Peer Support Specialist – Addictions Outreach

Responsibilities

• Utilizes excellent communication and interpersonal skills to make the process of learning about services and accessing services a positive experience for each individual.
• Outreaches to clients and uses motivational interviewing to engage clients in needed services.
• Assists individuals in problem solving around personal issues impacting their ability to access services (i.e. transportation, remembering appointments).
• Assists individuals seeking services to complete required paperwork.
• Performs outreach activities that may include program participation screening, provides education on services and gathers relevant information from individuals.
• Serves as liaison to community resources, and assists clients in using these resources to enhance their independent living skills.
• Informs lead staff persons, clinicians, program managers and other pertinent parties of clients' needs or concerns.
• Monitors safety and security of the environment.
• Assists in management of behavioral emergencies.
• Keeps up-to-date documentation, answers phones, enters information into computer, may assist with scheduling appointments.
• Performs outreach both via phone and in person in the community to promote engagement in services.
• Transports clients to facilitate client-directed services, travels between sites and is required to drive.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent and a general understanding of the population served.
• Some post-secondary coursework preferred.
• Self-identify as an individual in recovery, for at least one year, from a substance use disorder who meets the abstinence requirements for recovering staff in substance use disorders treatment and recovery programs.
• Knowledge and skills sufficient for establishing effective relationships with clients who have addictions in order to support them in their own recovery.
• Must be eligible to become certified as an Addictions Peer Support Specialist on the State registry, AND Must be eligible to become a Certified Recovery Mentor (CRM) on the MHACBO registry.
• Attend required trainings for certification when available.
• Certification prior to hire preferred.
• Candidates must be able to use e-mail, compose documents, save and locate documents electronically, and learn to use our Electronic Health Record (EHR) system.
• Proficiency in Word and other MS Office applications preferred.
• Must pass state-required background and DMV checks; possess a valid OR driver's license and a satisfactory driving record to be approved for driving rights.
• Candidate must be able to work independently and flexibly, under general supervision.
• Possess mature attitude and sensitivity to the needs of people who have a chronic mental illness; understanding of HIPAA laws regarding confidentiality of privileged information; ability to follow verbal and written instructions; ability to work independently and with staff as agency needs dictate.