Peer Support Specialist - BHRC Outreach (Sat - Wed, 7AM - 3PM)

MENTAL HEALTH & ADDICTION ASSOCIATION OF OR•Portland, OR

9h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Peer Support Specialist (PSS) acts as a positive role model for individuals living in recovery, leveraging their similar life experiences. As a member of interdisciplinary teams, the PSS collaboratively supports individuals in their self-defined and self-directed care. Key responsibilities include assisting individuals in creating their own person-directed recovery plans and achieving goals on their recovery journey. The PSS provides a nonjudgmental presence, connects individuals with community resources, and helps them navigate the care continuum. The Multnomah County Behavioral Health Resource Center (BHRC) is an innovative, peer-led model focused on trauma-informed and equity-based values. It is a collaboration between Multnomah County and community partners, featuring a Peer Run Day Center, a 33-bed shelter, and a 19-bed bridge to housing program for people experiencing homelessness and behavioral health challenges. The Day Center is operated by The Peer Company. This PSS role involves direct engagement with people experiencing homelessness around the BHRC to facilitate connections with health and social services. Peers work in the field to identify needs, match individuals with appropriate programs and resources, and remove barriers to access. Goals include helping people access the BHRC, enter shelter, build trusting relationships with medical or behavioral health providers, and obtain food and material resources.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required
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
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.)
A criminal background check will be conducted by The Peer Company in accordance with The Peer Company background check policy
Pre-hire drug screenings for all potential employees

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
Meets TPC’s peer support services performance expectations outlined in TPC’s Operations Handbook
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