Job Description

The Certified Peer Support Specialist provides case management, community support services (assistance with maintaining income, housing, basic needs, independent living skills, crisis intervention, and care coordination) for NARA NW clients. Works as a part of the Mental Health team and in close collaboration with the Addictions and Outreach teams, Medical services, and other NARA NW programs. Assists clients and providers in developing and implementing strengths-based service plans for case management and community-based services.

OVERVIEW OF ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:

· Provide case management and community services to clients living with mental health concerns that significantly affect their functioning. Assist with obtaining benefits such as insurance and Social Security benefits, SNAP, job training, housing, health care, socialization, and other community resources as identified in a strengths-based plan. Provide skills training, such as finance management, medication management, disease/illness management, self-advocacy, applying for housing, applying for jobs, use of public transportation, nutrition, hygiene, etc. Targeted crisis intervention in collaboration with clients’ primary behavioral health and medical providers. Assist clients with SUD in finding AA/NA meetings and other recovery supports. Refer to Housing Supported Employment teams. Monitor well-being of clients in the community setting on a routine basis as determined by service plan (outreach). Send and track / follow-up on referrals to internal and external resources. Deliver food boxes to clients as-needed. Provide a warm handoff for clients who are being referred to internal and external resources, (e.g. attending first appointments with client at health clinic, addictions intake, housing, cultural activities, etc.). Provide hospital follow-up services as directed by NARA NW’s Life is Sacred Team. All documentation needed for the success of the position. Other duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• MUST HAVE HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA OR EQUIVALENT. MUST HAVE COMPLETED A PEER WELLNESS TRAINING APPROVED BY THE OREGON HEALTH AUTHORITY (OHA) AND QUALIFY TO BE CERTIFIED AS A PEER WELLNESS SPECIALIST WITHIN SIX MONTHS OF HIRE DATE AT LEAST ONE YEAR OF PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE WORKING WITH INDIVIDUALS EXPERIENCING MENTAL HEALTH AND/OR SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS.
• · Current CPR certification within 30 days of hire.
• · Required to be legal to drive and have access to their own reliable transportation to perform job.
• · Must posses prior lived experience around mental health.
• · Knowledge of community resources and entitlement programs.
• · Knowledge and understanding of mental illness, medications, symptoms, and treatments.
• · Ability to engage and interact positively with consumers to promote strengths and improve health and well-being.
• · Initiative to communicate effectively in coordinating care.
• · Excellent communication skills.
• · Knowledge and skill in working in a multi-cultural environment.
• · Ability to maintain professional boundaries with clients, the community, and other staff members.
• · Work collaboratively with clients, other NARA NW staff, team members, and to always treat everyone with respect and dignity.
• · Experience working within the Native American/Alaska Native community is considered a plus.
• · Ability to pass a pre-employment or for cause drug tests.
• · Ability to pass criminal background and DMV checks.
• · Must be able to pass a CRIMS finger printing and background check.

NARA IS FULLY COMMITTED TOO AND PROMOTES SOBRIETY. OUR AGENCY FOLLOWS FEDERAL GUIDELINES FOR CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES IN ACCORDANCE (TITLE 5, CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS, PART 731 (5 C.F.R. PART 731). ALL EMPLOYEES ARE REQUIRED TO PASS A PRE-EMPLOYMENT BACKGROUND CHECK AND PRE-EMPLOYMENT DRUG TEST.

EEO/AA EMPLOYER/VETS/DISABLED/RACE/ETHNICITY/GENDER/AGE. WITHIN SCOPE OF INDIAN PREFERENCE, ALL CANDIDATES RECEIVE EQUAL CONSIDERATION. PREFERENCE IN HIRING IS GIVEN TO QUALIFIED NATIVE AMERICANS IN ACCORDANCE W/THE INDIAN PREFERENCE ACT (TITLE 25, US CODE, SECTION 472 &473).