Bilingual Peer Support Specialist

Department: ACW - Clinical
Reports To: Peer Program Manager
Position Type: 1 FTE, 40 Hours/Week, Non-Exempt
Work Type: In Person, Not Hybrid/Remote Eligible
Salary Range: $23.00 - $24.38 Per Hour
Salary Note: Bilingual candidates are eligible for an additional $1.50 Bilingual Differential. This Bilingual Differential is included in the salary range above.
Benefits Available: Read more at
Agency Overview: Read more at
External Applicants: Apply directly through our website, via the Agency Overview link. All applicants must submit a complete job application, supplemental questions, and resume via the job portal to be considered.
Internal Applicants: Apply via email, following the emailed application instructions

Position Summary: The Peer Support Specialist (PSS) will work directly with people who use drugs (PWUD)identified at syringe exchange, street outreach and through referrals from community partners. The PSS will play a critical role in utilizing harm reduction strategies and motivational interviewing to empower clients to take steps to reduce their risk for overdose, improve their health, and access treatment. PSSs will work in collaboration with a network of community providers to mitigate the negative impact of substance abuse on PWUD via evidence-based services and resources that reduce risks for HIV/HCV and opioid overdose, promote recovery, and improve general health outcomes.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Coordinate with and accept client referrals internal and external sources;
• Provide street outreach and outreach to clients at syringe exchanges, including providing harm reduction education/supplies and offering basic needs assistance, to engage clients in peer support services;
• Engage with clients in office and community based locations, in person.
• Apply person-centered principles to build relationships, trust, and rapport
• Ability to work well with others, handle stress appropriately, have reliable attendance
• Assess client needs and develop goal/action plans accordingly;
• Refer clients to substance use treatment/MAT and complete a warm hand-off;
• Utilize cultural competency, active listening, and motivational interviewing skills to provide ongoing assistance to clients in reaching their stability or treatment goals;
• Establish relationships and coordinate with agencies to provide intensive care coordination;
• Provide transportation and accompany clients to appointments to facilitate access to treatment and other services and resources
• Promote/educate on harm reduction methods;
• Connect all clients who test positive for HIV or HCV with a confirmation screening and medical care
• Promote/educate on harm reduction methods, including naloxone and fentanyl test strips, that reduce risks for opioid overdose;
• Navigate clients to additional services and resources, including health insurance, basic needs services, and housing assistance;
• Maintain up-to-date HIV knowledge;
• Enroll clients in Oregon Health Plan or other insurance programs
• Complete chart notes for client encounters and submit all program paperwork in a professional, timely manner
• Work closely with other Peer Support Specialists to maximize the quality of service
• Attend regular clinical supervision meetings
• Ability to work well with others, handle stress appropriately, have reliable attendance
• Ability to use personal cell phone to run agency phone system software, MFA, etc.
• Other tasks as assigned, including training/cross-training other staff as needed

Required Qualifications:

• Lived experience and knowledge of addiction and harm reduction principles
• Current Peer Support Specialist or Certified Recovery Mentor certification from a State-approved training program, OR be able and willing to become certified immediately
• Meets the definition of a Peer as defined by the State of Oregon Administrative Rule:
• self-identified person currently or formerly receiving mental health services; OR
• a self-identified person in recovery from a substance abuse disorder, who meet the abstinence requirements for recovering staff in alcohol and other drug treatment programs;
• Minimum 1 year of experience working with clients who have substance use difficulties using harm reduction strategies in all interactions and interventions
• Minimum 1 year of experience working in a social service or behavioral health setting that includes documentation and record keeping
• Willingness to engage in conversations about HIV/HCV risk including sex and injection drug use
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines, good time management skills
• Basic computer and keyboard proficiency using Microsoft Office software
• Complete and pass a criminal history background check
• Applicants in recovery from substance abuse must have a minimum of 2 years in recovery
• Must not be listed on the Medicaid provider exclusion list
• TB test (provided at agency)
• Valid Oregon driver's license, or valid out of state driver's license with the ability to get an Oregon driver's license within 30 days of establishing residency in Oregon, and a driving record sufficient to be covered by agency auto insurance policy.
• Ability to pass agency criminal background check

Professional Competencies:

• Interpersonal Communication & Conflict Management (proactively communicates effectively, listens carefully to others, exhibits acceptable standards of conduct, deals effectively with others in difficult situations, works to reduce tension & conflict)
• Organizational Awareness (takes time to learn about agency culture, policies, and procedures; recognizes and balances the interest and impact of one's department with those of other departments, programs, and the agency as a whole)
• Embraces Change (actively identifies problems and opportunities for change, implements solutions where appropriate, maintains effectiveness & adjusts well when experiencing changes in work tasks, environment, processes, and requirements)
• Living the Agency Vision & Values (demonstrates an understanding of agency vision and values, keeping the vision and values at the forefront of decision making)
• Client & Customer Focused (keeps client and customer needs a primary focus; develops and sustains productive relationships with clients, customers, & partners)
• Valuing Diversity (appreciates and leverages the capabilities, insights, & ideas of all individuals; works effectively with individuals of diverse style, ability, & motivation)

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to

• Repetitively use hands, including grasping, twisting/turning of wrists, and finger dexterity to perform various necessary clerical duties, such as typing and writing.
• Frequently use arms, such as pushing & pulling to open/close drawers, cabinets, etc.
• Sit and/or stand for extended periods of time at an assigned station
• Bend, stand, & reach to be able to transport clients and to lift and carry up to 25 pounds for tasks such as building kits & assembling testing/educational materials.
• Use continuous clarity of vision at 20 inches or less for processing of paperwork

The physical demands described above here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Working Conditions, Travel, and Environment:

The duties of this job require individuals to be able to work in non-traditional and community-based settings. Additionally, the duties of this job include travel to other locations necessary to complete essential job functions, including the ability to transport self to job-related events and locations. This role requires regular reliable attendance, including:

• Ability to work flexible hours, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends
• Ability to work 5 days per week for a minimum of 40 hours per week
• Ability to work in loud, crowded, busy, or escalated environments
• Ability to drive at night and during various weather conditions safely