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.

This position provides peer support to pregnant and/or parenting women in a residential setting This position requires abilities and skills as a Recovery Mentor. The Peer Support Specialist will work with the treatment team to assist clients 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.

Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm

Location: NE Portland, OR 97232

Compensation: $23.36 per hour

Union Seniority Bid Window: closes 3/28/25

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School or GED required.
• Must be registered with MHACBO as a Certified Recovery Mentor OR Certified Peer Support Specialist (or Peer Wellness Specialist) and be registered as a Traditional Health Worker on the THW 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 drivers training within 60 days of being an approved driver and continued recertification training.
• Experience working with individuals with substance use disorders, including case management preferred.
• Must be approved by the State of Oregon Employment Department Child Care Division.
• Working knowledge of Trauma-Informed Care.
• Working knowledge of effects of substance use on family systems, including parenting issues.
• Working knowledge of child development, best practices in parenting.
• Must pass a pre-employment drug screen, TB test, and background check. This includes clearance by the DHS Background Check Unit. Must be approved by the Childcare Background Check Unit.
• Have or able to obtain Adult and Child/Infant CPR Certification prior to start date.
• 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.
• Central City Concern is committed to a drug-free workplace that 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.
• Prior to employment, must be approved by the State of Oregon Employment Department Child Care Division. Must complete consent for criminal records identification check pursuant to ORS 181.537. This program receives funds from the Federal Child Care Development Fund block grant via a contract with the Child Care Division for Alcohol & Drug Abuse Programs.
• Physical ability to bend, stoop, kneel, squat, reach, twist, move in and out of vehicles regularly, conduct room searches, and assist with infants and small children, while routinely navigating through a large facility.
• Will be required to carry an agency cell phone for work use. Cell phone will be provided by Central City Concern.
• Must adhere to agency's non-discrimination policies.
• Ability to effectively interact with coworkers, clients and children with diverse ethnic and cultural background, religious views, political affiliations, sexual orientation and treat each individual with respect and dignity.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Participate in outreach efforts to engage prospective clients, including appointments, home visits and work in the community
• Transport patients to initial treatment episodes, urgent care, ED, primary care provider and other providers when appropriate
• Build understanding of and appreciation for diversity among LOC clients and support their connection to culturally responsive and culturally specific services as requested.
• Exemplifies recovery principles in order to show by example that recovery is possible and attainable. Share their own recovery story as appropriate and walk the road of recovery alongside the service recipient.
• Adhere to the key principles of the team: monitor for disruptive behaviors, engage positively with clients and model recover-based relationships, while fulfilling the different duties in the day-to-day operation.
• Work with clients on specific objectives in conjunction with the client's case manager and/or counselor.
• Actively participate with treatment team in programming development, including but not limited to: peer-led healing and recovery groups, routine events throughout the year, community services, and more.
• Work with Clinical Supervisor to develop and support new and ongoing programming.
• Attend and positively participate in required team, agency, and interdisciplinary meetings.
• Coordinate and consult with other team members to keep team informed of client issues and progress.
• Timely and accurately complete special tasks assigned by Clinical Supervisor.
• Cultivate and maintain positive working relationships with clients, staff, and other community resources.
• Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings and group supervision as required.
• Educate and advocate for the values and principles of the Recovery Model, with staff and with clients.
• Work to increase competency of Peer Delivered Services.
• Ensure timely completion of all required paperwork. Maintain records and documentation in accessible and legible form.
• Work to increase level of cultural sensitivity, awareness and competency regarding Person Centered and Peer Delivered Services
• Ensure that all records are current, and client interactions meet applicable State and Federal guidelines and regulations.
• 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.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing.
• 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.
• Ability to maintain positive, respectful, non-confrontational behaviors using trauma informed and supportive behavior and communication.
• Knowledge and skills in substance use disorders 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 recognized 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!

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.