Peer Support Specialist Jobs

About The Position

Requirements

• Requires a high school diploma, GED or equivalent.
• Must self-identify as a current or former recipient of behavioral health services and be willing to share lived experiences as appropriate.
• Must have completed a Peer Wellness Training approved by The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and qualify to be certified as a Peer Support Specialist within six months of hire date, or qualify to be credentialed as a Certified Recovery Mentor through MHACCBO.
• Knowledge and understanding of mental illness, addictions, and physical health and ability to work within an integrated system of care program.
• Requires exceptional interpersonal communication skills and the ability to engage and interact positively with participants to promote strengths and improve health and well being and to work collaboratively as part of an integrated team to coordinate care.
• Requires flexibility, confidentiality, demonstrated ability and ongoing commitment to the maintenance of professional boundaries with participants, the community, and other staff members, and the proven ability to work professionally and collaboratively in a team environment, treating everyone with respect and dignity at all times.
• Ability to pass a pre-employment or for cause drug tests.
• Ability to pass criminal background and DMV checks.
• Must be able to perform CPR and First Aid. CPR/ First Aid certifications are required and must remain current.
• Must demonstrate a high degree of comfort working with individuals actively experiencing symptoms of mental illness
• Competent with computers for word processing, internet, email and scheduling, or able to learn these skills.
• Must have a valid driver’s license, good driving record, and access to your own reliable transportation.
• Ability to report to work reliably and in a timely fashion.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working with Native American/ Alaska Native community is considered a plus.

Responsibilities

• Openly identify as a Veteran who has lived the experience of receiving behavioral health services. Act as a role model to inspire hope and share life experiences as appropriate to the recovery process.
• Provide expertise and consultation from a consumer perspective to the entire team concerning each participant’s unique and subjective experience and perceptions.
• Provide practical help and supports, mentoring, advocacy, coordination, side by side individualized support, problem solving, direct assistance and supervision to help participants obtain the necessities of daily living including medical and dental health care; legal and advocacy services; financial support such as entitlements (SSI, SSDI, veterans’ benefits); money-management services (e.g. payee services); and transportation.
• Increase awareness of and support participation in consumer self-help programs, culturally specific services and consumer advocacy organizations that promote recovery.
• Assist in the provision of ongoing assessment of VASH Continuum participant’s support service needs and suggest appropriate changes in service plans to ensure that appropriate services are provided in response to changes in needs, including behavioral health needs.
• Assist in the provision of direct clinical services to participants on an individual, group and family basis in community settings to teach symptom-management techniques and promote personal growth and development.
• Provide nutrition education and assistance with meal planning, grocery shopping and food preparation.
• Ensure that participants have adequate financial support (help to gain employment and apply for entitlements).
• Teach money management skills (budgeting and paying bills) and assist participants in accessing financial services.
• Help participants to access reliable transportation (obtain a driver’s license and car, arrange for medical transport, use public transportation, find rides).
• Assist and support participants to have and effectively use a personal primary care physician, dentist and other medical specialists as required.
• Organize and lead individual and group social and recreational activities to help participants structure their time, increase social experiences, and provide opportunities to practice social skills and attend cultural activities.
• Maintain appropriate and timely documentation as needed, and maintain confidentiality at all times.
• Actively seek information and trainings to maintain professional level skills.

Benefits

• Affordable Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance through Kaiser Permanente
• 15 Paid Holidays
• 13 Paid Days of Sick Time
• 13 Paid Days of PTO (Vacation accruals increase with years of service to a maximum of 26 days)
• $50,000 Life Insurance & AD&D
• Short Term and Long-Term Disability
• Flexible Spending Account
• Health Spending Account
• 401(k) with 4% Match
• Employee Assistance Program
• Inclement Weather Days (Snow Days)
• Public Student Loan Forgiveness