Peer Support Specialist

The Pathfinder Network•Portland, OR

4d•$23 - $24

About The Position

As a Peer Support Specialist, you will provide one-on-one and group peer support services to justice system-involved individuals who are in need of support and services. You will provide wrap-around support to peers with services, referrals, resources and assist them in removing barriers to their recovery and resilience. You will 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. You will 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. Your lived experience, relational and collaborative skills, capability to work well under high-stress emotional experiences, high-level of empathy and ability to keep strong boundaries will enable you to thrive in this position and consistently deliver high quality services with impact and excellence.

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.
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).

Responsibilities

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