Intensive Mental Health Peer Support Specialist

Location:

Portland, OR Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov

Type: Urban Salary Range: $22 to $30 / Per Hour Open Period: 11/4/2026 until filled Summary: The Peer Support Specialist functions as a fully integrated member of the Bear Classic team to provide expertise about the recovery process, symptom management, and the persistence required by clients to have a satisfying life. The Peer Support Specialist collaborates to promote a team culture that recognizes, understands and respects each client''s point of view, experiences and preferences within the context of Native American/Alaska Native culture. Provides peer counseling and consultation to individual clients, families and team staff; acts as a liaison with community resources; carries out rehabilitation and support functions; and assists in treatment, substance abuse services, education, support and consultation to families and crisis intervention under clinical supervision. These services may occur at Bear Lodge, at individual residences, at medical provider''s offices or hospitals, or at other points in the community. Duties: -Openly identify as a person who has lived the experience of receiving mental health services. -Act as a role model to inspire hope and share life experiences as appropriate to the recovery process. -Provide expertise and consultation from a mental health consumer perspective to the entire team concerning each client''s unique and subjective experience and perceptions. -Collaborate with the team to promote a positive team culture in which each client''s point of view, experiences, and preferences are recognized, understood, and respected, and in which client self-determination and decision-making in treatment planning are maximized and supported. -Provide practical help and supports, mentoring, advocacy, coordination, side by side individualized support, problem solving, direct assistance and supervision to help clients obtain the necessities of daily living including medical and dental health care; legal and advocacy services; financial support such as entitlements (SSI, SSDI, veterans'' benefits); housing subsidies; money-management services (e.g. payee services); and transportation. -Assist in the provision of ongoing assessment of clients'' mental illness symptoms and clients'' response to treatment. Suggest appropriate changes in treatment plans to ensure that immediate and appropriate interventions are provided in response to changes in clients'' mental status or behavior which put clients at risk (e.g. suicidality). -Provide ongoing assessment, problem solving, side-by-side services, skill teaching, support (prompts, assignments, encouragement), and environmental adaptations to assist clients with activities of daily living. -Organize and lead individual and group social and recreational activities to help clients structure their time, increase social experiences, and provide opportunities to practice social skills. -Provide triage and supports for individuals who present at Bear Lodge without an appointment, as needed. Qualifications: -Either High School Diploma or General Educational Development (GED) certification required. -Must self-identify as a current or former recipient of mental health services and be willing to share lived experiences as appropriate -Active Oregon Peer Wellness Specialist (PWS) or Peer Support Specialist (PSS) certification required; must be listed as active on the Traditional Health Worker (THW) Registry. -Minimum of two (2) years of professional experience performing peer support or peer wellness-related duties required. -Knowledge and understanding of mental illness, addictions, and physical health and ability to work within an integrated system of care program. -Requires exceptional interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills and the ability to engage and interact positively with clients to promote strengths and improve health and well being and to work collaboratively as part of an integrated team to coordinate care. -Must be able to perform CPR and First Aid. CPR/ First Aid certifications are required and must remain current. -Must demonstrate a high degree of comfort working with individuals actively experiencing symptoms of mental illness -Competent with computers for word processing, internet, email and scheduling, or able to learn these skills. -Must meet NARA NW''s driving requirements, including maintaining a valid driver''s license, a clean driving record, access to reliable transportation, and proof of current automobile insurance. -Ability to report to work reliably and in a timely fashion. -Experience working with individuals diagnosed with severe and persistent mental illness. -Experience working within the Native American/Alaska Native community preferred. -Must pass a pre-employment or for cause drug tests. -Must pass criminal background and DMV checks. Work Type: Permanent, Full Who May Apply? US Citizens Get Details & Apply: https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/portal/EA72704778F72D2D4728EEA7608BC7B0/jobs/494186 Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov