Peer Support Specialist - Housing

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

• Works with clients in securing and maintaining housing;
• Works closely with other staff and as a key member of the Mental Health Team to provide effective, compassionate care and supports;
• Assists clients with accessing resources, benefits, and entitlement programs;
• Completes administrative paperwork, including but not limited to participant screening and all administrative paperwork required related to client housing and the Supported Housing Program;
• Provides support to mental health clients in achieving their treatment plans (ISSP/Individual Services & Support Plan) goals and objectives;
• Stays abreast of state housing codes/standards and ensures that each prospective rental unit is in full compliance with said housing standards;
• Provides transportation for clients when appropriate and under the direction of the mental health clinician and/or MH Clinical Supervisor;
• 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;
• 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);
• Maintains clinical documentation within agency stated guidelines;
• Participates in training (agency, state, regional, etc.) that will assist the employee in their position;
• 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;
• Other related duties as assigned by immediate supervisor or Program Director.