and other teams.
Contribute individualized skills, knowledge, experience and expertise to help the agency reach its mission.

Benefits

Generous paid time off (12 accrued vacation days + 12 accrued sick days during your first year of employment, mental wellness hours)
17 paid days of significance each year
Extended holiday days of significance with a week off at the end of the year and 3 4-day weekends
Paid 30-minute lunch breaks
Employer-paid employee-only medical, vision and dental coverage starting first day of employment
Flexible Spending Account, Dependent Care Assistance Program, and employer-funded Lifestyle Spending Account
401k retirement plan with 3% employer match, fully vested immediately
Employer-paid short-term disability and accidental death and dismemberment
Supplemental virtual healthcare for employees and dependents
Employment with TPN may mean you are eligible for Public Service Student Loan forgiveness
Employee recognition program, staff appreciation awards and swag store
Bilingual pay differential for eligible positions
Shared Leadership model and opportunities to contribute to agency success and growth
Development opportunities and trainings