Peer Support Specialist - Housing

Job Description

Job Description

The Peer Support Specialist for housing will provide support service components to clients who are eligible and accepted into the Rental Assistance/Supported Housing Program (SHP/RA) to provide support and resources to improve and maintain their ability to live as independently as possible within the community. 

QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

· High School Diploma (or equivalent) required

· Must meet the Oregon Administrative Rules definition of a peer: “any individual who has similar life experience, either as a current or former recipient of addictions or mental health services, or as a family member of an individual who is a current or former recipient of addictions or mental health services.”

· Familiarity with mental illness and substance abusing populations as well as people with disabilities, and community resources.

· For individuals in recovery from substance-use disorder and/or mental illness, must have maintained continuous recovery for the previous two years at the time of hire

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS:

· Peer Support Specialist certification (PSS, THW, PWS) from a State-approved training program is required. New Hires that do not hold a current certification must make an application within the first 30 days of employment and complete within 6 months from date of hire

· Must maintain a valid Oregon Driver License or ability to obtain one upon hire, and be insurable under the organization’s auto liability coverage policy (minimum 21 years of age and with no Type A violations in the past 3 years, or three (3) or more Type B violations) 

PREFERRED:

· Lived experience and/or understanding of the unique difficulties of those who are transient or experiencing houselessness

· Associate’s degree or college courses in a behavioral health field

· Bilingual in English/Spanish a plus

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Works with clients in securing and maintaining housing;

2. Works closely with other staff and as a key member of the Mental Health Team to provide effective, compassionate care and supports;

3. Assists clients with accessing resources, benefits, and entitlement programs;

4. Completes administrative paperwork, including but not limited to participant screening and all administrative paperwork required related to client housing and the Supported Housing Program; 

5. Provides support to mental health clients in achieving their treatment plans (ISSP/Individual Services & Support Plan) goals and objectives;

6. Stays abreast of state housing codes/standards and ensures that each prospective rental unit is in full compliance with said housing standards;

7. Provides transportation for clients when appropriate and under the direction of the mental health clinician and/or MH Clinical Supervisor;

8. When appropriate, conducts or participates in client home visits and welfare checks, working in conjunction with the mental health clinician and/or MH clinical supervisor;

9. Assists with the facilitation and coordination of skill-building such as completing applications, budgeting, timely bill payments, accessing community resources, maintaining healthy relationships, and applying for mainstream housing resources (HUD/Section 8);

10. Maintains clinical documentation within agency stated guidelines;

11. Participates in training (agency, state, regional, etc.) that will assist the employee in their position;

12. Models appropriate behavior to the newer staff and helps to train and orient new staff to the program. In addition to being a positive role model, provides assistance to clients, showing compassion and being effective in engaging clients in mental health treatment services wherever possible;

13. Other related duties as assigned by immediate supervisor or Program Director.