Peer Support Specialist

Location:

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

Type: Urban Salary Range: $22 to $29 / Per Hour Open Period: 10/28/2026 until filled Summary: The Peer Support Specialist functions as a fully integrated member of the housing team to provide expertise about the recovery process, symptom management, and the persistence required by participants to have a satisfying life. The Peer Support Specialist collaborates to promote a team culture that recognizes, understands and respects each participant''s point of view, experiences and preferences within the context of Native American/Alaska Native culture. They provide peer counseling and consultation to individual and family PSH participants and team staff; acts as a liaison with community resources; carries out support functions; and assists in behavioral health services, education, support and consultation to families and crisis intervention under clinical supervision. These services may occur in individual residences or at other points in the community. This position will work specifically with single adults and families who have experienced unsheltered homelessness. Duties: - Openly identify as a person who has lived the experience of receiving behavioral health services. Act as a role model to inspire hope and share life experiences as appropriate to the recovery process. - Provide practical help and supports, mentoring, advocacy, coordination, side by side individualized support, problem solving, direct assistance and supervision to help participants 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); money-management services (e.g. payee services); and transportation. - Increase awareness of and support participation in consumer self-help programs, culturally specific services and consumer advocacy organizations that promote recovery. - Assist in the provision of ongoing assessment of PSH participant''s support service needs and suggest appropriate changes in service plans to ensure that appropriate services are provided in response to changes in needs, including behavioral health needs. - Assist in the provision of direct clinical services to participants on an individual, group and family basis in community settings to teach symptom-management techniques and promote personal growth and development. - Assist and support participants to have and effectively use a personal primary care physician, dentist and other medical specialists as required. - Organize and lead individual and group social and recreational activities to help participants structure their time, increase social experiences, and provide opportunities to practice social skills and attend cultural activities. - Works collaboratively, and maintains professional boundaries with clients, other NARA staff, team members, and treats everyone with respect and dignity at all times. Qualifications: - Requires a high school diploma, GED or equivalent. - Must self-identify as a current or former recipient of behavioral health services and be willing to share lived experiences as appropriate. - Must have completed a Peer Wellness Training approved by The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and qualify to be certified as a Peer Support Specialist within six months of hire date, or qualify to be credentialed as a Certified Recovery Mentor through MHACCBO. - Knowledge and understanding of mental illness, addictions, and physical health and ability to work within an integrated system of care program. - Requires exceptional interpersonal communication skills and the ability to engage and interact positively with participants to promote strengths and improve health and well being and to work collaboratively as part of an integrated team to coordinate care. - Requires flexibility, confidentiality, demonstrated ability and ongoing commitment to the maintenance of professional boundaries with participants, the community, and other staff members, and the proven ability to work professionally and collaboratively in a team environment, treating everyone with respect and dignity at all times. - Must be able to perform CPR and First Aid. CPR/ First Aid certifications are required and must remain current. - Must have a valid driver''s license, good driving record, and access to your own reliable transportation. - Ability to pass a pre-employment or for cause drug tests. - Ability to 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/486277?jpt= Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov