Peer Support Specialist

Overview Of AthenaATHENA Consulting is an award-winning staffing firm serving state and local governments. Our mission is to make lives better! We make our Clients’ Lives Easier by engaging and supporting our clients and partnering with them to be the most knowledgeable staffing partner. We make our Employees’ Lives Better by identifying and cultivating their talents and matching these talents with our customers’ needs. ATHENA places a high value on customer service, accountability and getting the job done.Position SummaryThis PART-TIME position pays $22.00 per hour and supports a low-barrier medical respite shelter that operates 24/7, 365 days a year. The Peer Support Specialist provides person-centered support to individuals experiencing homelessness, many of whom are referred from hospitals and recovering in a supportive residential environment. This role focuses on supporting recovery, engagement, harm reduction, wellness checks, crisis support, and connection to community resources within a medical respite setting, along with other related duties as assigned.Essential Duties And ResponsibilitiesReasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions:Provides aid to others by providing information about recovery process, symptom management, Harm Reduction, aiding in self-determination, rehabilitation. Provides outreach to clients to engage them in services and overcome barriers to participation in treatment. Arranges for necessary supportive services to enable achievement of agreed upon goals by housing navigators/case managers as well as outside service providers. Participates in providing day to day support to identified participants while monitoring program utilization. Navigates participants to and assists with access/linkage to community resources such as housing, transportation, education, and employment. Maintains the highest standard of professional conduct in relation to information that is confidential in nature. Shares information only when the recipient’s right to access is clearly established and the sharing of such information is clearly in the best interest of the person served. Adheres to and participates in Company’s mandatory Health Insurance Portability Accountability Act (HIPAA) privacy program/practices and Business Ethics and Compliance programs/practices. Attends, participates in and/or conducts internal staff development programs and obtains continuing education as required by company policy, regulations, and program requirements. Maintains and enhances clinical practice skills. Demonstrate professionalism, accountability, flexibility, and a willingness to support team initiatives. Conduct routine wellness and safety checks on residents throughout the shift. Assist in de-escalating crises and providing appropriate support during behavioral health or emotional situations. Support residents by helping connect them with community resources including phones, transportation, benefits, housing resources, and other supportive services. Assist with distribution of onsite supplies including meals, laundry items, towels, janitorial supplies, and hygiene products. Complete shift reports, incident documentation, client notes, and communicate important updates to incoming staff. Assist with light housekeeping and sanitation duties including cleaning spills, maintaining shared spaces, and supporting overall site cleanliness. Assist with meal service duties including plating meals and distributing utensils and supplies (no cooking required). Maintain a safe, respectful, and trauma-informed environment for all residents and staff. Follow all site safety protocols within a secured residential facility. Perform other related duties as assigned. Required Skills/AbilitiesDemonstrated crisis management ability and critical thinking skills. Demonstrates effective and professional interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills. Strong computer software (Microsoft Office) and data entry skills. Able to work independently and part of a team. Organized and able to function under minimal supervision. Has reliable transportation and is able to travel to/from multiple assignments/locations daily. Comfortable working in a low-barrier shelter environment serving chronically homeless and vulnerable populations. Ability to remain calm and professional in crisis or high-stress situations. Comfortable performing light cleaning and sanitation duties as needed. Ability to build rapport with residents while maintaining professional boundaries. Ability to work in a semi-independent environment with minimal supervision. Education/Experience RequirementsGED or High School Diploma required. Peer Support Certification required. Experience working with homeless populations, behavioral health, mental health, substance use recovery, or crisis intervention preferred. Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in social/human services preferred. Must possess a State of Oregon Peer Support Specialist Traditional Health Worker Registry Addiction counseling: 1 year (Preferred) Must have a valid drivers license and proof of auto insurance Physical RequirementsMust be able to travel locally, approximately 25% Must be able to complete job with or without a reasonable accommodation. Must be able to walk up and down stairs, bend, and lift to 25 lbs. Must be able to pass a background check Successful ATHENA Employees Will Display The Following CharacteristicsYou strive to be the best in your field currently and in the future. You like to make your employer look good. You find solutions, where others only see problems. You are proactive, you make and meet commitments, and you perform your duties exceedingly well. You are aware of the employer’s needs at all times and are well-versed in what you personally and ATHENA can offer them as a whole. You have the ability to work with diverse, integrated, deliverable-driven teams to accomplish the larger mission. The benefits of working for ATHENA include:Support from a team of professionals committed to making your life better. Medical, dental and vision insurance. Medical and dependent flexible spending account. Pet insurance. 401k with a generous employer match. Easy to use employee self-serve HR portal. The statements in this Job Posting are intended to describe the general nature and minimum level of work required. The content should not be construed as a complete list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required to meet the criteria for this position. Upon request, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.Application for employment is not intended to and does not create a contract or offer of employment and if hired, employment with the company is on an at-will basis and could be terminated at the will of either party.ATHENA Consulting LLC does not discriminate in hiring based on federally protected classifications to include but not limited to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, marital status or other characteristics protected by law. Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities.