Recovery Mentor, Relief $22.44+ DOE

Volunteers of America Oregon•Portland, OR

5d•$22 - $30•Hybrid

About The Position

This position is responsible for providing peer support services to clients in recovery by building supportive relationships, facilitating individualized goal setting, and connecting individuals to essential resources and treatment services. The role combines direct client engagement, crisis intervention, care coordination, and administrative responsibilities to promote recovery, stability, and self-determination using trauma-informed and person-centered approaches. Mentors assigned to Supportive Housing programs provide peer support and resource navigation within supportive housing settings. They model recovery, support participation in treatment and program activities, and connect clients to substance use, mental health, medical, and other services. Supportive Housing Mentors help clients build stability and make progress toward individualized goals while living in structured, recovery-oriented housing environments.

Requirements

A high school diploma or GED is preferred.
Candidates who self-identify formerly receiving addictions or mental health services.
Demonstrated ability to use that experience to support others in a professional peer role.
Current Certified Recovery Mentor (CRM) credential through MHACBO or a current Peer Support Specialist (PSS) certification through the Oregon Health Authority (OHA), or the ability to obtain the required credential within three months of hire.
Applicants pursuing the CRM credential must self-identify as a person in recovery from a substance use disorder and meet all MHACBO eligibility requirements for certification.
Applicants pursuing the PSS certification must self-identify as having lived experience related to mental health, substance use, or other qualifying life experiences as defined by OHA and meet all state certification requirements.
All candidates must also meet eligibility criteria for enrollment as a Medicaid provider in Oregon.
Must complete a criminal history background check and receive authorization from the State of Oregon’s Background Check Unit.
Must not be excluded from participation in federal healthcare programs, including but not limited to listings on the Office of Inspector General (OIG) List of Excluded Individuals/Entities and the System for Award Management (SAM) exclusion list.
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.
Must have an active driver’s license, current insurance, reliable transportation, and ability to meet VOA Oregon’s and VOA Oregon’s insurer’s driver standards.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with individuals who have co-occurring substance use, and mental health concerns is preferred.
Experience working with individuals involved in the criminal justice system or experiencing housing instability is preferred.
Experience using electronic health records (EHRs) or similar documentation systems is preferred.
Experience working in Medicaid-billable peer services or behavioral health settings is preferred.
An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be used to satisfy these requirements.

Responsibilities

Builds and maintains supportive peer relationships grounded in mutual respect, shared lived experience, and recovery principles to promote client engagement and hope.
Supports clients in identifying and working toward individualized recovery goals across areas such as treatment engagement, housing, employment, education, and wellness to foster stability and self-determination.
Provides mentorship and guidance using trauma-informed, person-centered, and harm reduction approaches to reduce barriers to care and increase trust.
Facilitates peer-led recovery groups and structured activities to support community building, skill development, and shared accountability.
Introduces clients to a range of recovery supports including 12-step, mutual aid, cultural, spiritual, or wellness-based resources to increase connection and sustained recovery.
Assists clients in navigating behavioral health, social service, and criminal justice systems, including court, probation/parole, child welfare, and medication-assisted treatment (MAT), to increase service access and continuity.
Conducts outreach and maintains regular client contact through scheduled sessions, field visits, or phone/text outreach to enhance engagement and service consistency.
Supports clients in meeting practical needs such as obtaining ID, applying for benefits, securing housing, and attending critical appointments.
Transport clients safely to appointments, court, or recovery activities using agency vehicles to ensure reliable access to essential services.
Observes clients for signs of relapse, intoxication, withdrawal, or behavioral escalation and follows agency protocols to support client safety and program integrity.
Responds to client crises using de-escalation strategies and peer-appropriate interventions, and assists with emergency response (e.g., Narcan or CPR) if trained.
Maintains accurate and timely documentation in the electronic health record to ensure continuity of care and compliance with regulatory standards.
Obtain and track Release of Information (ROI) forms to coordinate care and support information sharing with external partners as needed.
Collaborates with internal interdisciplinary staff, including medical providers, counselors, case managers, as well as community partners such as court staff, parole officers, and legal representatives, to align treatment efforts and ensure consistent implementation of care plans, problem-solving, and quality of care.
Incorporates client feedback and outcome monitoring tools, e.g., feedback Informed Treatment (FIT), to improve peer services and client-centered care.
Promotes recovery culture and model recovery values through ethical behavior, emotional regulation, and boundary-setting.
Participates in supervision, team meetings, and professional development to strengthen skills, maintain certification, and contribute to a collaborative work environment.
Performs administrative responsibilities such as checking email, responding to phone calls, managing appointment schedules, and maintaining timely documentation.
Provides peer support within supportive housing environments to foster stable, recovery-oriented community living.
Collaborates with treatment and housing staff to support client participation in program schedules, routines, and structured activities.
Assists clients in navigating on site services and accessing community-based supports that address individualized recovery and housing stability goals.
Monitors and documents resident participation, behavior, and progress to support coordinated treatment and housing services.
Performs other duties as assigned.