Peer Support Specialist - Represented

Central City Concern is an innovative nonprofit agency providing comprehensive services to single adults and families in the Portland metro area who are impacted by homelessness, poverty and addictions. We hire people that are skilled and passionate to meet our mission to end homelessness through outcome-based strategies which support personal and community transformation.

The Peer Support Specialist will work with the treatment team to assist patients in meeting their goals, both while in treatment and as they transition to the next level of care, working closely with outside agencies and providers to facilitate care. This position has access to mental health billing and service records.

Location: Hooper DSC, 1535 N Williams, Portland, OR 97227

Schedule: Sunday-Thursday 8:00am to 4:30pm

Compensation: pay range begins at $23.36/hour

Seniority Bid Window Closes: 11/19/2024 Close Date: until filled

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma, GED, or demonstrated ability to read and write at a sufficient level.
• Must be registered with MHACBO as a Certified Recovery Mentor (CRM) OR Certified Peer Support Specialist (PSS) AND registered with the Traditional Health Workers Registry.
• Must possess a current driver's license, pass a DMV background check and be designated an "acceptable" driver as outlined in Central City Concern's Fleet Safety Policy. Must pass an initial Annual Drivers training and then pass an annual Recertification training.
• Experience working with individuals with substance use disorders preferred.
• Must meet CCC privileging requirements as required by FTCA.
• Ability to adhere to Central City Concern's drug-free workplace which encourages a safe, healthy and productive work environment and strictly complies with the Drug-Free Work Place Act of 1988. An employee shall not, in the workplace, unlawfully manufacture, distribute, dispense, possess or use a controlled substance or alcohol.
• Flexible work schedule required, including some evening and weekend work.
• Will be required to carry an agency cell phone for work use. Cell phone will be provided by Central City Concern.
• Must pass a pre-employment drug screen, TB test, and background check. This includes clearance by the DHS Background Check Unit.
• Must have CPR certification prior to start.
• The OAR prohibits A&D program staff from having within the previous 3 years a DUI conviction or diversion, a felony conviction, or a conviction under the Uniform Controlled Substances Act.
• Physical ability to bend, stoop, kneel, squat, twist, reach, pull and lift heavy objects and have the ability to climb stairs several times a day.
• Must adhere to agency's non-discrimination policies.
• Ability to effectively interact with co-workers and patients who have diverse ethnic or cultural backgrounds, religious views, political affiliations, lifestyles and sexual orientation and treat each person with respect and dignity.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Participate in outreach efforts to engage prospective patients, including appointments, home visits and work in the community.
• Collaborate with treatment team, agency, client's support networks, and community providers to address the needs of clients.
• Participate in direct treatment of patients by attending clinical staff meetings.
• Transport patients to initial treatment episodes, urgent care, ED, primary care provider and other providers when appropriate.
• Follow-up with referral resources to determine outcome of intervention.
• Keep accurate documentation of intervention/support activities. Maintain records on their progress.
• Introduce patients to appropriate self-help support and other supportive services/activities.
• Provide case management and support services to patients.
• Provide referral services to assure that patients access a variety of services and benefits, including mental health services.
• Participate in admission and discharge planning for any client needing hospitalization or subacute level of care.
• Adhere to all state and federal privacy regulations, including HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2, and to CCC policies and agreements regarding confidentiality, privacy, and security. Support compliance with all privacy and security requirements pursuant to community partners' and outside providers' patient confidentiality agreements, including privacy and security requirements for EMR access. This includes immediately reporting any breach of protected health information or personal identification information of any person receiving CCC services by CCC or an outside provider to the CCC Compliance Department, as well as to your supervisor or their designee.

DESCRIPTION OF OTHER DUTIES:

• Relationship/trust building with treatment staff and patients.
• Participate in training opportunities to advance skills and knowledge in mental health and addiction.
• Ability to learn how to respond to mental health crises in a clinically and culturally appropriate way.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing.
• Ability to work in an environment where people may be hostile or abusive.
• Ability to manage time and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work courteously and communicate effectively with the public, tenants/clients, medical personnel, corrections personnel and co-workers.
• Ability to learn and apply training instruction.
• Knowledge of de-escalation methods or ability to be trained in de-escalation methods.
• Knowledge and skills in chemical dependency and crisis intervention.
• Sufficient manual dexterity and physical ability to perform assigned tasks.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.

Benefits: Central City Concern offers an incredible benefits package to our Regular/FT employees:

• Generous paid time off plan which provides up to 4 weeks of PTO accrual in the first year. Accrual increases with longevity.
• Amazing 403(b) Retirement Savings plan with competitive employer match with 4.25% in the first year, 6% in the second year, and 8% in the 3rd year.
• 11 paid Holidays PLUS 2 Personal Holidays to be used at the employee's discretion.
• Comprehensive Medical, Vision, and Dental insurance coverage.
• Employer Paid Life, Short Term Disability, AND Long Term Disability Insurance!
• Excellent relocation package for those roles that qualify.

This description is intended to provide a snapshot of the work performed and is not designed to contain a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of the position.

As an agency deeply rooted in recovery, part of our policy and commitment to a drug and alcohol-free workplace includes post-offer, pre-employment drug screens. Please note we follow Federal Guidelines regarding prohibited substances, even for those legal at the state level.

Central City Concern is a second chance employer and complies with applicable laws regarding consideration of criminal background for employment purposes. Government regulations, contractual requirements, or the duties of this job may require CCC to conduct a background check and take appropriate action to address prior criminal convictions.