Peer Support Specialist - Represented

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.

This position supports clients in recovery by providing advocacy, mentoring, and other support. The Peer Support Specialist (PSS) provides a variety of recovery-oriented services to individuals in order to promote greater independence, community integration, and recovery from addiction. This position has access to mental health billing and service records.

Location: 33 NW Broadway, Portland, OR 97209

Compensation: $23.36 per hour

Schedule: Monday-Friday 7:45am-4:15pm

Union Seniority Bid Window: closes 3/24/25

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma, GED, or demonstrated ability to read and write at a sufficient level.
• Registered with MHACBO as Certified Recovery Mentor (CRM) OR Certified Peer Support Specialist (PSS) AND registered with Traditional Health Workers Registry.
• Must be a self-identified person in recovery from a substance use or co-occurring mental health disorder, who meets the abstinence requirements for recovery staff in alcohol and other drug treatment programs.
• Must have reliable access to transportation. Valid driver's license preferred. If using a vehicle for agency use: Must possess a current driver's license, access to a vehicle, qualify as an Acceptable Driver as designated in Central City Concern's Fleet Safety policy; pass an initial driver training within 60 days of being an approved driver and continued recertification training; and maintain vehicle insurance coverage of a minimum of $100,000/$300,000 personal auto liability coverage.
• Must have current CPR certification prior to start.
• Must meet CCC privileging requirements as required by FTCA.
• Education, training, or experience in chemical dependency or mental health treatment preferred.
• Must be able to provide peer delivered services as described in Medicaid guidelines.
• Will be required to carry an agency cell phone for work use. Cell phone will be provided by Central City Concern.
• 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 Act of 1988. An employee shall not, in the workplace, unlawfully manufacture, distribute, dispense, possess or use a controlled substance or alcohol.
• Must pass a pre-employment drug screen, TB test, and background check. This includes clearance by the DHS Background Check Unit.
• The OAR prohibits SUDS program staff from having within the previous 3 years a DUI conviction or diversion, a felony conviction, or a conviction under the Uniform Controlled Substances Act.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office software (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Access and Microsoft Outlook).
• Experience with office machines (Fax, photocopier, printers, postage machines, etc.).
• Must be able to work under stressful conditions.
• Must be able to work variable work hours.
• Must generally have the ability to walk, bend, stoop, kneel, squat, twist, reach, pull and lift heavy objects, and climb stairs with reasonable or no accommodation.
• Must adhere to agency's non-discrimination policies.
• Ability to effectively interact with co-workers and clients with diverse ethnic backgrounds, religious views, political affiliation, cultural backgrounds, life-styles and sexual orientations, and treat individuals with respect and dignity.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES:

• Exemplifies recovery principles in order to show by example that recovery is possible and attainable. Share their own recovery story as appropriate, and walks the road of recovery alongside the service recipient.
• Work with peers on specific objectives in conjunction with the client's case manager and/or counselor.
• Attend and positively participate in required team, agency, and interdisciplinary meetings.
• Coordinate and consult with other team members to keep team informed of issues and progress
• Ensure timely completion of all required paperwork.
• Work to increase level of cultural sensitivity, awareness and competency regarding Person Centered and Peer Delivered Services
• Identify and facilitate clients' access to community resources.
• Cultivate and maintain positive working relationships with clients, and other community resources.
• Maintain records and documentation in accessible and legible form.
• Ensure that all records are current, and client interactions meet applicable State and Federal guidelines and regulations.
• Adhere to all state and federal privacy regulations, including HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2, and to CCC policies and agreements regarding confidentiality, privacy, and security. Support compliance with all privacy and security requirements pursuant to community partners' and outside providers' patient confidentiality agreements, including privacy and security requirements for EMR access. 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.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to consider the impacts and outcomes for underserved communities during decision-making process.
• Ability to consider impacts of oppression, structural racism, and individual bias on client outcomes.
• Understanding of chemical dependency as a disease, including treatment and intervention methods.
• Ability to work both as a team member and independently to achieve program goals.
• Understanding of HIPAA, confidentiality and boundaries, and a demonstrated ability to incorporate into daily job performance.
• Ability to understand and implement self-sufficiency, treatment or discharge plans developed by other agencies.
• Ability to clearly communicate expectations and consequences to clients/tenants.
• Ability to manage complex and multiple tasks and prioritize appropriately.
• Demonstrated knowledge of community agencies and self-help groups.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both verbally and in writing.
• Comfortable working with people from a diverse range of ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds, including those with dual diagnoses or other disabilities who may display hostility.
• Ability to respond appropriately to clients' complaints and grievances
• Ability to recognize and acknowledge the limits of own ability and expertise, and a willingness to seek information, help or support whenever appropriate
• Ability to maintain accurate records and necessary paperwork.
• Knowledge of and ability to utilize de-escalation techniques, when encountering volatile situations.
• Ability to effectively communicate with clients, co-workers, corrections personnel, police, child welfare workers and other community referents.
• Demonstrated understanding of professional and personal boundaries in the workplace.

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!

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.