Peer Support Specialist (Doula) – OHSU MEADOWLARK

MENTAL HEALTH & ADDICTION ASSOCIATION OF OR•Portland, OR

4d•$0 - $25•Hybrid

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 PSS offers peer support and recovery mentorship for pregnant and/or parenting people who identify as having a substance use disorder (SUD) and are navigating their recovery and peripartum journeys. The PSS will be working with the MEADOWLARK (MEntal health and ADdiction integrated for Obstetric Wellness – LinkAge for Recovery, Knowledge and Empowerment) Program, an interdisciplinary team at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU). MEADOWLARK is a novel integrated high-risk obstetric (Maternal Fetal Medicine – MFM) and addiction clinic at OHSU. The OHSU team is conducting research studying ways to support pregnant and parenting persons with SUD, including the role of peer support doulas in supporting peripartum people with SUD. The PSS will meet with participants at OHSU, in the community, in homes, and in the hospital where deliveries occur. They will also participate in hospital/clinic-based maternity and recovery group care, assist with some research activities (e.g., facilitating surveys, logging visits in a database), and attend OHSU research meetings. This role will play a major part in supporting informed decision-making, empowered choice in care, and preparation for successful birth and postpartum options.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required.
Identifies as having lived experience in recovery with substance use disorder (SUD) and/or mental health challenges.
Has at least 24 months of continuous, sustained recovery with SUD and/or mental health challenges before employment
Understands the principles of trauma-informed care, recovery, consumer-involvement
Lived experience of substance use disorder (SUD) challenges as it relates to pregnancy, parenting, and/or DHS child welfare involvement
At least 2 years of continuous addiction recovery required if identifying with SUD/addiction lived experience
Understands the effect of trauma on health, coping, and parenting
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.)
Ability to push/pull/lift/carry items up to 25 pounds
Strong interest and ability to work with pregnant and parenting people
Demonstrates empathy, care, and concern in challenging situations
Ability to maintain confidentiality and appropriate boundaries
Professional demeanor with excellent organizational skills
Ability to work collaboratively within an interdisciplinary medical team
Willingness to work a variable work schedule if needed

Nice To Haves

Previous experience as a recovery peer mentor preferred
Previous experience as a Birth or Postpartum Doula preferred
Prior experience in a healthcare setting is valuable
Experience with SUD recovery/support is highly desirable
Experience navigating the legal/corrections system preferred

Responsibilities

Provides 1:1 peer support to diverse individuals being served in accordance with The Peer Company’s values alignment and principles of peer support
Collaborates with individuals to create Person Directed Plans (PDPs) to support their individualized recovery journey
Participates in regular peer support supervision sessions
Collaborate with other service providers and interdisciplinary teams to support participant PDPs and recovery journeys
Attend meetings, as applicable, to gain knowledge, communicate program objectives, and advocate for the needs of the participants being served
Implements the regulations, policies, and procedures which pertain to peer-delivered service, The Peer Company, and community partners
Following the direction of the participants served, assist participants in exploring strategies that increase satisfaction with the eight dimensions of wellness
Travels to visit community partners and participants, occasionally transporting participants to relevant community partners
Support participants in crisis by helping them to deescalate and identify next steps in their recovery journey
Assist participants in identifying and engaging various community resources and supports
Documents support services in a program database in a manner that assures compliance with policies, program procedures and local, state, and federal regulations
Maintains accurate and up-to-date documentation as required by program deliverables
Meets TPC’s metric-based performance expectations based on organizational standards and contract deliverables
Acts as a positive role model for individuals being served and exploring their own path to wellness and recovery
Respects and honors a person’s rights and responsibilities and demonstrates professional boundaries and ethics
Adheres to mandatory abuse reporting laws and HIPAA requirements
Meets with participants in OHSU medical clinic settings and group sessions to support recovery and maternity care
Meets with participants in homes, hospitals, and community settings to build positive, trusting relationships
Supports engagement with OB/maternity care, addiction treatment, DHS child welfare (if relevant), and family adjustment needs
Collaborate with OHSU providers, addictions counselors, and social workers to coordinate care and modify treatment plans
Participates in hospital- and clinic-based recovery/maternity groups
Assists with OHSU research activities including administering outcome measurement tools, facilitating surveys, logging visits, and attending research meetings
Offers educational opportunities to reduce non-emergent ER use
Reflects positive peer values and appropriate boundaries, openly identifying as a peer with lived experience when appropriate
Acts as an advocate for pregnant/parenting people served, both within medical systems and the community
Ensures safety awareness for patients, staff, and property; follows fire and evacuation procedures
Complete other relevant duties as assigned