Peer Support Specialist

Church at the Park believes that a diverse workforce and inclusive workplace culture enhances our ability to fulfill our mission. We strive for equality and justice in the way people are treated and the opportunities they have to succeed by working to address racism, unequal treatment and other barriers to inclusion. We strongly encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds (including communities of color, the LGBTQIA+ community, veterans, and people with disabilities) to apply and join us in our work. We welcome your resumes even if there is not a position currently available that fits your interest and experience.

Wage: $24.07/hr + DOE + DOQ

Schedule: Wednesday - Sunday; 8 am - 4:30 pm

Benefits: Employer Paid Healthcare, Vision, and Dental Insurance. Flexible Spending Account, Employee Assistance Program, discounted gym membership, a generous paid time off (PTO) policy, and much more!

Position Summary

This position works specifically with individuals in the View email address on click.appcast.io Young Adult programs (ages 18-24), provides emotional, social, and practical support to individuals experiencing mental health and/or substance use challenges. Using lived experience, the specialist offers hope, mentorship, advocacy, and guidance to help participants achieve personal recovery goals and improve overall well-being. The Peer Specialist will focus on supporting participants with daily site operations including deep cleans, chores, and attending regularly scheduled meetings/groups. This position will also support the daily functions and operations of the shelter site.

Preferred Qualifications:

• High School diploma or GED strongly preferred

• Have completed an approved training program by the Oregon Health Authority certifying you as peer specialist; or

• Provide documentation that you are certified by a group other than the Oregon Health Authority that requires completion of an approved training program and at least 20 hours of continuing education every three years; or

• Provide documentation that you have worked or volunteered as a peer specialist for at least 2000 hours in Oregon from January 1, 2004 to June 30, 2019.

• Demonstrated experience in mediation between persons exhibiting escalated behavior.

• Strong ability to work collaboratively with other case managers, healthcare providers, and social service agencies.

• Experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness, chronic illness, behavioral health challenges, or substance use disorders, preferred.

• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple participants' needs effectively.

Essential Job Duties Include (But Not Limited To):

Data, Documentation, and Compliance.

• Maintains thorough and accurate documentation of client interactions, services provided, and progress toward goals.

• Submits all data, case notes, and reporting as required by program and grant guidelines.

• Ensures that all Personal and Health Information (PHI) is handled in compliance with HIPAA standards.

• Participates in training initiatives to enhance team capacity.

• Carries out medication delivery and pickup for participants as needed, ensuring secure handling, accurate receipts and forms, and compliance with View email address on click.appcast.io established process.

Upholding Site Policies and Procedures while building relationships with participants.

• Carries out shelter protocols and emergency procedures in the event of an incident.

• Verifies forms such as site expectations and standards as well as absence of residency forms, ensuring they are completed accurately during after hour shifts.

• Follows the check-in and check-out procedures for any individuals entering and exiting the site.

• Effectively communicates updates with management and case management.

• Supports individuals as they take the next step in stability through accessing resources, including OHP, domestic violence intervention, drug and alcohol treatment, behavioral and mental health services, and others.

• Conducts regular visits from initiation through addressing needs that may impact shelter and housing retention.

• Assists participants with achieving their goals, communicating progress with site management and case manager, as well as assisting with any barriers while maintaining the dignity and choice of the participant.

• Educates individuals and groups on life skills, such as appointment management, nutrition, hygiene, and navigating systems independently.

Cultivating the mission and values of View email address on click.appcast.io by developing and working with community partners and Church at the Park programs.

• Committed to practicing trauma informed care and harm reduction approaches.

• Network and attend meetings with other social service agencies to promote interagency cooperation and coordination.

• Participates in collaborative opportunities alongside partnering organizations, such as Salem Housing Authority, HIV Alliance, Easter Seals, ARCHES, Northwest Human Services, etc.

• Collaborates with all team members in a respectful and collaborative manner, following View email address on click.appcast.io’s values of seeing with compassion, building relationship, practicing empathetic listening and pursuing peacemaking, while utilizing the outward mindset and Non-violent communication principles.

• Attend all required training, team meetings, and learn about policies and procedures for View email address on click.appcast.io operations.

Navigating barriers and resource

• Connect participants with housing, employment, benefits, and community resources/benefits and assist with goal setting

• Participate in treatment planning

• Provide peer support and advocacy to participants utilizing community services, with regular travel between multiple locations.

• Build rapport with participants, helping them engage with the program and feel welcome and safe.

• Assist participants with filling out documents, applications, etc.

• Teach participants problem solving skills

• Promote community involvement and/or advocacy

• Identify and Breakdown barriers to services.

Supervision & Guidance

• This position operates under general supervision and will receive regular direction, support, and performance feedback from leadership.

• The role requires initiative, reliability, and regular communication with supervisors regarding project progress, challenges, and development needs.

Physical Requirements

• This position requires walking long distances outdoors in adverse weather conditions.

• Must be able to go up and down stairs.

• Must be able to push, pull, and/or lift 50 pounds or less.

Work Environment

• Close quarters with vulnerable people, including individuals without stable living situations who may be struggling with mental health and substance use concerns.

• Indoor/outdoor work environment with frequent interruptions and demands, and occasional unpredictable behavior.

• Traveling between Church at the Park managed sites, community partner agencies, and various encampments throughout the area.

Other Requirements

• All applicants must successfully pass a pre-employment drug screening prior to beginning employment.

$24.07 - $24