Peer Support Specialist (28284)

DescriptionPurpose: (General description and summary)The Peer Support Specialist is a member of the Bridging Connections Support Team that provide outreach and support to serve Multnomah County Behavioral Health Dept referred participants who are housed in emergency motel placements. The goal of the Bridging Connections Support Team is to provide supplemental support and connection for participants and aid them in accessing community based resources. The Peer Support Specialist will provide services which include: peer support and connection, collaborative case management, advocacy, crisis prevention and de-escalation, skills training, community navigation, transportation to appointments, collaborative meetings with motel management to ensure safe housing placement, obtaining food boxes/other resources, and support in referring to community based mental health and substance use disorder providers if needed. Through peer and risk case management support, the program aims to minimize consumer hospitalizations (emergency department and psychiatric admissions), increase necessary contact between the consumer and their respective mental health and substance use service providers, and aid linkage to transitional or permanent housing programs. This job requires to be on site to provide services.A peer is defined as a person who has received mental health and/or addiction services and uses their own recovery story, when appropriate, and models the principles of recovery to assist peers in gaining greater independence, wellness and self-determination. The Peer Support Specialist assists individuals in identifying and developing natural community supports in order to lessen dependence on the mental health system. Peer Support is strengths-based, and focuses on assisting individuals to identify and develop their personal strengths and aptitudes to foster recovery and independence.In alignment with OARS, documented vaccination or exemption is required.Accountabilities: (Responsibilities of the job)Peer Delivered ServicesProviding direct peer support in one-on-one settings within the assigned motel or the community as needed.Willing to meet and engage with people “where they are,” including their environment and readiness for changeProvide skills training, advocacy, support, case management, community navigation and integration to support participants working towards their identified goalsUse trauma-informed, person centered approach and language and participate in ongoing training and education. Exemplify recovery principles in order to show, by example, that recovery is possible and attainable for everyone. The Peer Support Specialist shares their own recovery story, as appropriate, and walks the road of recovery alongside the service recipient.Educate and advocate for the values and principles of the Recovery Model.Coordination, Connection, and AdvocacyMaintain professionalism in encounters with participants and other providers.Provide supportive case management to assist in connection to resources as well as coordination, advocacy, and maintenance of resources.Coordination with providers and resources linked to participant’s goals as indicated.Crisis Prevention/De-escalation/Harm ReductionProvide crisis response and de-escalation in a community based setting.Use crisis prevention approach to decrease use of crisis services, Project Respond, EMS, police, hospitalization, etc.Ability to work in collaboration with emergency services (ie. police, Project Respond, Multnomah County Crisis, Behavioral Health Unit)Ability to work in collaboration with acute care settings if necessaryMust be able to assist in de-escalation and crisis as neededSupport harm reduction approach, linkage to resources such as, but not limited to: clean needle exchange, NARCAN, MAT, SUD services, education around harm reduction, etc.Documentation/ExpectationsComplete documentation and data entry as required by contract (ie. Electronic Health Record, etc.) within 72 hrs.Utilize centralized scheduling to account for client appointment, meetings, training, etc.Utilize outcomes based care tools in order to provide outcome informed care. Ensure timely completion of all required paperwork. Maintain a regular work schedule, including some evenings.Work to increase level of cultural sensitivity, awareness and competency regarding Person-Centered Services.Attend and positively participate in required team, agency, and interdisciplinary meetings.Use trauma-informed, person centered approach and language and participate in ongoing training and education. Provide crisis response in a community based setting. Description of other duties and expectations:Perform other duties as assignedComplete all other assignments in a timely manner as requested by supervisor Other General Expectations:Attend and positively participate in required meetings.Uphold New Narrative Mission and Values in all interactions.Ability to work as a team member, remain flexible and establish priorities as a group.Ability to work independently when necessary.Ability to take direction from supervisor.Ability to learn and utilize new skills.Ability to display a non-judgmental attitude.Creative, innovative and progressive problem-solver.Ability to take initiative on new tasks.Ability to multi-task and remain calm in a busy and stressful environment.Proficiency in Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook) and ability to learn new electronic records system as needed per programming.Maintain Peer Support certification (20 CEUS over a three-year period)Follow all New Narrative policies, procedures, and protocols.Follow through on all directives and instructions.Maintain CPR and First Aid Certificate.Must be able to pass a criminal history check through the Department of Human Services, including participating in an appeals process if desired.Supervision Received:Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings and group supervision as required.Receive biweekly peer specific supervision or co-reflection from Peer SupervisorCore Competencies:Communication: Clear, direct and concise. Keeps people informed. Listens effectively to others.Teamwork: Effective at working in team situations.Utilizing available resources for personal wellness: Communicates with Supervisor or other designated New Narrative personnel to meet personal wellness and safety needs.Adaptability: Ability to modify or change service delivery as needed to best fit the needs of program participants and New Narrative valuesAnalytical thinking: Attention to detail over sustained periods of time.Dependability: Counted on to follow through on commitments: at work each day and on time; work completed in a timely fashion.Aptitude: Ability to comprehend and apply new ideas, processes and procedures, or training.Demeanor: Remaining calm in crisis situation, empathetic, unbiased, non-judgmental and excellent peer model skills.Qualifications:Premium offered to candidates for bilingual skillsSelf-identifies as a current or former recipient of mental health services, preferably familiar with criminal justice, restrictive environments (inpatient, outpatient, etc.), and/or altered statesPerson must be able to identify how they have “lived” personal experience leading to an understanding of the needs of persons with mental health and substance abuse issues.All applicants must have completed Peer Support Specialist training or Peer Recovery Mentor, or complete within 6 months of hire with assistance from New Narrative. Completion of certification preferred.Current Possession of Traditional Health Worker certification preferred.Incumbents with a substance use disorder must be sober and free of substance use for 1 full year preceding date of hire, and must maintain this sobriety. Must maintain current Oregon driver’s license and insurance. Must have own reliable vehicle or ability to utilize public transportation with expectation of being punctual for shift start and ability to travel between locations.Direct peer support experience in peer field preferred.