Peer Support Specialist (Doula) - OHSU MEADOWLARK

Job Description

Job Description

The Peer Company (TPC)

Peer Support Specialist (Doula) – OHSU MEADOWLARK Job Description

Pay: $25.00 Per Hour

Schedule: 1.0 FTE (40 hours per week)

Hours and Location : 

Monday – Friday, 8:00AM – 4:00PM

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: OHSU MEADOWLARK

Position Duration : This is a research grant-funded position with a duration of one year, with the possibility of extension based on funding availability.

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.

The PSS offers peer support and recovery mentorship for pregnant and/or parenting people who identify as having a substance use disorder (SUD) and are navigating their recovery and peripartum journeys.

The PSS will be working with the MEADOWLARK ( ME ntal health and AD diction integrated for O bstetric W ellness – L ink A ge for R ecovery, K nowledge and Empowerment) Program, an interdisciplinary team at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU). MEADOWLARK is a novel integrated high-risk obstetric (Maternal Fetal Medicine – MFM) and addiction clinic at OHSU. The OHSU team is conducting research studying ways to support pregnant and parenting persons with SUD, including the role of peer support doulas in supporting peripartum people with SUD.

The PSS will meet with participants at OHSU, in the community, in homes, and in the hospital where deliveries occur. They will also participate in hospital/clinic-based maternity and recovery group care, assist with some research activities (e.g., facilitating surveys, logging visits in a database), and attend OHSU research meetings. This role will play a major part in supporting informed decision-making, empowered choice in care, and preparation for successful birth and postpartum options.

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
• Lived experience of substance use disorder (SUD) challenges as it relates to pregnancy, parenting, and/or DHS child welfare involvement
• At least 2 years of continuous addiction recovery required if identifying with SUD/addiction lived experience
• Previous experience as a recovery peer mentor preferred
• Previous experience as a Birth or Postpartum Doula preferred
• Prior experience in a healthcare setting is valuable
• Experience with SUD recovery/support is highly desirable
• Understands the effect of trauma on health, coping, and parenting
• Experience navigating the legal/corrections system preferred

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 required
• Birth or Postpartum Doula certification 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.)
• Ability to push/pull/lift/carry items up to 25 pounds
• Strong interest and ability to work with pregnant and parenting people
• Demonstrates empathy, care, and concern in challenging situations
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and appropriate boundaries
• Professional demeanor with excellent organizational skills
• Ability to work collaboratively within an interdisciplinary medical team
• Willingness to work a variable work schedule if needed

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