Recovery Mentor $22.44+ DOE

Volunteers of America Oregon•Portland, OR

3d•$22 - $30•Hybrid

About The Position

For more than 130 years, Volunteers of America Oregon has been dedicated to serving the most vulnerable members of our community. Through innovative programs in behavioral health, addiction treatment, reentry services, and support for children and families, we deliver life‑changing services that promote safety, healing, and empowerment. At VOA Oregon, employees are part of a compassionate, mission‑driven team working collaboratively to create lasting, meaningful change. Every role contributes directly to the individuals and families we serve and to the mission we advance together. Individuals seeking to join an organization committed to service, inclusion, and employee support are encouraged to apply.

Requirements

A high school diploma or GED is required for this position.
Candidates must have lived experience with substance use recovery and demonstrate the ability to apply that experience effectively in a professional peer support role.
Current Certified Recovery Mentor (CRM) credential through MHACBO or the ability to obtain certification within six months of hire.
Candidates pursuing the CRM credential must self‑identify as a person in recovery from a substance use disorder and meet MHACBO eligibility requirements for certification.
Applicants must meet all eligibility criteria for enrollment as a Medicaid provider in the state of Oregon.
Must successfully complete a criminal history background check and receive approval from the State of Oregon Background Check Unit.
Must not be excluded from participation in federal healthcare programs, including but not limited to 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 employer sponsorship.
If driving is required for the position, candidates must possess a valid driver’s license, maintain current auto insurance, have reliable transportation, and meet VOA Oregon and insurer driving standards.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and/or comparable computer applications.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with individuals with co‑occurring substance use and mental health conditions is preferred.
Experience supporting individuals involved in the criminal justice system and/or experiencing housing instability is also preferred.
Familiarity with electronic health records (EHRs) or similar documentation systems is preferred, as is experience providing Medicaid‑billable peer services or working in behavioral health settings.
An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered in lieu of the stated requirements.

Responsibilities

Build and maintain supportive peer relationships grounded in mutual respect, shared lived experience, and recovery principles to promote engagement, hope, and motivation.
Supports clients in identifying and working toward individualized recovery goals across areas such as treatment engagement, housing, employment, education, and wellness to promote stability and self‑determination.
Provides peer mentorship and guidance using trauma‑informed, person‑centered, and harm‑reduction approaches to build trust and reduce barriers to care.
Facilitates peer‑led recovery groups and structured activities that support community building, skill development, and shared accountability.
Introduces clients to a variety of recovery supports, including 12‑step, mutual aid, cultural, spiritual, and wellness‑based resources, to strengthen connection and support sustained recovery.
Assists clients in navigating behavioral health, social service, and criminal justice systems (including courts, probation/parole, child welfare, and medication‑assisted treatment) to improve access to services and continuity of care.
Conducts outreach and maintains consistent client contact through scheduled sessions, field visits, and phone or text communication to promote engagement and service consistency.
Supports clients with practical needs such as obtaining identification, applying for benefits, securing housing, and attending critical appointments.
Safely transports clients to appointments, court hearings, and recovery‑related activities using agency vehicles to ensure access to essential services.
Monitors 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 peer‑appropriate de‑escalation strategies and assists with emergency interventions (e.g., Narcan administration or CPR) when trained and appropriate.
Maintains accurate, timely, and compliant documentation in the electronic health record to support continuity of care and meet regulatory requirements.
Obtains and tracks Releases of Information (ROI) to facilitate coordination of care and appropriate information sharing with external partners.
Collaborates with interdisciplinary team members—including medical providers, counselors, and case managers—as well as community partners such as court staff, parole officers, and legal representatives to coordinate care, support problem‑solving, and ensure consistent implementation of care plans.
Incorporates client feedback and outcome monitoring tools (e.g., Feedback‑Informed Treatment [FIT]) to support continuous improvement and client‑centered peer services.
Models’ recovery values and promotes a recovery‑oriented culture through ethical conduct, emotional regulation, and appropriate professional boundaries.
Participate in supervision, team meetings, and professional development activities to strengthen skills, maintain certification, and contribute to a collaborative work environment.
Completes administrative responsibilities, including monitoring email, responding to phone calls, managing schedules, and ensuring timely documentation.
Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Medical insurance with employer‑paid coverage (employee medical premiums start at $66.23 per paycheck)
Dental and vision plans offered at 100% employee cost
Employer‑provided life insurance
Short‑ and long‑term disability coverage
403(b) retirement plan with an automatic 5.5% employer contribution after 18 months, regardless of employee participation
A generous paid time off (PTO) plan, with accruals of 15 days in the first year, 23 days in the second year, and 26 days in the third year
80 hours of front‑loaded sick time (prorated in the first year), resetting annually on January 1
10 paid holidays each year, plus three personal holidays (prorated in the first year)
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, VOA Oregon is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, which may help reduce or eliminate federal student loan debt after 10 years of qualifying payments
Flexible spending accounts
An employee assistance program
Access to other voluntary benefits and employee discounts