Peer Support Specialist- Apple Store

MENTAL HEALTH & ADDICTION ASSOCIATION OF OR• OR, US, OR

11d•$0 - $25•Onsite

About The Position

The Peer Support Specialist (PSS) provides peer support by drawing on similar life experiences and serving as a positive role model for recovery. The role offers a listening, nonjudgmental presence and connects individuals with community resources. This position works within and around the downtown Portland Apple retail location, where guests are often referred for basic needs such as meals, clothing, and phone charging. The PSS provides approachable, immediate support to people experiencing homelessness and related challenges, including lower-level, in-the-moment crisis assistance. The position also provides one-to-one peer support to guests referred by Apple staff who are interested in ongoing services. Support may extend into the surrounding community as guests move between Apple services and other resources. The PSS helps guests navigate community systems, strengthen natural supports, and build connection while using the Apple store as a consistent point of engagement. The role is scheduled for 40 hours per week, Wednesday through Sunday, 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., at the Portland Apple Store. The position pays $25.00 per hour and is benefited as outlined in The Peer Company Employee Handbook. Employment is at-will. The Peer Company is an equal opportunity employer.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Lived experience in recovery from substance use disorder (SUD) and/or mental health challenges, with at least 24 months of continuous, sustained recovery before employment.
Peer Support Specialist (OHA Traditional Health Worker) certification or MHACBO CRM certification, or ability to obtain one within 90 days of hire.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
Ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
Typing and general technology skills sufficient to navigate electronic systems such as email and Microsoft Teams.
Ability to push, pull, lift, or carry items weighing up to 25 pounds.
Employees in recovery-focused roles with lived experience of SUD must maintain continuous recovery and abstain from illegal, legal, and recreational substance or alcohol use during employment.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Provide one-to-one peer support to individuals in accordance with The Peer Company’s values and principles of peer support.
Participate in regular peer support supervision sessions.
Collaborate with service providers and interdisciplinary teams to connect participants with resources.
Attend applicable meetings to learn, communicate program objectives, and advocate for participants’ needs.
Implement regulations, policies, and procedures relevant to peer-delivered services, The Peer Company, and community partners.
Travel within walking distance to visit community partners and participants, occasionally accompanying participants to community partners.
Support participants in crisis by helping them de-escalate and identify next steps in their recovery journey.
Help participants identify and engage with community resources and supports.
Document support services in a program database in compliance with policies, procedures, and applicable local, state, and federal regulations.
Maintain accurate and current documentation required by program deliverables.
Serve as a positive role model for individuals exploring their own paths to wellness and recovery.
Respect individuals’ rights and responsibilities and maintain professional boundaries and ethics.
Meet metric-based performance expectations based on organizational standards and contract deliverables.
Follow mandatory abuse-reporting laws and HIPAA requirements.
Complete other relevant duties as assigned.