Nel THW Peer Support Specialist

Job Type

Part-time

Description

The Supportive Housing Services (SHS) Traditional Health Worker (THW)/Peer Support Specialist provides non-clinical, recovery-oriented peer support services to residents of The NEL, a Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) program operating undera Housing First model.

This role uses lived experience, mutuality, and relationship-based engagement to support individuals with mental health and/or substance use challenges in achieving and maintaining stable housing. The THW works collaboratively with case managers, care coordinators, property management, and community providers to promote housing stability, self-determination, and recovery.

This position does not provide clinical services or primary case management, but partners closely with those roles.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Peer Support & Engagement

• Use lived experience to build trusting, supportive relationships with residents
• Provide recovery-oriented, person-centered peer support grounded in mutuality and respect
• Support residents in identifying personal goals related to housing stability, wellness, and community integration
• Promote self-advocacy, choice, and empowerment

• Assist participants in navigating housing systems, including completing applications for supportive or subsidized housing
• Support residents in understanding lease agreements, tenant rights, and responsibilities
• Serve as a liaison between residents, property management, and service teams to support successful tenancy
• Provide coaching and reinforcement of independent living strategies that support housing retention

• Support (not provide formal training in) development of daily living skills such as:
• Financial organization
• Medication routine adherence (non-clinical support only)
• Household management
• Model problem-solving and coping strategies in real-life settings

• Collaborate with case managers and care teams to share observations and advocate for participant needs
• Participate in team meetings and coordinated care discussions
• Support referrals and connections to community-based resources

• Complete timely, accurate documentation in the electronic health record (EHR), including:
• Service notes
• Participant progress updates
• Required assessments (as applicable to role scope
• Ensure all services are documented in accordance with agency, SHS, and Medicaid/CCO requirements

• Facilitate peer-led or peer-supported groups and activities
• Provide regular check-ins and face-to-face engagement with residents
• Contribute to development of supportive programming within The NEL

• Support team with referrals and resource navigation
• Identify and maintain knowledge of local community resources
• Collaborate with internal and external partners, including family/support systems (as appropriate)
• Participate in staff meetings and required trainings
• Perform other duties as assigned

• Ability to provide ethical, recovery-oriented, non-clinical peer support
• Demonstrated ability to engage individuals experiencing mental health symptoms, substance use, and/or housing instability
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills (in-person and phone)
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries while using lived experience appropriately
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Basic computer proficiency and ability to utilize EHR systems
• Ability to manage time, documentation, and competing priorities
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care and harm reduction principles preferred
• Understanding of HIPAA and confidentiality requirements
• Ability to work respectfully and effectively with individuals of diverse backgrounds, including differences in race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, disability, and lived experience

• Ability to perform essential job functions, including walking, sitting, standing, bending, and occasional lifting up to 25 lbs
• Ability to work in a residential environment with varying conditions

• Current registration with the Oregon Traditional Health Worker (THW) Registry (Peer Support Specialist, Peer Wellness Specialist, or Community Health Worker), OR
• Ability to obtain THW certification within 12 months of hire, OR
• Lived experience of mental health, substance use, and/or housing instability, plus at least 2 years of related work, education, or volunteer experience, with a commitment to pursue certification
• Valid Oregon driver's license (if driving is required)
• Ability to pass background check per agency and funder requirements