Peer Support Specialist

Central City Concern is an innovative nonprofit agency providing comprehensive services to single adults and families in the Portland metro area who are impacted by homelessness, poverty and addictions. We hire people that are skilled and passionate to meet our mission to end homelessness through outcome-based strategies which support personal and community transformation.

Flip the Script (FTS) aims to increase employment and housing outcomes among program participants exiting incarceration. This position is responsible for providing culturally responsive services to African American clients. This position supports individuals who are formerly homeless and/or in recovery in obtaining and maintaining employment. The FTS Peer Support Specialist works independently and as a member of a team to provide community and home/facility based health, recovery, employment, and housing support services to individuals who are formerly homeless and/or in recovery. The Peer Support Specialist will escort and provide transportation to primary care providers, parole or probation appointments, twelve-step meetings, and other outside support meetings. The Peer Support Specialist will work with EAC/ DCJ/PTP case management staff and supervisor.

Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:30pm

Location: 309 SW 4th Ave, Portland, OR 97204

Compensation: starting at $23.36/hour

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Requires high school diploma, GED, or demonstrated ability to read and write at a sufficient level.
• Must be registered, prior to start, as a Certified Recovery Mentor (CRM) with MHACBO; OR be a certified Peer Support Specialist (PSS) AND registered as a Traditional Health Worker (THW) on the THW Registry.
• 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 training within 60 days of being an approved driver and continued recertification training. Must maintain vehicle insurance coverage of a minimum of $100,000/$300,000 personal auto liability coverage.
• Must not actively be on parole or probation.
• Engaged in African American culture. Knowledge of African American history and cultures.
• Applicants in recovery from chemical dependency and/or personal experience involved in the criminal justice system strongly preferred.
• Ability to adhere to Central City Concern's drug-free workplace which encourages a safe, healthy and productive work environment and strictly complies with the Drug-Free Work Place Ace of 1988. An employee shall not, in the workplace, unlawfully manufacture, distribute, dispense, possess or use a controlled substance or alcohol.
• Flexible work schedule required, including some evening and weekend work.
• Will be required to carry an agency cell phone for work use. Cell phone will be provided by Central City Concern.
• Must pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check.
• Physical ability to bend, stoop, kneel, squat, twist, reach, pull and lift heavy objects.
• Must be able to climb stairs several times a day.
• Sufficient manual dexterity and physical ability to perform assigned tasks.
• Must adhere to agency's non-discrimination policies.
• Ability to effectively interact with coworkers and clients who have diverse ethnic or cultural backgrounds, religious views, political affiliations, lifestyles and sexual orientation and treat each person with respect and dignity.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Participate in outreach efforts to engage clients, including appointments, resource referrals, and work in the community.
• Develop relationships with organizations, providers, community leaders, and advocacy groups.
• Connect participants with services and supports.
• Collaborate with case management team, agencies, client's support networks, and community providers to address the needs of clients.
• Assist with screenings, intakes, treatment plans, discharges, and follow-up calls
• Escort clients to initial treatment episodes, to primary care provider, and to other providers when appropriate.
• Follow up with EAC/ DCJ/PTP case management staff about referral resources to determine outcome of intervention.
• Maintain records on their progress.
• Introduce clients to appropriate self-help support and other supportive services/activities.
• Advocate and provide referral services to assure that clients get access to a variety of services and benefits, including mental health and physical health services.
• Help support the EAC/DCJ/PTP case management with admission and discharge planning for any client needing hospitalization or subacute level of care.
• Work within scope of training and experience and seek consultation when appropriate.
• Adhere to all state and federal privacy and security regulations applicable to the program, and to CCC policies and agreements regarding confidentiality, privacy, and security. This includes immediately reporting any breach of protected health information or personal identification information of any person receiving CCC services by CCC or an outside provider to the CCC Compliance Department, as well as to your supervisor or their designee.

DESCRIPTION OF OTHER DUTIES:

• Relationship/trust building with treatment staff.
• Participate in training opportunities to advance skills and knowledge in mental health and addiction.
• Ability to learn how to respond to mental health crises in a clinically and culturally appropriate way.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Ability to provide appropriate services for 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, other 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.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.

Benefits: Central City Concern offers an incredible benefits package to our Regular/FT employees:

• Generous paid time off plan which provides up to 4 weeks of PTO accrual in the first year. Accrual increases with longevity.
• Amazing 403(b) Retirement Savings plan with competitive employer match with 4.25% in the first year, 6% in the second year, and 8% in the 3rd year.
• 11 recognized Holidays PLUS 2 Personal Holidays to be used at the employee's discretion.
• 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 description is intended to provide a snapshot of the work performed and is not designed to contain a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of the position.

As an agency deeply rooted in recovery, part of our policy and commitment to a drug and alcohol-free workplace includes post-offer, pre-employment drug screens. Please note we follow Federal Guidelines regarding prohibited substances, even for those legal at the state level.

Central City Concern is a second chance employer and complies with applicable laws regarding consideration of criminal background for employment purposes. Government regulations, contractual requirements, or the duties of this job may require CCC to conduct a background check and take appropriate action to address prior criminal convictions.