Peer Support Specialist

HIV Alliance•Medford, OR

18d•Onsite

About The Position

The Peer Support Specialist works directly with people who use drugs identified at syringe exchanges, through street outreach, and via community partner referrals. The role uses harm reduction strategies and motivational interviewing to help clients reduce overdose risk, improve their health, and access treatment. In collaboration with community providers, the specialist delivers evidence-based services and resources intended to reduce HIV/HCV and opioid-overdose risks, support recovery, and improve general health outcomes. The position is in person and not eligible for hybrid or remote work. It is a 1.0 FTE, 40-hour-per-week, non-exempt role. The specialist engages clients in office and community settings, coordinates care and referrals, supports access to treatment and other services, and maintains documentation and program paperwork. The role also involves travel to community and other job-related locations, flexible hours that may include early mornings, evenings, and weekends, and work in busy or escalated environments.

Requirements

Lived experience and knowledge of addiction and harm reduction principles.
Current Peer Support Specialist or Certified Recovery Mentor certification from a state-approved training program, or willingness and ability to become certified immediately.
Meet Oregon's definition of a Peer: a self-identified person currently or formerly receiving mental health services, or a self-identified person in recovery from a substance abuse disorder who meets abstinence requirements for recovering staff in alcohol and other drug treatment programs.
At least one year of experience working with clients who have substance use difficulties, using harm reduction strategies in all interactions and interventions.
At least one year of experience working in a social service or behavioral health setting that includes documentation and record keeping.
Willingness to engage in conversations about HIV/HCV risk, including sex and injection drug use.
Ability to work independently, meet deadlines, and manage time effectively.
Basic computer and keyboard proficiency, including Microsoft Office software.
Complete and pass a criminal history background check; also meet the agency's criminal background check requirement.
Applicants in recovery from substance abuse must have at least two years in recovery.
Must not be listed on the Medicaid provider exclusion list.
Complete a TB test, provided by the agency.
Valid Oregon driver's license, or valid out-of-state driver's license with the ability to obtain an Oregon driver's license within 30 days of establishing Oregon residency; driving record must qualify for coverage under the agency's auto insurance policy.
Ability to work well with others, handle stress appropriately, and maintain reliable attendance.
Ability to work flexible hours, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends, and to work five days per week for at least 40 hours per week.
Ability to work in loud, crowded, busy, or escalated environments and drive safely at night and in various weather conditions.
Meet the role's physical demands, including repetitive hand use, extended sitting or standing, bending, reaching, and lifting and carrying up to 25 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual ability; eligible candidates receive an additional $1.50 per hour bilingual differential.

Responsibilities

Coordinate with internal and external sources and accept client referrals.
Conduct street outreach and outreach at syringe exchanges, providing harm reduction education and supplies and offering basic-needs assistance to engage clients in peer support.
Engage with clients in person at office and community-based locations, using person-centered principles to build relationships, trust, and rapport.
Assess client needs and develop goal and action plans.
Refer clients to substance use treatment and medication-assisted treatment (MAT), and complete warm hand-offs.
Use cultural competency, active listening, and motivational interviewing to assist clients in reaching stability or treatment goals.
Establish relationships and coordinate with agencies to provide intensive care coordination.
Provide transportation and accompany clients to appointments to facilitate access to treatment, services, and resources.
Promote and educate clients about harm reduction, including naloxone and fentanyl test strips to reduce opioid-overdose risks.
Connect clients who test positive for HIV or HCV with confirmatory screening and medical care.
Navigate clients to additional services and resources, including health insurance, basic-needs services, and housing assistance.
Maintain up-to-date HIV knowledge.
Enroll clients in the Oregon Health Plan or other insurance programs.
Complete chart notes for client encounters and submit program paperwork professionally and on time.
Work with other Peer Support Specialists to maximize service quality.
Attend regular clinical supervision meetings.
Use a personal cell phone to run agency phone-system software, multifactor authentication, and related tools.
Perform other assigned tasks, including training or cross-training other staff as needed.