Peer Support Specialist

Mid-Columbia Center for Living • The Dalles, OR

1d • Onsite

About The Position

This Peer Support Specialist will support the Housing Assistance Support (HAS) and Early Assessment and Support Alliance (EASA) programs within the Community Support Services (CSS) department. Within the HAS program, this role will primarily support clients experiencing mental health illnesses who need assistance with securing and maintaining stable housing in the community. Within the EASA program, this role works as part of a transdisciplinary team helping with identification, support, and recovery for young people with first-episode psychosis or early at-risk symptoms. The Peer Support Specialist provides peer support to clients who may be experiencing mental health issues in the community. This position facilitates contact with providers, assists with transportation issues and other issues that may be barriers to accessing treatment and/or support in the community. The Peer Support Specialist provides training in independent living skills, documents client progress and issues, and conducts program outreach as necessary. Mid-Columbia Center for Living (MCCFL) is a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) that specializes in providing services that are both trauma-informed and recovery-oriented to persons / consumers with mental illness and addictions. Trauma-informed care includes safety, choice, collaboration, trustworthiness, cultural responsivity, and empowerment for both clients and staff. MCCFL serves Hood River, Wasco, and Sherman Counties and utilizes a consumer-involved, consumer-engaged, and consumer-driven model. MCCFL provides a whole-person care approach to adults and children to address both physical and mental health needs. MCCFL offers a variety of programs including a mobile crisis unit, intensive case management, ongoing counseling, community support, supported employment, jail diversion, hospital discharges, hearings, and more.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Be certified and registered as a Peer Delivered Service Provider through the Oregon Health Authority and Traditional Health Worker Registry, or obtain certification and register within 90 days of hire. Maintain current and valid certification at all times.
• Meet the definition of a peer as defined by OAR 309-018-0105: any person supporting an individual or the individual's family member who has similar life experience, either as a current or former recipient of substance use, problem gambling, or mental health services, or as a family member of an individual who is a current or former recipient of substance use, problem gambling, or mental health services.
• Must possess a valid Oregon or Washington Driver's License, maintain an acceptable driving record and be insurable for client service purposes and for travel between business office for meetings and/or trainings.
• Must pass all criminal history check requirements as required by ORS 181.536 to 181.537, and in accordance with OAR 407-007-0220 to 407-007-0370.

Responsibilities

• Meet regularly with consumers; train consumers in independent living skills and model same behaviors; provide feedback or other documentation as necessary.
• Document encounters with consumers using an electronic health record system. Access and use Agency email system and Intranet to remain updated on Agency functions and department communications.
• Advocate on behalf of consumers and promote self-advocacy; maintain consumer networks in the community; conduct outreach activities in local communities.
• Communicate with treatment team about problems or concerns; participate in ongoing support network with other Peer Support Specialists. Participate in team meetings with other MCCFL staff.
• Coordinate and facilitate oversight of outings/activities. Facilitate group planning of activity; ensure the group is in agreement. Accompany group on outings; ensure safety; provide transportation as required and appropriate.
• Provide coverage for other Peer Support Specialists if required.
• Ensure that safety procedures are followed.
• Complete specialized training and certification and register on the Oregon Health Authority Traditional Health Worker registry.
• Use agency vehicles to provide community-based services and transport clients to appointments, activities, and other approved destinations. Ensure the comfort, dignity and safety of clients during transport, following all applicable safety protocols.
• Perform all relevant essential responsibilities using the English language.
• Regular and reliable attendance; professional communication with all contacts; maintain confidentiality.
• Assist and support clients who are engaged in maintaining stable housing.
• Make appointments with professional agencies as needed and provide and/or facilitate client transportation.
• Provide support with shopping, housekeeping and managing calendars.
• Model appropriate behavior and communication with landlords, neighbors, etc.
• Collaborate with Agency staff to run multi-family group meetings with clients.
• Attend HAS and EASA meetings as required.
• Attend Monthly Peer Consultation call with Center for 4 Excellence (C4E).
• Participate in quarterly education workshops as well as monthly community education and outreach.
• Adhere to EASA practice guidelines regarding training and certification, and document all relevant services in accordance with agency policy.
• Provide services that encourage participants to be self-determined in their treatment and recovery and reflect the participant’s values, priorities, and perspectives without attempting to interpret or modify them.
• Participate in collaborative treatment planning and educate participants about self-care and habits that can impact health and wellbeing.
• Provide community-based services and direct support to clients at risk of developing psychosis/experiencing psychosis.
• Assist participants in building social skills and self-advocacy, and model problem-solving techniques to individuals and groups.

Benefits

• Competitive salary, dependent on experience.
• 95% employer-paid comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees only.
• Low deductible plans for family coverage through PEBB
• PERS Retirement Contribution
• 11 Holidays including 1 floating holiday
• 10 vacation days a year for non exempt employees
• 12 sick days a year
• Education reimbursement and loan forgiveness- HRSA!

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees