Peer Support Specialist - Veterans Program

This position supports formerly homeless Veterans who participate in the Veterans Grant & Per Diem transitional housing program.

About the role

The Peer Support Specialist will work closely with clients, case managers, and other service providers to coordinate services and ensure ongoing support of program participants as they work toward program goals. The role involves supporting the stability of individuals within the program and connecting Veterans with resources such as benefits, entitlements, alcohol and drug treatment, mental health treatment, and housing. The Specialist must be effective working independently, as part of a team, and within a larger coalition.

Schedule

• Sunday - Thursday, 8:00am - 4:30pm
• Friday & Saturday off

Location: Katherine Gray (1115 SW 11th Ave. Portland, OR 97205)

Pay

Compensation: $25.05 - $33.24/hr. Final compensation will be determined based on relevant experience, education, credentials/licensure, and internal equity. External candidates: Offer maximum is $29.07/hr per the Union contract.

Requirements

• High School diploma, GED, or demonstrated ability to read and write at a sufficient level.
• Registered with MHACBO as a Certified Recovery Mentor (CRM) OR Certified Peer Support Specialist (PSS) AND registered with the Traditional Health Workers Registry.
• Must not be actively on parole or probation.
• Must possess a current driver’s license, pass a DMV background check, and be designated an “acceptable” driver as outlined in Central City Concern’s Fleet Safety Policy.
• Must pass an initial driver’s training within 60 days of being an approved driver and complete continued recertification training.
• Knowledge of veteran-specific services available in the local area.
• Ability to adhere to Central City Concern’s drug-free workplace policy, which complies with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988.
• Flexible work schedule required, including some evening and weekend work.
• Must carry an agency-provided cell phone for work use.
• Must pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check.
• Physical ability to bend, stoop, kneel, squat, twist, reach, pull, and lift heavy objects, and climb stairs several times a day with no or reasonable accommodation.
• Must adhere to the agency’s non-discrimination policies.
• Ability to effectively interact with co-workers and clients of diverse ethnic or cultural backgrounds, religious views, political affiliations, lifestyles, and sexual orientations, treating each person with respect and dignity.

Responsibilities

• Assist Veterans in working toward program goals of income enhancement, seeking permanent housing, and developing self-sufficiency.
• Exemplify recovery and self-sufficiency principles to demonstrate that self-reliance in a clean and sober setting is possible and attainable.
• Share your own recovery and self-sufficiency story as appropriate.
• Work with peers on specific objectives in conjunction with their case manager and the Veteran’s Individual Service Plan.
• Attend and positively participate in required team, agency, and interdisciplinary meetings.
• Coordinate and consult with other team members to keep them informed of issues and progress for each Veteran.
• Collaborate with community resource agencies to remove barriers, provide intervention, and make referrals for issues facing Veterans.
• Educate Veterans about employment assistance options, service/non-service connected and social security benefits, and community engagement opportunities.
• Document all peer contact at the time of service.
• Provide ongoing individual support and encouragement to Veterans and give feedback regarding Quarterly Reviews Plans.
• Work with internal and VA service providers to assure coordinated and streamlined services.
• Support clients in achieving housing stability, including assistance with moving in, obtaining linens, dishes, food boxes, and clothing.
• Support clients in establishing community integration, including accessing recovery meetings, faith-based support, clean and sober recreation, etc.
• Facilitate activity groups, workshops, and social activities in the community.
• Assist in developing skills with public transportation as appropriate.
• Adhere to all state and federal privacy and security regulations applicable to the program, and to CCC policies regarding confidentiality, privacy, and security.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

• Ability to consider the impacts and outcomes for underserved communities during decision-making.
• Ability to consider impacts of oppression, structural racism, and individual bias on client outcomes.
• Ability to provide appropriate services for Grant & Per Diem clients.
• Skills in program planning, including the development of goals, objectives, timelines, scheduling, and evaluation.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and necessary paperwork.
• Ability to work in an environment where people may be hostile or abusive.
• Ability to manage time and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work courteously and communicate effectively with the general public, clients, community service providers, medical personnel, corrections personnel, and co-workers.
• Ability to learn and apply training instruction.
• Knowledge of de-escalation methods or ability to be trained in de-escalation methods.
• Conflict resolution skills.
• Knowledge and skills in chemical dependency and crisis intervention.
• Proficient with computers.
• Sufficient manual dexterity and physical ability to perform assigned tasks.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off plan providing up to 4 weeks of PTO accrual in the first year, with accrual increasing with longevity.
• 403(b) Retirement Savings plan with competitive employer match: 4.25% in the first year, 6% in the second year, and 8% in the third year.
• Up to 11 recognized holidays + 2 personal holidays (dependent on work schedule).
• Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental insurance coverage.
• Employer-paid life, short-term disability, and long-term disability insurance.
• Sabbatical program offering extended time off at years 7, 14, and 21.

This role is a Union Represented position through the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME).