Peer Support Specialist

Central City Concern • Portland, OR

10d • Onsite

About The Position

Central City Concern is an innovative nonprofit agency providing comprehensive services to single adults and families in the Portland metro area who are impacted by homelessness, poverty and addictions. The agency's mission is to end homelessness through outcome-based strategies which support personal and community transformation. This Peer Support Specialist (PSS) position supports clients in recovery by providing advocacy, mentoring, and other recovery-oriented services to individuals to promote greater independence, community integration, and recovery from addiction. The role involves access to mental health billing and service records.

Requirements

• High school diploma, GED, or demonstrated ability to read and write at a sufficient level.
• Registered with MHACBO as Certified Recovery Mentor (CRM) OR Certified Peer Support Specialist (PSS) or PWS (Peer Wellness Specialist) AND registered with Traditional Health Workers Registry.
• Must have current CPR certification prior to start.
• Must possess a current driver’s license, access to a vehicle, qualify as an Acceptable Driver as designated in Central City Concern’s Fleet Safety policy; pass an initial driver training within 60 days of being an approved driver and continued recertification training; and maintain vehicle insurance coverage of a minimum of $100,000/$300,000 personal auto liability coverage.
• Must meet CCC privileging requirements as required by FTCA.
• Must be a self-identified person in recovery from a substance use or co-occurring mental health disorder, who meets the abstinence requirements for recovery staff in alcohol and other drug treatment programs.
• Must be able to provide peer delivered services as described in Medicaid guidelines.
• Will be required to carry an agency cell phone for work use. Cell phone will be provided by Central City Concern.
• 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 Act of 1988. An employee shall not, in the workplace, unlawfully manufacture, distribute, dispense, possess or use a controlled substance or alcohol.
• Must pass a pre-employment drug screen, TB test, and background check. This includes clearance by the DHS Background Check Unit.
• The OAR prohibits SUDS program staff from having within the previous 3 years a DUI conviction or diversion, a felony conviction, or a conviction under the Uniform Controlled Substances Act.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office software (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Access and Microsoft Outlook).
• Experience with office machines (Fax, photocopier, printers, postage machines, etc.).
• Must be able to work under stressful conditions.
• Must be able to work variable work hours.
• Must generally have the ability to walk, bend, stoop, kneel, squat, twist, reach, pull and lift heavy objects, and climb stairs with reasonable or no accommodation.
• Must adhere to agency’s non-discrimination policies.
• Ability to effectively interact with co-workers and clients with diverse ethnic backgrounds, religious views, political affiliation, cultural backgrounds, life-styles and sexual orientations, and treat individuals with respect and dignity.

Nice To Haves

• Education, training, or experience in chemical dependency or mental health treatment preferred.

Responsibilities

• Exemplifies recovery principles in order to show by example that recovery is possible and attainable. Share their own recovery story as appropriate, and walks the road of recovery alongside the service recipient.
• Work with peers on specific objectives in conjunction with the client’s case manager and/or counselor.
• Attend and positively participate in required team, agency, and interdisciplinary meetings.
• Coordinate and consult with other team members to keep team informed of issues and progress
• Ensure timely completion of all required paperwork.
• Work to increase level of cultural sensitivity, awareness and competency regarding Person Centered and Peer Delivered Services
• Identify and facilitate clients’ access to community resources.
• Cultivate and maintain positive working relationships with clients, and other community resources.
• Transport clients to scheduled and non-scheduled/crisis appointments.
• Maintain records and documentation in accessible and legible form.
• Ensure that all records are current, and client interactions meet applicable State and Federal guidelines and regulations.
• Adhere to all state and federal privacy regulations, including HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2, and to CCC policies and agreements regarding confidentiality, privacy, and security. Support compliance with all privacy and security requirements pursuant to community partners’ and outside providers’ patient confidentiality agreements, including privacy and security requirements for EMR access. This includes immediately reporting any breach of protected health information or personal identification information of any person receiving CCC services by CCC or an outside provider to the CCC Compliance Department, as well as to your supervisor or their designee.
• 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 an employer match of 4.25% in your 1st year, 6% in the 2nd year, and 8% in your 3rd year!
• Up to 11 recognized Holidays and 2 personal holidays (dependent on work shift 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
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees