RAP Peer Support Specialist - 5644

ColumbiaCare Services•Portland, OR

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

We have a Full-Time job opening for a Peer Support Specialist at our Rental Assistance Program (RAP) in the Portland area. The Peer Support Specialist (PSS) will work directly with individuals and assist them in navigating very complex systems such as rental applicants, HUD applications, benefits systems, etc. They will utilize strategic self-disclosure of lived experience to build connection with individuals and to normalize mental health challenges. The Peer Support Specialist will be primarily responsible for conducting housing searches and accessing community resources, assisting individuals with completing housing applications and coordinating moving arrangements, and managing funds to ensure all payments are made to landlords in a timely manner. The position will assist and teach individuals in completing housekeeping tasks, and provide direct skills training in independent living, self-sufficiency, education, navigating the medical community, community living, etc. The Peer Support Specialist will also strive to close the gap created by cultural or language barriers. In addition, you will receive crisis de-escalation training, which requires performing various physical, hands-on maneuvers and techniques. Travel within Multnomah, Washington, and Clackamas counties will be required in this position.

Requirements

Personal experience with mental health challenges
Certified and Registered as a Peer Support Specialist (PSS) or Peer Wellness Specialist (PWS) through the Oregon Health Authority (OHA)
Valid driver's license from their state of residence or obtain and submit one within 30 days of hire
Ability to maintain a safe driving record
Ability to pass a DHS criminal background check
Ability to frequently talk, listen, use hands and fingers, reach, stand, walk, sit, bend, stoop, climb stairs, as well as lift, carry, push, and pull up to 40 pounds
Ability to occasionally use ladders, squat/kneel, and perform other physical tasks as applicable
Successfully complete crisis de-escalation and CPR trainings, which require performing various physical, hands-on maneuvers and techniques and may require an individual to lift and transfer clients

Nice To Haves

Bilingual or Multilingual candidates (receive an additional 5% Language Differential)

Responsibilities

Conducting housing searches and accessing community resources
Assisting individuals with completing housing applications and coordinating moving arrangements
Managing funds to ensure all payments are made to landlords in a timely manner
Assisting and teaching individuals in completing housekeeping tasks
Providing direct skills training in independent living, self-sufficiency, education, navigating the medical community, community living, etc.
Striving to close the gap created by cultural or language barriers
Receiving crisis de-escalation training
Performing various physical, hands-on maneuvers and techniques as part of crisis de-escalation training