Affordable Housing, Background Investigation, Case Management, Clinical Medicine, Clinical Support, Coaching, Communication Skills, Community Health, Community Providers, Computer Skills, Cross-Functional, Customer Support/Service, Diversity, Document Management, Driver's License, HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act), Home Economics, Interpersonal Skills, Lift/Move 25 Pounds, Medicaid, Medical Record System, Medications, Organizational Skills, Problem Solving Skills, Property Management, Psychiatry and Mental Health, Set Goals, Training/Teaching, Volunteer Experience
LOCATION
Eugene, OR
POSTED
11 days ago
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 under a 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
Housing Stability Support
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
Skill Building Support (Non-Clinical)
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
Care Coordination Support
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
Documentation & Compliance
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
Community & Group Engagement
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
OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS
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
Requirements
MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES
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
Physical Requirements
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
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Must meet one of the following:
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