Intensive Mental Health Peer Support Specialist (PSS/PWS) - TM073

Native American Rehabilitation Assoc. of the NW•Portland, OR

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Peer Support Specialist is a fully integrated member of the Bear Classic team, contributing expertise about recovery, symptom management, and the persistence needed to support clients in living satisfying lives. The role promotes a team culture that recognizes and respects each client’s point of view, experiences, and preferences within the context of Native American and Alaska Native culture. The specialist provides peer counseling and consultation to clients, families, and team staff; connects clients with community resources; performs rehabilitation and support functions; and assists with treatment, substance abuse services, education, family support, and crisis intervention under clinical supervision. Services may be delivered at Bear Lodge, clients’ homes, medical providers’ offices, hospitals, and other community locations. This is an in-person position based at Bear Lodge and at community-based service locations throughout the Portland metropolitan area. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The position is non-exempt and pays $22.05–$30.45 per hour.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Self-identify as a current or former recipient of mental health services and be willing to share lived experiences as appropriate.
Active Oregon Peer Wellness Specialist (PWS) or Peer Support Specialist (PSS) certification, with active status on the Traditional Health Worker (THW) Registry.
At least two years of professional experience performing peer support or peer wellness-related duties.
Knowledge and understanding of mental illness, addictions, and physical health, and ability to work within an integrated system of care.
Exceptional interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, including the ability to engage positively with clients and collaborate with an integrated care team.
Ability to perform CPR and First Aid; certifications must remain current.
Comfort working with individuals actively experiencing symptoms of mental illness.
Computer competence with word processing, internet, email, and scheduling, or ability to learn these skills.
Meet NARA NW driving requirements, including a valid driver’s license, clean driving record, access to reliable transportation, and current automobile insurance.
Ability to report to work reliably and on time.
Pass pre-employment or for-cause drug testing and criminal background and DMV checks.
Comply with NARA NW sobriety policies, including signing the Drug-Free/Alcohol-Free Workplace Certification Form and Modeling Sobriety Policy Form.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with individuals diagnosed with severe and persistent mental illness.
Experience working within the Native American/Alaska Native community.

Responsibilities

Openly identify as someone who has received mental health services and share lived experience as appropriate to the recovery process.
Serve as a role model, inspire hope, and provide expertise from a mental health consumer perspective about each client’s experiences and perceptions.
Collaborate with the team to support client-centered care, self-determination, and client participation in treatment planning.
Provide practical assistance, mentoring, advocacy, coordination, individualized side-by-side support, problem solving, and direct assistance to help clients obtain daily necessities and services, including healthcare, legal and advocacy services, benefits, housing subsidies, money-management services, and transportation.
Assist with ongoing assessment of clients’ mental illness symptoms and responses to treatment.
Suggest appropriate treatment-plan changes when changes in mental status or behavior create risk, including suicidality.
Provide ongoing assessment, problem solving, side-by-side services, skill teaching, prompts, assignments, encouragement, and environmental adaptations to support activities of daily living.
Organize and lead individual and group social and recreational activities to structure clients’ time, increase social experiences, and provide opportunities to practice social skills.
Provide triage and support, as needed, for individuals who arrive at Bear Lodge without an appointment.

Benefits

15 paid holidays, including the employee’s birthday.
Medical, dental, and vision insurance through Kaiser Permanente for eligible employees.
13 paid days of sick time.
13 paid days of paid time off, with vacation accrual increasing with years of service to a maximum of 26 days.
$50,000 life insurance and AD&D.
Short-term and long-term disability.
Flexible Spending Account.
Health Spending Account.
401(k) with 4% match.
Employee Assistance Program.
Inclement weather days (snow days).
Public Student Loan Forgiveness eligibility.