Peer support specialist

About the role

This position will have a history of mental health or substance use issues and will have received services at some point in their history. This position will share their life experiences in the work with Community Counseling Solutions (CCS) clients. The Peer Support Specialist will understand and respect each client’s point of view, experiences and preferences, and work with other CCS staff to maximize client choice, self-determination and decision making in the planning and delivery of treatment. They will provide peer counseling and consultation to individuals, families and other staff as needed, and also provide rehabilitation and support functions as needed.

Responsibilities

• Provide peer counseling and support, drawing on common experiences as a peer, validate clients’ experiences and provide guidance and encouragement to clients to take responsibility and actively participate in their own recovery; serve as a mentor to promote hope and empowerment.
• Ensure accurate, timely and complete documentation of all clinical documents and subsequent data entry when required.
• Help clients and family members identify, understand, and combat stigma and discrimination associated with mental illness and develop strategies to reduce self-stigma.
• Increase awareness of and support client and family participation in consumer self-help services and programs.
• Assist the supervisor to help organize and lead rehabilitative individual and group activities.
• Participate in clinical meetings to discuss client progress and goals when requested.
• Participate as requested in clinical supervision.
• Provide support to clients who are in crisis by spending time with them in their home or while at an emergency room or office setting.
• Provide peer support services, working in tandem with clinicians, until the crisis is resolved or alternative placement options are secure.
• Provide transportation to clients when clinically recommended to assist client in access to services.

Requirements

• No minimum education or experience required.
• Will have attended a peer support conference/training.
• Must work toward Peer Certification in Oregon.
• Must pass all criminal history check requirements as required by ORS 181.536-181.537 and in accordance with OAR 410-007-0200 through 410-007-0380.
• Must pass pre-employment background check and monthly checks against the OIG and GSA exclusion lists, as well as other federal and state agency lists.
• Must hold a valid driver’s license and personal auto insurance for privately owned vehicles utilized for CCS business, with proof of $300,000 or more liability coverage for bodily injury and $100,000 or more for property damage.
• Must pass pre-employment drug screen.

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing.
• Ability to develop positive working relationships with team members, co-workers, community partners, and the public.
• Ability to represent CCS within the community and at State or regional meetings, including the ability to speak in public.
• Knowledge, understanding and willingness to adhere to confidentiality laws and expectations.
• Ability to work independently without constant and strict supervision.
• Possess conflict resolution skills.
• Ability and willingness to be at work on time and follow direction from a supervisor.
• Good typing skills and knowledge of basic office software programs.
• Ability to present and exchange information internally across teams and co-workers, and externally with customers and the public, ranging from routine/basic to complex and confidential information.

Physical Demands

While performing the essential duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use office automation including computer and phone system that requires fine manipulation, grasping, typing, and reaching. Sitting for several hours reviewing reports and other written materials, and talking on the phone. This position may occasionally be required to lift up to ten (10) pounds. Incumbent will occasionally have to reach, bend, kneel and squat when adjusting equipment or retrieving supplies. The employee needs to be able to participate in vehicle travel between business offices, client homes, in the community, and to attend required meetings and/or trainings.

Work Environment

Work is performed in an office environment and in many community settings such as schools, client homes, hospitals, jails, other public agencies and community groups in a variety of locations. The noise level is usually moderate, but occasionally may be exposed to loud noise such as raised voice levels and alarms. This position is exposed to the everyday risks or discomforts which require normal safety precautions typical of such places as an office (i.e., moving mechanical parts, airborne particles, and electrical shock).

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• 6% initial 401K match
• Potential for tuition reimbursement
• Paid vacation tiers ranging from accrual of 1 day to 4 days per month (Annual rollover cap of 220 hours, additional hours can be paid out at 50% at the end of the fiscal year)
• 9 Paid holidays
• Community service day
• Floating holiday & 2 mental health days provided after 1 year
• Workplace Flexibility schedule options available (work from home hours vary by position & schedule)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness benefits
• Dependent care & Long-Term Disability Insurance

Pay

$21.15 – $30.53 per hour, depending on experience. Potential for 10% bilingual increase if applicable to specific position and you pass the language test.

Schedule

Full-time, non-exempt (expectation to work 40 hours per week).