Peer Support Specialist - Police Provider Joint Connection

MENTAL HEALTH & ADDICTION ASSOCIATION OF OR•Portland, OR

22h•$25 - $25

About The Position

The Peer Support Specialist (PSS) provides peer support as someone who has similar life experiences and acts as a positive role model for living in recovery. The PSS is a member of interdisciplinary teams participating in collaboratively supporting an individual’s self-defined and self-directed care. The PSS supports the individual being served by creating their own person-directed recovery plan and accomplishing goals towards their self-defined recovery journey plan. They provide a listening, nonjudgmental presence and connect individuals being served with a full range of community resources. This program provides peer support outreach in the Portland downtown area as well as peer support response to calls from law enforcement, primarily Portland Police Bureau (PPB) bike patrol to offer support, service connection and hope to people living outside who may be struggling with substance use, addiction and other mental health issues. The program is part of a broader effort to connect people with lifesaving interventions like detox, basic needs referrals, addiction treatment, mental health, medical care and other supports. When PPB officers encounter someone using drugs in public, they offer them the opportunity to meet with a trained peer support outreach worker. If the person agrees, a peer outreach team is sent to their location. If that person wants services, the outreach worker attempts to connect them to same-day access to care. If same-day care is not available, the peer outreach workers maintain contact to support the person with their services plan, while also working to navigate waitlists and other barriers to get them access to care as quickly as possible. Additional support will include helping connect people experiencing homelessness, access the BHRC day center; enter shelter; develop trusting relationships with their medical or behavioral health home; and access food and material resources.

Requirements

Values Alignment: The Peer Company strives to honor cultural and spiritual diversity in the communities we serve as well as honoring Voice and Choice through trauma-informed practices with a Social Justice lens. Our values of Voice and Choice mean we believe in the person’s right to make their own decisions and that people are the “experts” in their own lives. We have an unwavering belief in every person’s ability to learn, grow, and recover.
Being committed to Social Justice means being committed to constantly assessing our organizational values and the extent to which we are modeling or falling short of them. It also means listening to feedback from our stakeholders and others who have interacted with our organization and taking the time to understand and reflect on those interactions. This commitment is extended from the organization, as well as each employee of The Peer Company.
Education: High school diploma or equivalent required.
Background Check: A criminal background check will be conducted by The Peer Company in accordance with the The Peer Company background check policy. A criminal record does not necessarily exclude an individual from employment with The Peer Company.
Pre-Hire Drug Screen: As part of The Peer Company's commitment to fostering a safe, productive, and professional workplace, we require pre-hire drug screenings for all potential employees. The screening will be conducted in accordance with The Peer Company's drug screening policy, as well as applicable state and federal laws.
Motor Vehicle Records Search: For positions that require driving, The Peer Company conducts a Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) search in accordance with company policy, insurance requirements, and applicable state and federal laws.
To be eligible for a driving-required position, candidates must meet the following minimum driving standards:
No major driving violations within the past 3 years (i.e. - DUII, careless driving, leaving the scene of an accident, etc.)
No more than 3 moving violations within the past 3 years (i.e. - speeding, failing to yield, running red light, etc.)
Identifies as having at least 2 years of lived experience in recovery with addiction challenges (may include both addiction and mental health challenges)
Understands the principles of trauma-informed care, recovery, consumer-involvement, and trauma-informed care
Peer Support Specialist (OHA Traditional Health Worker certification) or MHACBO CRM certification required or able to be obtained within 90 days of hire
Valid Oregon Driver’s License and proof of automobile insurance required. Access to reliable personal vehicle required.
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team
Ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures
Typing and general technology skills to easily and efficiently navigate electronic systems (e.g., email, Microsoft Teams, etc.)

Nice To Haves

Experience with mental health recovery is desirable and highly valued

Responsibilities

Provides 1:1 peer support to diverse individuals being served in accordance with The Peer Company’s values alignment and principles of peer support
Collaborates with individuals to create Person Directed Plans (PDPs) to support their individualized recovery journey
Participates in regular peer support supervision sessions
Collaborate with other service providers and interdisciplinary teams to support participant PDPs and recovery journeys
Attend meetings, as applicable, to gain knowledge, communicate program objectives, and advocate for the needs of the participants being served
Implements the regulations, policies, and procedures which pertain to peer-delivered service, The Peer Company, and community partners
Following the direction of the participants served, assist participants in exploring strategies that increase satisfaction with the eight dimensions of wellness
Travels to visit community partners and participants, occasionally transporting participants to relevant community partners
Support participants in crisis by helping them to deescalate and identify next steps in their recovery journey
Assist participants in identifying and engaging various community resources and supports
Documents support services in a program database in a manner that assures compliance with policies, program procedures and local, state, and federal regulations
Maintains accurate and up-to-date documentation as required by program deliverables
Acts as a positive role model for individuals being served and exploring their own path to wellness and recovery
Respects and honors a person’s rights and responsibilities and demonstrates professional boundaries and ethics
Adheres to mandatory abuse reporting laws and HIPAA requirements
Complete other relevant duties as assigned