Supportive Housing Peer Support Specialist

HIV Alliance • Medford, OR

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Peer Support Specialist works directly with people who use drugs identified through syringe exchange, street outreach, and community referrals. Using harm reduction strategies and motivational interviewing, the specialist supports clients in reducing overdose risk, improving health, and accessing treatment. The role collaborates with community providers to reduce risks related to HIV, HCV, and opioid overdose, promote recovery, and improve health outcomes.

The position is based in Medford and is in person, not eligible for hybrid or remote work. It is a 1.0 FTE, 40-hour-per-week, non-exempt position. The work includes community-based outreach and travel to locations needed to perform job duties. Flexible hours may include early mornings, evenings, and weekends.

Requirements

• Lived experience and knowledge of addiction and harm reduction principles.
• Current Peer Support Specialist or Certified Recovery Mentor certification from a state-approved training program, or willingness and ability to become certified immediately.
• Meet the State of Oregon definition of a Peer: a self-identified person currently or formerly receiving mental health services, or a self-identified person in recovery from a substance use disorder who meets abstinence requirements for recovering staff in alcohol and other drug treatment programs.
• At least 1 year of experience working with clients with substance use difficulties using harm reduction strategies in all interactions and interventions.
• At least 1 year of experience in a social service or behavioral health setting that includes documentation and record keeping.
• Willingness to discuss HIV/HCV risk, including sex and injection drug use.
• Ability to work independently, meet deadlines, and manage time effectively.
• Basic computer and keyboard proficiency, including Microsoft Office software.
• Ability to complete and pass a criminal history background check.
• Applicants in recovery from substance abuse must have at least 2 years in recovery.
• Must not be listed on the Medicaid provider exclusion list.
• Must complete a TB test, provided by the agency.
• Valid Oregon driver's license, or valid out-of-state driver's license with the ability to obtain an Oregon license within 30 days of establishing residency in Oregon.
• Driving record must meet the agency's auto-insurance coverage requirements.
• Ability to work well with others, handle stress appropriately, and maintain reliable attendance.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends, and work 5 days per week for a minimum of 40 hours per week.
• Ability to work in loud, crowded, busy, or escalated environments.
• Ability to drive safely at night and in various weather conditions.
• Ability to travel to other locations and transport oneself to job-related events and locations.
• Ability to repetitively use hands for clerical duties, including grasping, wrist movements, typing, and writing; frequently use arms to push and pull; sit or stand for extended periods; bend, stand, and reach; lift and carry up to 25 pounds; and maintain clear vision at 20 inches or less.
• Demonstrated interpersonal communication and conflict management, organizational awareness, adaptability, commitment to agency vision and values, client and customer focus, and ability to value diversity.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and accept client referrals from internal and external sources.
• Conduct street outreach and outreach at syringe exchanges, providing harm reduction education and supplies and basic-needs assistance to engage clients in peer support.
• Meet with clients in person at office and community-based locations, applying person-centered principles to build trust and rapport.
• Assess client needs and develop goals and action plans.
• Refer clients to substance use treatment and medication-assisted treatment (MAT), including completing warm hand-offs.
• Use cultural competency, active listening, and motivational interviewing to support clients in reaching stability or treatment goals.
• Build relationships and coordinate with agencies to provide intensive care coordination.
• Transport and accompany clients to appointments to facilitate access to treatment, services, and resources.
• Promote and educate clients about harm reduction, including naloxone and fentanyl test strips to reduce opioid overdose risks.
• Connect clients who test positive for HIV or HCV with confirmatory screening and medical care.
• Navigate clients to services and resources, including health insurance, basic-needs services, and housing assistance.
• Maintain up-to-date HIV knowledge.
• Enroll clients in the Oregon Health Plan or other insurance programs.
• Complete chart notes for client encounters and submit program paperwork professionally and on time.
• Work with other Peer Support Specialists to maximize service quality.
• Attend regular clinical supervision meetings.
• Use a personal cell phone to run agency phone-system software, multi-factor authentication, and related tools.
• Perform other assigned tasks, including training or cross-training staff as needed.

Benefits

• Bilingual candidates are eligible for an additional $1.50 per hour bilingual differential; this differential is not included in the stated salary range.
• Benefits are available; details are provided through the agency's benefits information.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: No Education Listed