Clack Recovery Youth Peer Support

Youth ERA•Milwaukie, OR

14d•$22 - $25•Onsite

About The Position

The youth recovery peer support specialist (YRPSS) is responsible for providing peer support services to youth ages 14-25 who are in or working toward recovery from substance use. This position is charged with building connections to young adults and assisting in needs identification, solution brainstorming, and self-advocacy at all levels. This position supports youth in gaining control over their lives and in fostering positive community connections. The YRPSS functions as a role model by demonstrating recovery, resilience and ongoing coping skills.

Requirements

Lived experience with substance-use and recovery (identity as being in recovery from substance use and/or alcohol)
Ability to travel and willingness to work evenings and weekends as required.
Valid driver’s license, reliable vehicle, and car insurance.
Willingness to update job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities, reading professional publications, maintaining professional networks, attending trainings, and conferences.
Excellent interpersonal skills, including the capacity to communicate and work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
Ability to build/sustain collaborative working relationships with staff, supervisors, and others as appropriate.
Willingness to address and work to eliminate personal biases and prejudices.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively
Demonstrated social/situational problem-solving skills.
Outstanding oral/written communication skills and strong organizational skills.
Excellent advocacy and public speaking skills.
Ability and willingness to learn about youth culture and the organization's history, mission, demographics, programs, etc. in order to persuasively articulate how Youth Era distinguishes itself from peer organizations.
Proficiency in the use of computers, their routine software applications (i.e. Microsoft Office, Word, and Excel), and Google applications (i.e. Gmail, Hangouts, and Google Calendar).

Nice To Haves

Certified Recovery Mentor (CRM)
First Aid Certification
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certification
Oregon Food Handlers Card

Responsibilities

Share lived experience of recovery and related life challenges to provide authentic peer support and build trust with young adults navigating systems such as mental health, substance use/recovery, juvenile justice, Oregon Youth Authority, foster care, education, and LGBTQ+ supports.
Engage and build relationships with youth through drop-in center participation, outreach, and recovery-specific programming.
Support safe and inclusive environments by modeling trauma-informed practices, monitoring emotional and physical safety, and interrupting oppressive or inappropriate behavior.
Provide one-on-one recovery support tailored to youth-led goals, using harm reduction, motivational interviewing, and supportive tools such as recovery forms.
Empower youth self-advocacy by helping them set goals and take steps toward their recovery and wellness.
Facilitate and co-facilitate recovery groups that provide peer connection, reflection, and skill-building.
Promote and advertise recovery services through outreach, tabling, and collaboration with community partners; actively connecting young adults to the recovery program and Youth Era services.
Assist youth in accessing services that support their recovery journey, including harm reduction resources, housing, education, and healthcare.
Provide culturally responsive assistance and apply evidence-based and youth development practices such as Positive Youth Development, Collaborative Problem Solving (CPS), Wraparound, the 40 Developmental Assets, and harm reduction.
Refer youth to community-based resources and collaborate with providers to strengthen support networks.
Communicate with youth using accessible methods, including phone, text/chat, and social media.
Document all recovery services in our EHR system, upload recovery forms, and track attendance, outreach contacts, and harm reduction distributions.
Participate in Drop-In center tasks such as cleaning surfaces and floors, doing dishes, preparing simple meals for participants, and other chores.
Report suspected abuse or neglect to DHS in compliance with mandatory reporting laws.
Maintain accurate records, including caseload trackers, calendars, and administrative compliance with Rippling (timecards, receipts, mileage).
Participate in weekly staff meetings, supervision, and professional development to maintain alignment with program fidelity and THW certification.
Travel locally for one-on-one sessions, outreach, community meetings, and collaboration with partners as needed.
Comply with all Youth Era policies and procedures, including those outlined in the Employee Policy Manual and Recovery Handbook.
Perform other duties as assigned to support the mission of Youth Era and the success of youth participants.