Peer Support Specialist - Flip the Script

Central City Concern • Portland, OR

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Flip the Script (FTS) is a culturally responsive reentry program designed to increase employment, housing stability, and overall wellbeing among African American and Black individuals involved in the criminal legal system. The program seeks to reduce homelessness and recidivism through culturally responsive services, employment support, housing stabilization, peer support, advocacy, and community engagement. The Peer Support Specialist provides culturally responsive peer support, mentorship, advocacy, and system navigation services to individuals transitioning from incarceration, community supervision, and other justice-involved circumstances. Drawing from lived experience and/or a deep understanding of the community served, the Peer Support Specialist works independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team to engage participants, promote self-sufficiency, support successful community reintegration, and increase participation in employment, housing, behavioral health, and other supportive services. The Peer Support Specialist serves as a trusted mentor and credible messenger, helping participants identify strengths, overcome barriers, build community connections, and achieve personal goals related to stability, employment, housing, and overall wellness.

Requirements

• Requires high school diploma, GED, or demonstrated ability to read and write at a sufficient level.
• Must be registered, prior to start, as a Certified Recovery Mentor (CRM) with MHACBO; OR be a certified Peer Support Specialist (PSS or PWS) AND registered as a Traditional Health Worker (THW) on the THW Registry.
• Must not actively be on parole or probation.
• Must possess a current driver’s license, pass a DMV background check and be designated an “acceptable” driver as outlined in Central City Concern’s Fleet Safety Policy.
• Must pass an initial driver training within 60 days of being an approved driver and continued recertification training.
• Must maintain vehicle insurance coverage of a minimum of $100,000/$300,000 personal auto liability coverage.
• Demonstrated connection to and engagement with African American and Black communities, including knowledge of African American history, culture, and lived experiences.
• Ability to adhere to Central City Concern’s drug-free workplace which encourages a safe, healthy and productive work environment and strictly complies with the Drug-Free Work Place Ace of 1988. An employee shall not, in the workplace, unlawfully manufacture, distribute, dispense, possess or use a controlled substance or alcohol.
• Flexible work schedule required, including some evening and weekend work.
• Will be required to carry an agency cell phone for work use. Cell phone will be provided by Central City Concern.
• Must pass a pre-employment drug screen, TB test, and criminal background check. This includes clearance by the DHS Background Check Unit.
• Physical ability to bend, stoop, kneel, squat, twist, reach, pull and lift heavy objects.
• Must be able to climb stairs several times a day.
• Sufficient manual dexterity and physical ability to perform assigned tasks.
• Must adhere to agency’s non-discrimination policies.
• Ability to effectively interact with coworkers and clients who have diverse ethnic or cultural backgrounds, religious views, political affiliations, lifestyles and sexual orientation and treat each person with respect and dignity.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective helping relationships with individuals involved in the criminal legal system.
• Ability to provide culturally responsive and trauma-informed peer support services.
• Knowledge of challenges and barriers commonly experienced by justice-involved individuals, including housing instability, unemployment, behavioral health concerns, and system involvement.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and documentation.
• Ability to manage time effectively and prioritize multiple responsibilities.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Ability to work respectfully and effectively with participants, community partners, corrections personnel, healthcare providers, employers, and coworkers.
• Knowledge of motivational interviewing, strength-based approaches, and recovery-oriented practices or ability to learn.
• Knowledge of de-escalation techniques and crisis intervention practices or ability to be trained.
• Strong advocacy, problem-solving, and conflict resolution skills.
• Proficiency with computers, electronic records systems, Microsoft Office applications, and virtual communication platforms.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.

Nice To Haves

• Lived experience with incarceration, community supervision, recovery, housing instability, system navigation, or experiences relevant to the population served is strongly preferred.
• Experience working with justice-involved individuals, culturally specific populations, or individuals impacted by homelessness, behavioral health challenges, or systemic inequities is preferred.
• Applicants in recovery from chemical dependency and/or personal experience involved in the criminal justice system strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop trusting relationships with participants through ongoing peer support, mentorship, encouragement, and advocacy.
• Conduct outreach and engagement activities in office, community, correctional, shelter, housing, and other service settings to connect participants with services and supports.
• Assist participants in identifying strengths, setting goals, and developing strategies to overcome barriers related to housing, employment, community reintegration, recovery, and overall wellbeing.
• Support participants transitioning from incarceration, community supervision, and other institutional settings by providing guidance, encouragement, and resource navigation.
• Connect participants with culturally responsive services, community organizations, support networks, educational opportunities, and other resources.
• Collaborate with Case Managers, Employment Specialists, Advocacy Coordinators, community partners, and participants' support systems to address participant needs and promote successful outcomes.
• Provide advocacy and referral support to ensure participants have access to behavioral health, physical health, housing, employment, benefits, legal, educational, and other supportive services.
• Escort participants to appointments, employment-related activities, treatment services, community resources, and other support meetings as appropriate.
• Facilitate or support peer-led groups, workshops, community-building activities, and participant engagement events.
• Promote participant self-advocacy, empowerment, leadership development, and community connection.
• Maintain timely and accurate documentation of services provided and participant progress in accordance with program, agency, funder, and regulatory requirements.
• Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings, case consultations, and care coordination activities.
• Follow up with participants and referral partners to support engagement, retention, and successful service outcomes.
• Work within scope of training and experience and seek consultation when appropriate.
• Adhere to all state and federal privacy and security regulations applicable to the program and to CCC policies and agreements regarding confidentiality, privacy, and security. This includes immediately reporting any breach of protected health information or personally identifiable information to the CCC Compliance Department and supervisor.
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with community providers, treatment partners, employers, advocacy organizations, and culturally specific community resources.
• Participate in training opportunities to advance skills and knowledge related to peer support, reentry services, trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, behavioral health, housing stability, employment services, and cultural responsiveness.
• Support program outreach efforts, participant recruitment, and community engagement activities.
• Respond appropriately to participant crises utilizing trauma-informed and culturally responsive de-escalation techniques and agency protocols.
• Participate in program evaluation, quality improvement, and data collection activities as assigned.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off plan which provides up to 4 weeks of PTO accrual in the first year. Accrual increases with longevity.
• Amazing 403(b) Retirement Savings plan with competitive employer match with 4.25% in the first year, 6% in the second year, and 8% in the 3rd year.
• Up to 11 recognized Holidays + 2 Personal Holidays (dependent on work schedule)
• Comprehensive Medical, Vision, and Dental insurance coverage.
• Employer Paid Life, Short Term Disability, AND Long Term Disability Insurance!
• Sabbatical Program offering extended time off at years 7, 14, and 21.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED