Peer Support Specialist - Mult. Co. Mental Health Court

MENTAL HEALTH & ADDICTION ASSOCIATION OF OR•Hillsboro, OR

6h•$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 PSS role works directly with individuals with mental health and/or co-occurring addiction challenges, involved in the Criminal Justice System. Support may begin at any point from initial contact with law enforcement, incarceration, inpatient treatment program, hospitalization (including Oregon State Hospital), or court involvement to getting reestablished with home and community.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required.
A criminal background check will be conducted by The Peer Company in accordance with The Peer Company background check policy. A criminal record does not necessarily exclude an individual from employment with The Peer Company.
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.
Identifies as having at least 2 years of lived experience in recovery with addiction challenges and mental health challenges
Identifies as having lived experience with the criminal justice system
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.)

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 as a valuable member of a comprehensive multidisciplinary treatment court team. Works collaboratively with both the mental health court and forensic diversion staff as a team member.
Arrange initial meetings with individuals who have been referred for Forensic Peer Support Services.
Meet with individual in the community/their home/while incarcerated to establish and maintain a positive and trusting relationship
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