Community Peer Provider (Forensic Assertive Community Treatment)

Job Overview

The position is based at Kerns Building in NE Portland, OR, with work primarily in the community. It is a part-time role, typically 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, with some nights and weekends required.

About the Role

This position is part of the Community Peer Provider Program within Cascadia Health, which aims to provide integrated mental health and addiction services, primary care, and housing to promote the well-being of the community.

Responsibilities

• Engage with individuals using strengths-based tools and harm reduction principles.
• Afford support in program settings, the community, and individual homes.
• Collaborate with the treatment and service team to ensure high-quality, person-centered services.
• Support community building and the development of natural support systems for individuals.
• Aid individuals secure benefits, mental health services, addiction treatment, medical services, emergency assistance, and housing.
• Create opportunities for socialization and community connections.
• Offer individual and group support in life skills, holistic wellness, self-care, hygiene, and resource navigation.
• Accompany participants to community appointments and assist with learning public transportation systems.
• Provide coaching and emotional support to assist individuals with housing stability, neighbor relations, and conflict resolution.
• Apply Feedback Informed Treatment (FIT) practices as part of service delivery team and in alignment with Cascadia and program’s current level of FIT implementation.
• Comply with and implement regulations, policies, and procedures under which the program operates.
• Assist in crisis situations as appropriate, following emergency protocols/procedures and coordinating with the treatment team with interventions which support a trauma informed environment.
• Document and maintain clinical records in a manner that ensures compliance with all agency policies and procedures and local, state, and federal regulations, as well as billing requirements.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation as required, associated with assessment, treatment, progress, and other activities.
• Complete electronic medical records (EMR) as required using Cascadia software.
• Demonstrate responsibility for safety of those served.
• Understand fire regulations and evacuation procedures.
• Adhere to mandatory abuse reporting laws and HIPAA requirements.
• Complete annual employee training requirements on a timely basis as indicated in the licensing requirements for the facility as well as agency requirements.
• Participate in all scheduled staff meetings, supervision sessions, and other departmental and agency meetings.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Required: Traditional Health Worker (THW) Peer Support Specialist Certification.
• PREFERRED: Traditional Health Worker (THW) Peer Wellness Specialist Certification.
• Required: Self-disclose as a current or former recipient of behavioral health services, with personal recovery experience.
• PREFERRED: Experience working with adults with severe and persistent mental health challenges and/or individuals experiencing homelessness.
• Specialized Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities: Understanding and integration of Peer Support values, Knowledge of assertive engagement, recovery models, harm reduction and motivational interviewing, Well-developed coping skills and strategies to manage unpredictable circumstances, Proficiency in computer operations, including Electronic Health Record software, data entry and report preparation, Time management and capacity for independent self-motivation, Ability to adapt and learn from new information, Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Other: Valid driver’s license, one year driving history; clean driving record, ability to pass Driver Motor Vehicle (DMV) check and complete the Cascadia online Defensive Driving course, Access to a reliable mode of transportation to commute around the Portland metro area, All client-facing positions must have the ability to perform Basic Life Support (BLS) and properly use AED equipment.

Benefits

• Generous Paid Time Off Package
• Medical and Dental Coverage (begins 1st of the month following 30 days after hire date)
• VSP Vision Discount Plan
• 403(B) Retirement Savings (Pre and post-tax plans with up to 8% employer matching contribution!)
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) (Medical, dependent care, and transportation options)
• Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, and Life Insurance
• Paid Bereavement and Jury Duty Leave
• Length of Service Award
• Supplemental Insurance
• Student loan forgiveness options
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Bicycle Reimbursement
• Discounted Fitness Memberships
• Trauma Support Team