Recovery Mentor - Supportive Housing (PT Overnight) $22.44 - $29.91+ DOE

Volunteers of America Oregon • Portland, OR

8d • $22 - $30 • Onsite

About The Position

The Recovery Mentor provides peer support to clients in supportive housing by building supportive relationships, facilitating individualized goal setting, and connecting clients with resources and treatment services. The position combines direct client engagement, crisis intervention, care coordination, and administrative work to promote recovery, stability, and self-determination using trauma-informed, person-centered, and harm reduction approaches.

This is an overnight part-time position working 20 hours per week. The role requires lived experience of receiving addiction or mental health services and the ability to use that experience professionally to support others. The employee must hold a current Certified Recovery Mentor (CRM) credential through MHACBO or Peer Support Specialist (PSS) certification through the Oregon Health Authority, or be able to obtain the required credential within three months of hire. The employee must also meet Oregon Medicaid provider enrollment criteria.

The position has no supervisory responsibilities, though it may provide guidance to interns. Up to 30% of work time involves local travel within the Portland metro area; occasional overnight travel may be necessary for training, meetings, or other business needs.

Requirements

• Self-identify as formerly having received addiction or mental health services and demonstrate the ability to use that experience to support others professionally in a peer role.
• Hold a current MHACBO Certified Recovery Mentor (CRM) credential or Oregon Health Authority Peer Support Specialist (PSS) certification, or be able to obtain the required credential within three 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.
• Candidates pursuing PSS certification must self-identify as having lived experience related to mental health, substance use, or another qualifying experience defined by OHA, and meet state certification requirements.
• Meet eligibility criteria for enrollment as a Medicaid provider in Oregon.
• Complete a criminal history background check and receive authorization from the Oregon Background Check Unit.
• Not be excluded from federal healthcare programs, including through the OIG or SAM exclusion lists.
• Be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.
• Have an active driver's license, current insurance, reliable transportation, and meet agency and insurer driver standards.
• Knowledge of recovery processes and pathways, stages of change, peer ethics and boundaries, mandated reporting, confidentiality requirements including CFR 42 Part 2, trauma-informed care, harm reduction, and relevant housing, employment, behavioral health, justice, and social-service resources.
• Ability to provide compassionate, nonjudgmental support across stages of recovery; work independently while maintaining follow-up; safely transport clients; recognize and respond to signs of relapse, distress, or safety concerns; and engage in supervision and ongoing professional development.
• Ability to perform essential duties with or without reasonable accommodation and without posing a direct threat to safety or health.
• Ability to sit for extended periods, operate a computer and other office equipment, and communicate effectively in person and by phone; occasionally stand, walk, bend, and lift up to 25 pounds.

Nice To Haves

• High school diploma or GED.
• Experience working with individuals with co-occurring substance use and mental health concerns.
• Experience working with individuals involved in the criminal justice system or experiencing housing instability.
• Experience using electronic health records or similar documentation systems.
• Experience working in Medicaid-billable peer services or behavioral health settings.
• Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience may satisfy the stated education and experience requirements.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain supportive peer relationships grounded in mutual respect, shared lived experience, and recovery principles.
• Support clients in identifying and working toward individualized recovery goals related to treatment, housing, employment, education, and wellness.
• Provide mentorship and guidance using trauma-informed, person-centered, and harm reduction approaches.
• Facilitate peer-led recovery groups and structured activities.
• Connect clients with recovery supports, including 12-step, mutual aid, cultural, spiritual, and wellness-based resources.
• Help clients navigate behavioral health, social service, and criminal justice systems, including court, probation or parole, child welfare, and medication-assisted treatment.
• Conduct outreach and maintain client contact through scheduled sessions, field visits, and phone or text outreach.
• Help clients meet practical needs, such as obtaining identification, applying for benefits, securing housing, and attending appointments.
• Transport clients safely to appointments, court, or recovery activities using agency vehicles.
• Observe clients for signs of relapse, intoxication, withdrawal, or behavioral escalation and follow agency safety protocols.
• Respond to client crises with de-escalation and peer-appropriate interventions, and assist with emergency response such as Narcan or CPR if trained.
• Maintain accurate and timely electronic health record documentation.
• Obtain and track Release of Information forms to coordinate care and information sharing.
• Collaborate with internal interdisciplinary staff and community partners to coordinate treatment efforts and care plans.
• Use client feedback and outcome monitoring tools, such as Feedback Informed Treatment, to improve services.
• Model recovery values through ethical behavior, emotional regulation, and appropriate boundaries.
• Participate in supervision, team meetings, and professional development.
• Handle administrative duties, including checking email, responding to calls, managing appointment schedules, and maintaining documentation.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Full-time employees may be eligible for medical insurance, with employer-paid premiums covering 71%–89% of employee-only coverage.
• Optional dental and vision coverage at employee cost.
• Employer-provided life insurance and short- and long-term disability coverage.
• 403(b) retirement plan with an automatic 5.5% employer contribution after 18 months of employment, regardless of employee contribution.
• Paid time off accruing at 15 days in the first year, 23 days in the second year, and 26 days in the third year.
• 80 hours of frontloaded sick leave annually, prorated in the first year.
• 10 paid holidays each year and 3 personal holidays, prorated in the first year.
• Potential eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness as an employee of a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
• Flexible spending accounts, employee assistance program, other voluntary benefits, and employee discounts.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED