Peer Support Specialist - Prime Plus

Job Description

Job Description

The Peer Company (TPC)

Peer Support Specialist – Prime Plus Job Description

Pay: $25.00 Per Hour

Schedule: 1.0 FTE (40 hours per week)

Hours and Location: 

Monday - Friday, 9:00AM – 5:00PM 

Home Office – Recovery Campus: 8935 SE Powell Blvd Portland, OR 97266

Benefits:  This is a benefited position as outlined in the TPC Employee Handbook

Title: Peer Support Specialist

Reports to: Evolve Program Manager

Department:  Evolve 

Job Summary

The Peer Support Specialist (PSS) provides peer support as someone who has similar life experiences and acts as a positive role model for living in recovery. The PSS is a member of interdisciplinary teams participating in collaboratively supporting an individual’s self-defined and self-directed care. The PSS supports the individual being served by creating their own person-directed recovery plan and accomplishing goals towards their self-defined recovery journey plan. They provide a listening, nonjudgmental presence and connect individuals being served with a full range of community resources.

Prime Plus PSSs work within Multnomah County hospital campuses and other healthcare settings that serve individuals at high risk of opioid and other drug overdoses, as well as those managing health conditions such as Hepatitis A, B, or C and HIV. Support is provided both in these hospital environments and out in the community, including after a participant’s discharge. PSSs in this program also engage in community-based outreach in a range of locations, including emergency departments and hospital areas where individuals receive short-term medical care related to substance use. They are expected to complete required infection-control training for hospital-based interactions. Following a hospital visit, PSSs connect with individuals to assist with transitions to community supports, treatment options, housing resources, and other recovery-oriented services.

Qualifications

Education:  High school diploma or equivalent required.

Background Check: A criminal background check will be conducted by The Peer Company in accordance with The Peer Company background check policy. A criminal record does not necessarily exclude an individual from employment with The Peer Company.

Pre-Hire Drug Screen: As part of The Peer Company's commitment to fostering a safe, productive, and professional workplace, we require pre-hire drug screenings for all potential employees. The screening will be conducted in accordance with The Peer Company’s drug screening policy, as well as applicable state and federal laws.

Motor Vehicle Records Search:  For positions that require driving, The Peer Company conducts a Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) search in accordance with company policy, insurance requirements, and applicable state and federal laws.

To be eligible for a driving-required position, candidates must meet the following minimum driving standards:

• No major driving violations within the past 3 years (i.e. - DUII, careless driving, leaving the scene of an accident, etc.)
• No more than 3 moving violations within the past 3 years (i.e. - speeding, failing to yield, running red light, etc.)

Experience: 

• Identifies as having lived experience in recovery with substance use disorder (SUD) and/or mental health challenges. Has at least 24 months of continuous, sustained recovery with SUD and/or mental health challenges before employment

• Understands the principles of trauma-informed care, recovery, consumer-involvement

Maintaining Continuous Recovery:

Employees serving in recovery-focused roles who have lived experience with substance use disorder (SUD) must maintain continuous recovery and remain abstinent by not engaging in substance or alcohol use (illegal, legal, and recreational) during their employment with TPC.

Licensure/Certification:  

• Peer Support Specialist (OHA Traditional Health Worker certification) or MHACBO CRM certification required or able to be obtained within 90 days of hire
• Valid Oregon Driver’s License and proof of automobile insurance required
• Access to reliable personal vehicle is required

Skills:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team
• Ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures
• Typing and general technology skills to easily and efficiently navigate electronic systems (e.g., email, Microsoft Teams, etc.)
• Push/pull/lift/carry items up to 25 pounds

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Provides 1:1 peer support to diverse individuals being served in accordance with The Peer Company’s values alignment and principles of peer support 
• Collaborates with individuals to create Person Directed Plans (PDPs) to support their individualized recovery journey
• Participates in regular peer support supervision sessions
• Collaborate with other service providers and interdisciplinary teams to support participant PDPs and recovery journeys
• Attend meetings, as applicable, to gain knowledge, communicate program objectives, and advocate for the needs of the participants being served
• Implements the regulations, policies, and procedures which pertain to peer-delivered service, The Peer Company, and community partners
• Following the direction of the participants served, assist participants in exploring strategies that increase satisfaction with the eight dimensions of wellness
• Travels to visit community partners and participants, occasionally transporting participants to relevant community partners
• Support participants in crisis by helping them to deescalate and identify next steps in their recovery journey
• Assist participants in identifying and engaging various community resources and supports
• Documents support services in a program database in a manner that assures compliance with policies, program procedures and local, state, and federal regulations
• Maintains accurate and up-to-date documentation as required by program deliverables
• Acts as a positive role model for individuals being served and exploring their own path to wellness and recovery
• Respects and honors a person’s rights and responsibilities and demonstrates professional boundaries and ethics
• Adheres to mandatory abuse reporting laws and HIPAA requirements
• Provides peer support specifically to individuals seeking or engaged in Hepatitis and HIV services by helping them navigate access to related healthcare and treatment opti