Peer Support Specialist - OHSU Orenco Station

MENTAL HEALTH & ADDICTION ASSOCIATION OF OR•Hillsboro, OR

3d•$25•Onsite

About The Position

The Peer Support Specialist (PSS) provides peer support as someone who has similar life experiences and acts as a positive role model for living in recovery. The PSS is a member of interdisciplinary teams participating in collaboratively supporting an individual’s self-defined and self-directed care. The PSS supports the individual being served by creating their own person-directed recovery plan and accomplishing goals towards their self-defined recovery journey plan. They provide a listening, nonjudgmental presence and connect individuals being served with a full range of community resources. The OHSU Orenco Station Office Based Addiction Treatment Clinic (OS OBAT) is a multidisciplinary clinic serving the Washington County community through the Hillsboro Medical Center Primary Care Clinic system. The clinic operates weekly and includes medical providers, Licensed Clinical Social Workers, behavioral health clinicians, a clinical pharmacist, and learners from medical, social work, and pharmacy programs. OS OBAT receives referrals from primary care clinics, OHSU/HMC IMPACT teams, and community partners, providing patient-centered, evidence-based evaluation and treatment for individuals with substance use disorders, as well as coordination of higher levels of care when needed. The Peer Support Specialist (PSS) supports the interdisciplinary clinic team by engaging newly referred patients, assisting with care navigation, and facilitating warm handoffs to peer support services and community-based resources. This role helps promote access, engagement, and continuity of care while reinforcing the clinic’s collaborative, recovery-oriented approach to substance use disorder treatment.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required.
Identifies as having at least 2 years of lived experience in recovery with addiction challenges (may include both addiction and mental health challenges)
Peer Support Specialist (OHA Traditional Health Worker certification) or MHACBO CRM certification required or able to be obtained within 90 days of hire
Valid Oregon Driver’s License and proof of automobile insurance required. Access to reliable personal vehicle required
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team
Ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures
Typing and general technology skills to easily and efficiently navigate electronic systems (e.g., email, Microsoft Teams, etc.)

Nice To Haves

Experience with mental health recovery is desirable and highly valued
Understands the principles of trauma informed care, recovery, consumer-involvement, and trauma-informed care

Responsibilities

Provides 1:1 peer support to diverse individuals in accordance with The Peer Company’s values alignment and principles of peer support
Collaborates with individuals to create Person Directed Plans (PDPs) that support individualized recovery journeys
Collaborates with interdisciplinary teams, service providers, and community partners to support participant PDPs, recovery goals, and continuity of care
Participates in meetings, supervision, and program activities as applicable (including OS OBAT clinic huddles) to gain knowledge, communicate program objectives, advocate for participants, and provide updates on participant engagement
Conducts outreach to newly referred participants, including OS OBAT patients, to explore interest in peer support services and promote engagement
Assists participants in identifying, accessing, and engaging community-based resources and recovery supports, including providing warm handoffs when appropriate
Supports participants in navigating healthcare and recovery systems, including assistance with phone and virtual visit setup, care coordination, and appointment engagement
Provides advocacy and engagement support in community, clinic, hospital, or emergency department settings, as appropriate to participant needs and program workflows
Travels to visit participants and community partners, occasionally transporting participants to relevant appointments when approved and appropriate
Supports participants in crisis by assisting with de-escalation and identifying next steps in their recovery journey
Documents peer support services, outreach efforts, and required program data (including GPRA intake surveys when applicable) in a timely and accurate manner in accordance with program, local, state, and federal requirements
Implements applicable regulations, policies, and procedures related to peer-delivered services, The Peer Company, and community partners
Acts as a positive role model by demonstrating recovery-oriented behaviors, professional boundaries, and ethical conduct
Respects and honors participants’ rights and responsibilities and adheres to mandatory abuse reporting laws and HIPAA requirements
Completes other relevant duties as assigned